Growing up, my grandma would make the most incredible Guinness & Tallow Beef Stew. The aroma would fill the house, drawing me in like a magnet. I can still remember the first time I tasted it – the rich, velvety broth, the tender chunks of beef, the perfect blend of vegetables. It was pure comfort in a bowl, and I was hooked.

As I got older, I started experimenting in the kitchen, trying to recreate that same comforting flavor. It took some trial and error, but I finally landed on a recipe that truly does the job. This Guinness & Tallow Beef Stew has become a staple in my household, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Why This Guinness & Tallow Beef Stew Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Guinness & Tallow Beef Stew

What sets this Guinness & Tallow Beef Stew apart is the unique combination of ingredients and techniques that bring it to life. The star of the show is the beef chuck, which is cut into 1-inch cubes and seared to perfection. This creates a delicious caramelized crust that seals in the juices and adds an incredible depth of flavor.

But the real magic happens when you add the Guinness beer. The stout’s roasted malt notes perfectly complement the savory beef, while the carbonation helps to tenderize the meat. And let’s not forget the tallow (or butter) – this adds a rich, silky mouthfeel that takes the stew to new heights.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes: This cut of beef is perfect for stewing, as it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful after a long cooking time.
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: The flour helps to thicken the stew and create a velvety texture.
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: This is used to sear the beef, creating a delicious crust.
  • 1 onion, diced: Onions add a sweet, aromatic base to the stew.
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced: Carrots add a lovely sweetness and vibrant color.
  • 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed: Potatoes help to thicken the stew and provide heartiness.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a savory, pungent flavor that complements the other ingredients.
  • 2 cups Guinness beer: The Guinness imparts a rich, roasted flavor and helps to tenderize the beef.
  • 2 cups beef broth: The broth provides a flavorful base for the stew.
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Tomato paste adds a touch of acidity and depth.
  • 2 bay leaves: Bay leaves lend a warm, herbal note to the stew.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme enhances the overall savory flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Rosemary adds a woodsy, aromatic touch.
  • 2 tablespoons tallow (or butter): The tallow (or butter) creates a luxurious mouthfeel and richness.

Step-by-Step Guinness & Tallow Beef Stew Instructions

Preparing Your Guinness & Tallow Beef Stew

Prep time for this Guinness & Tallow Beef Stew is 20 minutes, and the total cook time is 240 minutes, for a total time of 260 minutes. You’ll need a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot to make this recipe.

1- Start by dredging the beef chuck cubes in the all-purpose flour, making sure to coat them evenly on all sides.
2- In the Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the floured beef cubes in a single layer and sear them until they’re beautifully browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3- Remove the seared beef from the pot and set it aside. Reduce the heat to medium, then add the diced onion to the pot. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until it’s softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant. Then, pour in the Guinness beer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5- Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then return the seared beef and any accumulated juices to the pot.
6- Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the stew simmer for 3-4 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender. Check on it occasionally, adding more broth or water if the liquid level gets too low.

Pro Tips for Success

  1. Sear the beef thoroughly: Taking the time to sear the beef cubes before simmering is crucial for building deep, complex flavors in the stew.
  2. Use high-quality Guinness: Opt for a fresh, high-quality Guinness beer for the best results. The stout’s robust flavor is essential to this dish.
  3. Don’t skimp on the tallow (or butter): The tallow (or butter) adds a luxurious mouthfeel and richness that you simply can’t replicate with other fats.
  4. Be patient with the cooking time: Allowing the stew to simmer for 3-4 hours is what transforms the tough beef into meltingly tender morsels.
  5. Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste the stew periodically and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serving and Storing Your Guinness & Tallow Beef Stew

Perfect Pairings for Guinness & Tallow Beef Stew

This Guinness & Tallow Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting dish that serves 6 people. For the perfect pairing, I recommend serving it with a crusty loaf of bread or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up all that rich, flavorful broth. And of course, a pint of Guinness on the side would be the ultimate accompaniment.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Guinness & Tallow Beef Stew is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Once cooled, you can store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat the stew on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot.

For longer-term storage, the stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop or in the oven until heated through.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Guinness & Tallow Beef Stew

Creative Guinness & Tallow Beef Stew Variations

  • Add a touch of richness by stirring in a dollop of heavy cream or crème fraîche just before serving.
  • For a heartier stew, stir in some pearl onions or mushrooms along with the other vegetables.
  • Give it a seasonal twist by adding cubed butternut squash or parsnips in the fall.
  • Switch up the herbs by using fresh rosemary, thyme, or a blend of your favorite aromatics.

Making Guinness & Tallow Beef Stew Diet-Friendly

To make this Guinness & Tallow Beef Stew gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as rice flour or almond flour. For a vegan version, replace the beef with cubed portobello mushrooms and the tallow (or butter) with olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute. If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can skip the potatoes and serve the stew over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of beer instead of Guinness?
A: While Guinness is the traditional choice, you can certainly experiment with other dark, malty beers like stouts or porters. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may be slightly different.

Q: How long does the Guinness & Tallow Beef Stew take to prepare?
A: The total time for this recipe is 260 minutes, with 20 minutes of prep time and 240 minutes of cook time.

Q: Can I make this stew ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Guinness & Tallow Beef Stew is a great make-ahead dish. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Q: How many servings does this recipe yield?
A: This Guinness & Tallow Beef Stew recipe serves 6 people.

Q: What should I do if the stew seems too thick or too thin?
A: If the stew is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit more beef broth or water. If it’s too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered to allow some of the liquid to evaporate, or you can make a slurry with a tablespoon of flour and a splash of water, then stir it into the stew to thicken it up.

Conclusion

This Guinness & Tallow Beef Stew is a true labor of love, but the end result is so worth it. The deep, rich flavors and meltingly tender beef make it an absolute delight. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly day or a comforting dish to share with friends and family, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

I hope you’ll give this Guinness & Tallow Beef Stew a try. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you, and don’t forget to share your photos on social media! Bon appétit!