Guinness-Braised Beef Stew with Cheddar & Herb Dumplings
Recipe Introduction: Warm Up with Guinness Braised Beef Stew!
Fancy a bowl of pure comfort? honestly, who doesn't? when the weather's grim, only proper grub will do. this beef stew meat recipes are like a warm hug from the inside out.
It's rich, flavourful, and will have you saying "oh my gosh!" after every bite.
What's So Special About This Beef Stew?
Forget the bland stuff your mum used to make. this guinness braised beef stew is a serious step up. with its roots deep in irish culinary tradition, this dish screams cozy cook .
It's a surprisingly straightforward traditional beef stew that elevates a basic recipe to new heights of deliciousness. plus, the cheddar and herb dumplings? chef's kiss .
This recipe ain't too tricky. give yourself around 4 hours. the braising is the long bit, but trust me, it's worth every minute! this recipe will feed 6-8 hungry souls.
Think big family dinner, or batch cooking for the week.
The Perks of a Proper Beef Stew Meat Recipes
Beef stew is more than just tasty, you know? it's packed with protein and vitamins. this slow cooker beef stew is the perfect way to warm up on a cold day.
It's ideal for sunday lunches or any time you need a bit of comfort food. what makes it special? the guinness, of course! it adds a deep, malty flavour that you won't find anywhere else.
We can easily cook this recipe as a crockpot recipes beef stew , however i feel it would be more suitable in a dutch oven as the flavor is concentrated more that way.
This specific version is a winner because the cheddar and herb dumplings on top. talk about turning the volume up to 11!!
Now, let's talk ingredients... Shall we?
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for the best beef stew meat recipes , shall we? honestly, the ingredients and equipment are key to making this guinness braised beef stew a proper winner.
It's all about quality, innit?
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Right, let's get down to brass tacks. Here’s what you'll need, measured properly.
Beef stew meat: 2 lbs (900g) , cut into 1 inch cubes. chuck is the best, trust me. it's got the right amount of marbling for that melt-in-your mouth texture.
You want it to look fresh, a nice, deep red colour, and not too much sinew.
All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup (30g) , for dredging.
Salt: 1 tsp (5g)
Black Pepper: ½ tsp (2.5g)
Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30ml)
Yellow Onion: 1 large, chopped
Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and chopped
Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp (30g)
Guinness Stout: 1 (14.9 oz / 440ml) can or bottle.
Beef Broth: 4 cups (950ml) , low sodium.
Bay Leaf: 1
Dried Thyme: 1 tsp (2g)
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml)
Frozen Peas: 1 cup (120g) , optional, added at the end.
And now, for the dumplings.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 ½ cups (180g)
- Baking Powder: 2 tsp (8g)
- Salt: ¼ tsp (1.25g)
- Unsalted Butter: 6 tbsp (85g) , cold and cut into cubes.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: ½ cup (60g) , shredded.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tbsp , chopped.
- Milk: ¾ cup (180ml)
I remember the first time I made stew, I used some dodgy stewing beef. Proper stringy it was. Lesson learned: quality counts!
Seasoning Notes
Seasoning is key for Slow Cooker Recipes Beef Stew , you know?
Think salt and pepper as your base. the thyme and bay leaf add a lovely earthy note. worcestershire sauce gives it that umami punch.
Don't underestimate a good dollop of tomato paste either! you know, some people add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Fancy switching things up? a pinch of smoked paprika will add a lovely depth. for a bit of heat, throw in some chilli flakes.
Instead of dried thyme, rosemary works great too, giving a fantastic aroma.
Equipment Needed
Okay, don't go thinking you need a whole kitchen shop. Just the essentials.
Large dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot with lid: this is your workhorse. honestly, cast iron is amazing for even heat distribution.
Failing that, a large crockpot recipes beef stew will do the trick nicely! ideal for a cozy cook .
Large Bowl: For the dumplings.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Obvious, but crucial.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring.
Alternatives? No Dutch oven? A good quality Crock Pot Dinners will work wonders. If you don't have one, borrow one from your Crockpot Ideas .
So, that's the gear. simple, right? you got this! next, we’ll get into the method! if you're looking for slow cooker recipes beef , you can easily adapt this by reducing the liquid and cooking on low for 6- 8 hours.
Sorted!
And remember, many recipes can be adapted to Crockpot Recipes Beef . Enjoy your Slow Cooker Beef Stew using this guide.
Alright, let’s talk beef stew meat recipes ! nothing beats a comforting stew, especially when the weather's a bit grim.
I remember one time, i tried rushing the cooking process and the beef was tougher than old boots. lesson learned: patience is key.
You know? so, let's get cracking.
Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place Magic
First things first, mise en place . fancy, innit? it just means "everything in its place." chop your 2 lbs of beef stew meat into 1 inch cubes.
Then, get your veggies sorted. dice one large yellow onion, chop two medium carrots and two celery stalks. mince four cloves of garlic.
Honestly, doing this beforehand saves so much faff later. remember, safety first, always be careful with knives, yeah?
step-by-step to Stew Perfection
- Toss the beef stew meat with ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. This helps to brown the beef, adding flavour and richness to the stew.
- Sear the beef in batches in two tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven. Don't overcrowd the pot! Brown it properly . Set aside.
- Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until soft. Add the minced garlic and two tablespoons of tomato paste. Cook for another minute.
- Pour in one (14.9 oz / 440ml) can of Guinness. Scrape up those lovely browned bits, that's where the flavour is.
- Return the beef to the pot. Add 4 cups (950ml) of low-sodium beef broth, one bay leaf, one teaspoon of dried thyme, and one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
- Braise in the oven at 325° F ( 160° C) for 3 hours , or until the beef is fork tender.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter (see full recipe for ingredients) on top of the simmering stew. Cover and cook for 25- 30 minutes , or until dumplings are puffed and golden brown.
- Stir in one cup (120g) of frozen peas (optional). Remove bay leaf. Serve piping hot.
Pro Tips for Stew Domination
Don’t skimp on searing the beef. seriously, the browned bits add so much to the flavour. if you’re short on time, you can use a slow cooker for this.
This is one of my favourite slow cooker recipes beef stew ideas. pop everything in the crockpot and let it do its thing! also, avoid overcooking the beef; you want it tender, not mushy.
Try a crockpot stew, which is perfect for crock pot dinners .
Honestly, folks, this traditional beef stew is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. it's cozy, comforting, and perfect for a cozy night in.
I'm proper chuffed with this recipe! give it a go! you might even find some more inspiration among crockpot ideas and slow cooker recipes beef .
Now off you pop, slow cooker beef stew is waiting for you! these crockpot recipes beef are so easy!
Recipe Notes: Gettin' Down to the Nitty Gritty
Alright, so you're ready to make this belter of a stew, eh? awesome. but before you dive in headfirst, let's have a quick chinwag about some important bits and bobs.
This is where we avoid potential culinary catastrophes, yeah? think of it as a cheat sheet to cosy cook success.
Plating Like a Pro & Perfect Pairings
Fancy it up, why don't ya? a simple swirl of cream on top of the stew does wonders. a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of colour.
Crusty bread is a must for dunking into that gorgeous gravy, seriously. i am honestly telling you that a pint of guinness obviously! or a decent red wine goes down a treat with this.
Storage Sorted
Right then, leftovers. pop the stew in an airtight container. it'll keep in the fridge for up to three days.
Honestly, i've found it tastes even better the next day. if you want to freeze it, that's fine too. just make sure it's completely cool first.
When reheating, do it gently on the hob or in the microwave. make sure it's piping hot all the way through.
Variations: Your Stew, Your Way
Fancy a bit of a change? no worries! you could try using lamb instead of beef stew meat recipes for a classic irish lamb stew vibe.
It would be amazing. or, if you're trying to cut down on the meat, chuck in some hearty mushrooms and lentils for a veggie version.
Just swap the beef broth for vegetable broth, easy peasy. these slow cooker recipes beef stew are very adaptable. i love crockpot recipes beef stew .
Nutrition: Knowledge is Power
Okay, so this is proper comfort food, right? it is a traditional beef stew . but, it's packed with goodness too.
You are going to love it. this crockpot recipes beef is rich in protein from the beef and fibre from the veggies.
The slow cooker beef stew isn't exactly a salad, but it's a darn sight better than a takeaway. just remember to check the labels on your ingredients, especially the broth, for salt content.
This stew is proper lush, isn't it? don't be afraid to have a go and make it your own. get creative! trust me, even if it doesn't turn out perfect, it'll still taste amazing.
Get this crock pot dinners recipe done, get it in the crockpot , and let it be one of your favorite crockpot ideas .
Slow cooker recipes beef make life easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best cut of beef to use for beef stew meat recipes?
Chuck steak is generally considered the gold standard for beef stew meat recipes. It has a good amount of marbling (those lovely streaks of fat) that renders down during the long braising process, making the beef incredibly tender and flavourful.
Other good options include brisket or even short ribs, but chuck is usually the most economical and gives a fantastic result.
How do I get my beef stew meat really tender?
Patience, my friend, is key! The secret to melt-in-your mouth beef stew is low and slow braising. Searing the beef first helps to develop a rich, browned crust, then braising it in liquid for a few hours at a low temperature breaks down the tough connective tissues.
Think of it like giving the beef a long, relaxing spa day in a hot tub of flavour!
Can I make this beef stew in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely! For a slow cooker, sear the beef as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. For an Instant Pot, sear the beef using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients.
Cook on high pressure for 40-45 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. Remember that slow cookers and Instant Pots may affect the final texture, so adjust cooking times accordingly.
My beef stew is a bit thin how can I thicken it up?
No worries, it happens to the best of us! You've got a few options here. You can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you could mash a cooked potato from the stew against the side of the pot.
For a richer option, stir in a knob of butter mixed with flour (a beurre manié) near the end of the cooking time.
How long does leftover beef stew last, and how should I store it?
Properly stored, leftover beef stew will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
As with most stews, the flavour often improves the next day!
Can I add other vegetables to this beef stew recipe?
Of course! Feel free to get creative and add your favourite vegetables to this beef stew meat recipes. Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), parsnips, turnips, and even mushrooms would all be delicious additions. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some vegetables may cook faster than others.
Add the quicker cooking vegetables, like mushrooms, during the last hour of braising.
Guinness Braised Beef Stew With Cheddar Herb Dum
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550-650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
