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Cozy Guinness Beef Stew Recipe with Easy Rustic Irish Soda Bread

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A hearty and comforting Guinness beef stew slow-cooked to tender perfection, paired with a simple rustic Irish soda bread that’s crusty outside and tender inside. Perfect for cozy nights and satisfying meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 bottle (11.2 oz / 330 ml) Guinness stout
  • 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth, preferably low-sodium
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) buttermilk (or 1 ¾ cups milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Butter, for serving (unsalted, softened)

Instructions

  1. Chop the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cut the beef into uniform 1.5-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. In batches, sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides. Transfer browned beef to a plate.
  3. In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and tomato paste, cook for another 2 minutes, stirring to caramelize the tomato paste slightly.
  4. Pour in the Guinness stout, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it bubble for a minute, then add beef broth, browned beef, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and reduce heat to low. Let cook for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is fork-tender, stirring occasionally.
  6. If stew is too thin near the end, mix 2 tablespoons flour with a little cold water to make a slurry and stir it in to thicken.
  7. While stew cooks, preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar if using. Make a well in the center, pour in buttermilk, and stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.
  8. Turn dough onto a floured surface, gently shape into a round loaf about 7 inches wide. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone mat. Score a deep cross on top with a sharp knife.
  9. Bake bread for 35-40 minutes until golden and hollow sounding when tapped. Cool on a rack.
  10. Remove bay leaves from stew, taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
  11. Serve stew hot with thick slices of soda bread and butter.

Notes

Use good-quality Guinness Draught for authentic flavor. For gluten-free option, substitute flour in bread with gluten-free blend. Browning beef well is essential for flavor. Avoid overmixing soda bread dough to keep it tender. Stew tastes better the next day. Store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat gently.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/cozy-guinness-beef-stew-recipe-with-easy-rustic-irish-soda-bread/