Guinness Braised Beef Stew
A hearty stew that features tender beef, fresh vegetables, and the rich, malty notes of Guinness, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 600 g braising beef, chopped into chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 330 ml Guinness or other ale
- 360 ml beef stock
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small courgette/zucchini, chopped into chunks
- 1/4 red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
Garnishes and Sides
- 3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- Freshly chopped parsley
- Cooked couscous (Ainsley Harriott’s Spice Sensation recommended)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 160C/325F.
- In a Dutch oven or heavy-based pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, combine the braising beef with flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat well.
Cooking
- Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned beef to the pan and brown it for about 6-8 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and stir for about one minute.
- Pour in the Guinness and beef stock, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Cover the pan and transfer it to the oven. Cook for 3 hours, checking every hour.
- After 3 hours, add the chopped bell peppers and courgette. Cover and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
Finishing Touches
- Remove the stew from the oven and sprinkle with grated parmesan, chopped parsley, and sliced red onion before serving.
- Serve warm with couscous.
Notes
Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or smoked paprika for extra flavor. You can substitute with other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms. For a non-alcoholic version, use a dark broth.