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Cozy Guinness Beef Stew Recipe with Easy Irish Soda Bread for Dinner

Guinness Beef Stew - featured image
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A rich and hearty beef stew simmered in Guinness stout paired with a simple, rustic Irish Soda Bread. Perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 large carrots, sliced into thick rounds
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 12 ounces (355ml) Guinness stout
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ¾ cups (420ml) buttermilk
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Working in batches, sear the beef cubes until deep golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to a plate and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and veggies start to soften, about 5-6 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  5. Pour in 12 ounces (355ml) of Guinness stout, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift browned bits. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Add the browned beef back to the pot along with 2 cups (480ml) beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Cover the pot partially with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let stew cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and sauce is thick and glossy. Add more broth or water if too thick.
  8. Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust salt and pepper. Stir in chopped fresh parsley.
  9. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups (480g) flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and optional 2 tablespoons sugar.
  10. Make a well in the center and pour in 1 ¾ cups (420ml) buttermilk. Stir gently until just combined; dough should be sticky but manageable.
  11. Turn dough onto a floured surface and shape into a round loaf about 7 inches (18cm) in diameter. Transfer to a baking sheet or cast-iron skillet. Score a deep ‘X’ on top with a sharp knife.
  12. Bake for 30-35 minutes until crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Let cool on a rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
  13. Serve stew hot with thick slices of Irish Soda Bread for dunking.

Notes

Brown beef in batches to avoid steaming and ensure deep flavor. Do not overmix soda bread dough to keep it tender. The ‘X’ scored on soda bread helps it bake evenly. Start stew first, then prepare soda bread while stew simmers. Leftover stew tastes better the next day. For gluten-free soda bread, use a gluten-free flour blend but texture will differ.

Nutrition

Keywords: Guinness beef stew, Irish soda bread, beef stew recipe, Irish comfort food, easy stew, homemade soda bread

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/cozy-guinness-beef-stew-recipe-with-easy-irish-soda-bread-for-dinner/