Delicious Irish Stout Beef Casserole Recipe
Do you love hearty, flavorful meals that warm the soul? Do you enjoy cooking with beer, adding depth-of-flavor to your dishes? If your answer is yes to either of these questions, then this Irish Stout Beef Casserole recipe is one you won’t want to miss.
This recipe boasts tender beef chunks flavored with rich Irish stout beer and accented with classic stew ingredients like carrots, white potatoes, and kumara. Fresh thyme and cracked black pepper lend a savory touch, while cornflour gives the casserole a luscious texture.
I first discovered this recipe while visiting Ireland, and it quickly became a favorite in my cookbook. It’s a staple in Irish cuisine – on the menu at every pub and household – and for good reason. It’s a traditional dish that warms you from the inside out, no matter how chilly the weather may be.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly meal or something comforting for dinner parties, this dish promises to satisfy. With its robust flavors, tender beef chunks, and buttery dumplings, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. So get ready to cook up some real Irish comfort food!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a tasty and hearty beef stew loaded with vegetables and simmered in a rich and robust sauce made with Ireland’s famous stout beer? Our Irish Stout Beef Casserole Recipe is sure to become a new favorite for anyone who loves comfort food.
One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is that it uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand, such as beef chuck, white potatoes, onions, carrots, and thyme. Plus, with the added boost of Irish stout beer, this stew delivers a depth of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Another reason to love this recipe is that it’s a one-pot wonder. You don’t need to worry about juggling multiple pans or dealing with complicated steps. Everything comes together in one big pot, making cleanup a breeze.
And let’s not forget about the dumplings! Our recipe includes instructions for making tasty little dumplings right in the stew. It’s an added touch that takes this dish to the next level and makes it truly special.
Whether you’re looking for a delicious weeknight dinner or want to impress guests at an upcoming gathering, our Irish Stout Beef Casserole Recipe is perfect. The rich and savory flavors are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. So why not give it a try and see why we think you’ll absolutely love this recipe!
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at the ingredient list for this Irish Stout Beef Casserole recipe. You will need the following ingredients:
For the Stew:
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornflour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, cut into cubes
- 4-5 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 2 cups beef stock
- 2 cans of Irish stout beer (such as Guinness)
- 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
For the Dumplings:
- 1 kumara (sweet potato), mashed or grated
- 2 white potatoes, mashed or grated
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Note that you can substitute the kumara and white potatoes with any starchy root vegetables that you prefer. The most important ingredient is the Irish stout which is what gives this dish its distinct flavor.
The Recipe How-To
Now for the fun part, let’s dive into making this delicious Irish Stout Beef Casserole. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Prepping the Beef
Start by prepping your 3 pounds of beef chuck roast cut into 1-inch cubes. Pat it dry with paper towels and season with 1 ½ teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Heat a heavy bottomed pot or a pressure cooker over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the beef in batches and sear it until browned all over, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Peel and cut 2 large yellow onions into large chunks. Peel and cut 5 carrots into 2-inch chunks. Peel and cut 1 kumara, as well as 4 white potatoes, into cubes (2cm/3/4-inch).
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Remove the seared beef from the pot and set it aside onto a plate while leaving any remaining oil in the pot. Add your diced onions to sauté until softened, then add your garlic cloves.
Add your veggies starting with your cubed kumara followed by 2 cups of beef stock, 2 cans of Irish stout beer (about 24 fluid ounces), and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Remember to scrape off any flavorful bits stuck on the bottom of the pot from caramelizing the beef earlier! Stir well, and bring it to a boil.
Step 4: Add Beef Back In
Once boiled, reduce heat to medium-low/low heat or transfer everything to a slow cooker for about 90 min – 2 hours or until the beef is fork-tender when pierced.
If you’re running out of time or don’t have a lot of patience, you can use your trusty pressure cooker to speed up cooking time instead! Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, and allow the pressure to release naturally.
Step 5: Prepare the Dumplings
While waiting for the beef to cook, you can prepare your dumpling mixture. Mix together 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour, 2 teaspoons Baking Powder, and 3/4 teaspoon Salt in a large bowl.
Add in 3 tablespoons vegetable oil and 2/3 cup of milk, then mix well. Use a spoon to drop eight spoonfuls onto the casserole. Cook uncovered until the cakes are cooked through and firm to the touch.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Irish Stout Beef Casserole
Finally, serve your hearty Irish Stout Beef Casserole hot with some freshly chopped thyme or any other herbs that complement your dish! It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, an ale stew, or hearty bread.
Now that you have followed all these steps
Substitutions and Variations
As a chef, I know that every ingredient in a recipe has a purpose in terms of taste and texture. However, sometimes we don’t have access to all the ingredients or simply want to add our own twist to a recipe. Here are some substitutions and variations you can make to this Irish Stout Beef Casserole Recipe:
1. Instead of using beef chuck roast, you can use other cuts such as stew meat or beef brisket.
2. If you prefer a lighter beer flavor, you can use ale instead of stout beer. The ale will still give you the depth of flavor needed for this dish.
3. For a vegetarian option, replace the beef with meaty vegetables such as mushrooms or cauliflower. Use vegetable broth instead of beef stock.
4. Add more vegetables such as sweet potatoes or parsnips to increase the nutritional value of the dish.
5. In terms of herbs, you can replace fresh thyme with rosemary or oregano for a different twist on flavor.
6. To add some crunch to the dish, after cooking, sprinkle cornflour on top and broil for 2-3 minutes.
7. For a low-carb option, substitute white potatoes with kumara (sweet potato) or cauliflower mash.
8. If you prefer dumplings in your stew, check out a recipe online and follow steps separately from the stew recipe.
Remember that these are just suggestions to get your creative juices flowing when cooking this Irish Stout Beef Casserole Recipe! Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you and your taste buds!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this Irish Stout Beef Casserole, there are a few options to consider.
First and foremost, you can never go wrong by pairing this hearty dish with a cold pint of stout beer. The flavors in the dish pair perfectly with the rich, bold taste of a dark beer.
If you’re looking for something a little more festive, consider serving the stew alongside some traditional Irish soda bread. The rustic texture and slight sweetness of the bread balance out the savory flavors in the casserole.
For those who prefer lighter sides, consider serving the stew over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or alongside a simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette.
If you want to take things to the next level, try making some homemade dumplings to serve alongside the stew. These little pockets of dough soak up all of the rich flavors in the casserole and add an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Regardless of how you decide to serve and pair this delicious meal, one thing is for certain – it will be a hit with everyone at your table.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about Irish Stout Beef Casserole is that it can be made ahead and reheated, making it perfect for busy weeknights or hosting guests. To make-ahead, simply cook the stew as directed, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When you’re ready to serve, reheat the stew slowly on the stove over medium heat until it reaches a simmer. Be sure to stir it occasionally to avoid scorching on the bottom. You may need to add a bit more beef stock or water if the stew has thickened too much in the fridge.
To freeze, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, defrost overnight in the refrigerator if possible, then warm on the stove over medium heat until piping hot.
Storing leftover Irish Stout Beef Casserole is easy. Simply store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating leftovers, you may need to add a bit more beef stock or water to thin out any thickening from storing.
If you find that your reheated stew has become too thin after being refrigerated or frozen, you can thicken it up with a cornflour slurry. Mix together 1 tablespoon of cornflour with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the hot stew while it’s simmering until thickened.
Just like many stews and casseroles, Irish Stout Beef Casserole tastes even better the next day after all flavors have had time to meld together. Reheating won’t take away any of its deliciousness! Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
Making a delicious Irish Stout Beef Casserole may seem intimidating, but with these tips, you can make a perfectly hearty and flavorful stew that your guests will love. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results every time:
1. Pick the right beef cut
When it comes to making a beef stew, using the right cut of meat is essential. For this recipe, look for beef chuck roast cut into 1 ½ inch cubes. This cut has a lot of flavor and contains enough fat to keep the meat juicy and tender.
2. Brown the meat first
Browning the meat before adding it to the stew is crucial in developing a rich, deep flavor. Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and cook the beef until well-browned on all sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
3. Use tomato paste for added depth
Tomato paste is key to adding complexity to this dish. Instead of using diced tomatoes, use tomato paste which has been cooked down with onions, garlic, and other aromatics. The resulting depth of flavor will enhance the overall taste of the stew.
4. Don’t forget fresh thyme
Fresh thyme adds an earthy aroma and subtle sweetness to the dish. Use fresh sprigs of thyme instead of dried as it is more flavorful.
5. Add vegetables at different times
Adding all your vegetables at once may result in overcooked vegetables that turn into mush. Be sure to add dense vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and kumara first and add softer vegetables like mushrooms and peas later on in the cooking process.
By following these tips, you can elevate your Irish Stout Beef Casserole from good to great!
FAQ
As you prepare your Irish Stout Beef Casserole, you may come across a few questions or concerns. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot any issues and ensure the best results from your stew recipe.
What beer is best for beef casserole?
For this recipe, a beer with a rich, malty taste is crucial. The ideal options are ruby ales or porters as they offer a deliciously full flavour and bring sweetness to the dish. If you’re unsure of which beer to choose, I recommend trying Adnams Broadside which is a perfect fit for the recipe.
What cut of beef is best for Irish stew?
When it comes to making a stew, you want to choose the right cut of beef to ensure that it turns out delicious. The popular option for this is chuck steak, commonly referred to as braising steak or gravy beef. This beef is obtained from the front of the animal, made up of the neck, shoulder blade and top arm. Not only is chuck steak easily available, but it is also budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for your recipe.
Does stout tenderise beef?
Adding stout to the beef not only enhances its flavor but also aids in tenderizing the meat.
What is the difference between Irish stew and regular stew?
When it comes to preparing a stew, one of the distinctions between a beef stew and an Irish stew lies in the kind of broth and meat used. Typically, beef stew is made with cubed and tender beef such as stew meat or chuck roast. In contrast, an Irish stew is renowned for using mutton or lamb and featuring a thick and savory broth made with flavorful beer.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Irish Stout Beef Casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. With its hearty combination of tender beef, fragrant vegetables and rich stout beer, this dish will leave you feeling satisfied and content. And with its versatility in terms of variations and substitutions, there’s no excuse not to whip up a batch tonight!
So go ahead and embrace the traditional Irish way of cooking by preparing this hearty and delicious beef stew. As you take each savory bite, you will feel as if you have been transported to the emerald isle itself! Don’t forget to try it out with some fluffy dumplings or ladled over a generous serving of creamy mashed potatoes.
Trust me on this – one taste of this amazing Irish Stout Beef Casserole recipe, and you will be hooked for life!
Irish Stout Beef Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 -8 cross cut blade steaks
- 6 small yellow onions
- 1 liter beef stock
- 1 (330 ml) bottle of irish stout beer or (330 ml) bottle montieths black beer
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- salt
- cracked pepper
- 2 carrots
- 6 small white potatoes
- 2 kumara
- 1 tablespoon cornflour
Instructions
- In a frying pan brown the steaks and set aside in a large casserol dish and add onions.
- Into the frying pan pour the beef stock and salt and pepper then cook until all the beef residue has lifted.
- Pour over meat and onions and cook for 1 hour.
- Stir into casserol the carrots, potatoes, kumera and thyme sprigs.
- Return to oven and cook another hour.
- With a perforated spoon, lift out vegetables and meat.
- Mix cornflour with a little water to make a paste and stir into stock until thickened.
- Pour over meat and vegetables and serve with seasonal green vegetables.
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.