Gordon Ramsay Beef And Guinness Stew

Introduction

There’s something incredibly comforting about a big bowl of beef stew. And when you add the rich, hearty flavors of Guinness, it becomes next-level comfort food. This Beef and Guinness Stew, inspired by Gordon Ramsay’s recipe, is the ultimate cold-weather dish that will have you coming back for seconds (or even thirds).

Picture this: tender chunks of beef simmered to perfection in a deep, flavorful broth made with Guinness beer, vegetables, and a touch of aromatics. It’s the kind of stew that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a cozy dinner after a chilly day. And the best part? It’s easy to make, even for those who don’t cook often!

I first made this stew on a lazy Sunday afternoon, craving something hearty but simple. The Guinness adds a deep, malty richness to the sauce, which perfectly complements the melt-in-your-mouth beef. From that day on, it became a staple in my household, and I just know it’ll become a favorite of yours too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for a stew that combines robust flavors with a comforting, easy-to-make approach, look no further. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love this Beef and Guinness Stew:

• Easy to make: You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to make this stew. It’s a one-pot dish with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
• Rich, deep flavors: The Guinness brings a unique depth of flavor to the stew, and combined with the beef and vegetables, it creates a comforting, savory dish you’ll crave.
• Perfect for cold weather: When it’s chilly outside, there’s nothing like a warm bowl of stew. Plus, the stew tastes even better the next day, so it’s great for leftovers.
• Versatile: You can serve it with crusty bread, over mashed potatoes, or just on its own—it’s so hearty and filling that it’s the perfect meal on a chilly evening.

Trust me, once you’ve made this stew, it’ll be a go-to in your recipe collection. And, whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking to impress guests, this recipe never fails.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 40g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Beef and Guinness Stew:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the beef and sautéing the veggies.
• 2 pounds (900g) beef chuck or stew meat: Cut into bite-sized chunks. The beef will tenderize as it simmers in the stew.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season the beef and veggies for extra flavor.
• 1 large onion: Chopped. It adds a base layer of savory sweetness to the stew.
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced. Garlic gives the stew a deep, aromatic flavor.
• 2 medium carrots: Peeled and sliced. Carrots bring a subtle sweetness and color to the stew.
• 2 celery stalks: Chopped. Celery adds freshness and texture.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: To deepen the flavor of the sauce.
• 1 1/2 cups Guinness beer: The star ingredient. It brings a rich, malty flavor and depth to the broth.
• 2 cups beef broth: For extra liquid and to keep the stew moist while simmering.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that pairs perfectly with beef.
• 1 bay leaf: For a subtle earthy flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, umami kick to the broth.
• 2 tablespoons flour: To thicken the stew.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish.

Each ingredient plays a role in creating the comforting, rich stew you’ll fall in love with. The Guinness gives the stew its signature flavor, and the beef, carrots, and celery create the perfect balance of tenderness and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

1. Sear the beef:
   Start by heating the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot in batches, being careful not to overcrowd them. Sear the beef until it’s browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Once seared, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the veggies:
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until softened and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the tomato paste:
   Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize and intensify in flavor. This step helps create a rich base for the stew.
4. Deglaze with Guinness:
   Pour in the Guinness beer and stir, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. This process, called deglazing, incorporates all the caramelized flavors into the stew.
5. Add the beef broth and seasonings:
   Return the seared beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Add the thyme, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and a little more salt and pepper. Stir to combine, then bring everything to a simmer.
6. Simmer the stew:
   Once the stew is simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it cook gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The beef will become tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully. The Guinness will reduce and thicken, creating a rich, flavorful broth.
7. Thicken the stew:
   In a small bowl, mix the flour with a little cold water to form a slurry. Add this mixture to the stew to help thicken the broth. Stir well and cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken to your desired consistency.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning:
   Give the stew a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash more Worcestershire sauce if needed. If you prefer a thicker stew, continue simmering until it reaches the consistency you want.
9. Serve and garnish:
   Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve it with a loaf of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal.

How to Serve

This Beef and Guinness Stew is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are a few serving ideas to make it even more special:

• Serve with mashed potatoes: The creamy mashed potatoes soak up the delicious broth, making each bite even more comforting.
• Pair with crusty bread: Serve with a loaf of fresh, crusty bread for dipping into the rich sauce. It’s the perfect way to mop up every last bit of stew!
• Serve with a side salad: A light, fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the stew beautifully.

Additional Tips

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your Beef and Guinness Stew turns out perfectly:

1. Choose the right cut of beef: For the best flavor and tenderness, use beef chuck or stew meat. These cuts become melt-in-your-mouth tender when simmered for a long time.
2. Don’t rush the browning: When searing the beef, don’t rush the process. Brown it well on all sides to build a rich flavor base for your stew.
3. Simmer low and slow: The key to tender beef is slow simmering. Let the stew cook gently for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to develop and the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
4. Thicken the stew to your liking: If you prefer a thicker stew, feel free to add a bit more flour slurry or let the stew simmer uncovered for a longer period.
5. Make it ahead: This stew actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. You can make it ahead and reheat it for an even more flavorful dish.

Recipe Variations

While this Beef and Guinness Stew is delicious as is, here are some variations you can try to mix things up:

• Add mushrooms: For extra earthiness, toss in some sliced mushrooms along with the carrots and celery.
• Vegetarian version: Swap out the beef for hearty root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, and sweet potatoes for a vegetarian twist.
• Spicy kick: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stew.

Serving Suggestions

This stew pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and beverages:

• Side dishes: Roasted vegetables, creamy polenta, or a side of buttery green beans would all complement the rich stew beautifully.
• Wine pairings: A glass of rich red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or a Malbec, pairs perfectly with the deep, savory flavors of this stew.
• For kids: Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or buttered noodles to make it more kid-friendly.

Freezing and Storage

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and freeze your Beef and Guinness Stew:

• Storage: Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove.

Special Equipment

Here’s a list of tools that will help you achieve the best results:

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: This will help you evenly cook the beef and vegetables without burning.
• Fine mesh strainer: If you want to remove any excess fat from the stew, a fine mesh strainer works great for skimming the surface.
• Ladle: For serving the stew in generous portions.

FAQ Section

Can I use a different beer?
If you’re not a fan of Guinness, you can use any dark beer, such as stout or porter, for a similar deep flavor. Just make sure to choose something rich and malty.

Can I make this recipe ahead?
Yes, this stew actually tastes better the next day! You can make it in advance, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stove, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

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Conclusion

This Beef and Guinness Stew is everything you could want in a hearty, flavorful dish—tender beef, rich broth, and comforting vegetables, all simmered together with a deep malty flavor from the Guinness. It’s the perfect meal for cold evenings or whenever you need something to warm you up from the inside out.

Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! I love hearing about your cooking adventures. If you make this, don’t forget to tag me on social media with your delicious photos—I can’t wait to see them!