Beef and Beer Stew 🍲
Description:
A hearty, comforting beef stew recipe that’s been passed down through generations, with a twist of adding beer for extra depth and flavor. This recipe is perfect for those cozy winter nights or any potluck gathering, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. The best part? It tastes even better the next day and freezes like a dream!
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions | 3 |
| Stewing Beef | 1 lb |
| White Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Beer | 2 cups |
| Lamb Stock Cube | 1 |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Vegetable Stock | 1 cup |
| Tomato Paste | 1 tbsp |
| Ground Nutmeg | 1 tsp |
| Ground Black Pepper | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| String Beans | 3 handfuls |
| Carrots | 1-2 |
| Potatoes | 5-6 |
Instructions:
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Prep Work: Begin by cutting the stewing beef into bite-sized cubes. Coat these cubes with the white flour, ensuring they are well covered.
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Sauté Onions and Beef: In a large pot, heat some cooking oil over medium heat. Add in the flour-coated beef cubes along with the onions. Sauté until the onions are softened and translucent. Don’t fret if you notice the flour forming a paste at the bottom of the pot, as the next steps will take care of this. Just be careful not to burn it.
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Add Liquid Goodness: Pour in the beer, lamb stock cube (crumbled), and vegetable stock. Stir well to deglaze the bottom of the pot, picking up all those flavorful browned bits.
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Season and Flavor: Add in the tomato paste, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Remember, the more pepper you add, the spicier the stew will be. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some dried herbs for an extra layer of flavor.
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Bring to Boil: Turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. This is where the magic happens!
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Simmer Away: Allow the stew to simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally. You can’t really overcook a stew, so let those flavors meld together beautifully.
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Add Vegetables: After the initial simmering, it’s time to add in the veggies. Toss in the string beans, carrots (sliced into rounds), and the potatoes (peeled and cubed). If the veggies are peeking out of the liquid, just add enough water to cover them.
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Second Round of Simmering: Bring the stew back to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer again for at least another hour. Yes, you guessed it – you can’t overcook it! Stir occasionally to ensure everything cooks evenly.
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Adjust Consistency: If you find that the stew is too thin for your liking after simmering, there are a couple of fixes. You can remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid. For a quicker thickening method, mix some cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens up nicely.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your Beef and Beer Stew is now ready to be devoured! Serve it piping hot with a side of fluffy rice, or enjoy it as is for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions:
- Ladle this rich, aromatic stew into bowls and garnish with some freshly chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream.
- Pair it with some crusty bread for dipping into the savory broth.
- For a complete meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance and let those flavors meld overnight.
- Freezing: Portion out any leftovers into airtight containers and freeze for a convenient meal on a busy night.
- Customize: Don’t hesitate to add in your favorite veggies or herbs to make this stew your own masterpiece.
So there you have it – a heartwarming Beef and Beer Stew recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite! Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a gathering with friends, this savory dish will warm you from the inside out. Enjoy every spoonful of tender beef, flavorful broth, and hearty vegetables, and savor the love and tradition that goes into every bowl. 🍻✨
