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Cozy Beef and Ale Stew

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A hearty and comforting beef stew simmered slowly in rich ale, perfect for warming up chilly winter evenings with tender beef and root vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or beef dripping
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 celeriac, diced (or 2 celery stalks)
  • 8 oz button mushrooms, halved
  • 2 cups beef stock or broth
  • 12 oz dark ale or stout
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 fresh thyme sprigs
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: pearl onions

Instructions

  1. Pat beef dry with paper towels and dust with flour seasoned with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat oil or beef dripping in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes in batches until deep mahogany color. Remove and set aside. (10–15 minutes)
  3. Lower heat to medium; add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir often. (5 minutes)
  4. Add carrots, celeriac (or celery), and mushrooms. Cook for 5–7 minutes until veggies soften and release juices. (7 minutes)
  5. Pour in dark ale, scraping bottom to loosen browned bits. Let bubble for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. (3 minutes)
  6. Return beef to pot. Stir in tomato paste, beef stock, bay leaves, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  7. Bring to simmer, cover, reduce heat to low. Cook slowly for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and sauce thickens. (1.5–2 hours)
  8. Remove bay leaves and thyme stems. Stir in chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes. (5 minutes)

Notes

If stew is too thick, add a splash of beef stock or water to loosen. If too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce. Use dark ales or stouts for best flavor. For gluten-free, substitute almond flour and gluten-free ale or omit alcohol. Slow cooking yields best tenderness. Can be made in slow cooker after browning beef and sautéing veggies.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stew, ale stew, comfort food, winter recipe, hearty stew, slow simmer, beef chuck, dark ale, easy stew