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Hearty Guinness Beef Stew Recipe with Easy Irish Soda Bread Guide

Guinness beef stew - featured image

A comforting and rich Guinness beef stew paired with rustic Irish soda bread, perfect for cozy nights and family gatherings. This recipe combines tender beef simmered in stout with a quick and easy soda bread to soak up every bit of the flavorful stew.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into -inch cubes
  • 1 bottle Guinness stout (11.2 oz / 330 ml)
  • 2 cups beef broth (480 ml)
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 medium yellow onions, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (30 g)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (500 g) for soda bread
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1¾ cups buttermilk (420 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper, then toss in the flour until evenly coated.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and lightly caramelized, about 7-8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in Guinness stout, scraping the bottom to lift browned bits. Add Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves.
  5. Return beef to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 2½ hours until beef is tender. Stir occasionally and add broth if needed.
  6. About 15 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Simmer uncovered if thicker stew is desired.
  7. For the soda bread, preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in buttermilk and melted butter. Stir gently until just combined.
  8. Turn dough onto a floured surface, knead briefly (about 1 minute), and shape into a round loaf. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, cut a deep cross on top.
  9. Bake soda bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Cool on a wire rack.
  10. Serve stew hot with thick slices of Irish soda bread for dipping.

Notes

[‘Use a good quality Guinness stout for best flavor.’, ‘Brown beef in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure a good crust.’, ‘Slow simmering is key for tender beef and rich flavor.’, ‘If stew is too thick, add broth or Guinness; if too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce.’, ‘Do not overmix soda bread dough to avoid toughness.’, ‘Test soda bread doneness by tapping the bottom; it should sound hollow.’, ‘Soda bread can be frozen for up to a month; thaw and warm before serving.’, ‘Vegetarian version: substitute beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.’, ‘Gluten-free soda bread: use gluten-free flour blend and certified baking soda.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Guinness beef stew, Irish soda bread, hearty stew, comfort food, Irish recipe, slow-cooked beef, easy soda bread