Guinness Beef Barley Stew (Printable Version)

Tender beef, pearl barley, and root veggies simmered slowly in a rich Guinness broth.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meats

01 - 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
06 - 2 parsnips, peeled and sliced
07 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
08 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
09 - 1 small rutabaga or turnip, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
10 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste

→ Grains

11 - 3/4 cup pearl barley, rinsed

→ Liquids

12 - 1 (15 oz) can or bottle Guinness stout
13 - 4 cups beef broth
14 - 1 cup water

→ Seasonings & Herbs

15 - 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
16 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
17 - 2 teaspoons dried thyme
18 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
19 - 2 bay leaves
20 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

→ Optional Garnish

21 - Chopped fresh parsley

# How to Make:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Working in batches to avoid crowding, brown beef on all sides for approximately 5 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to a plate.
02 - In the same pot, add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, carrots, parsnips, celery, potatoes, and rutabaga. Sauté the mixture for 5 minutes.
03 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to caramelize slightly.
04 - Return beef to the pot. Add rinsed barley, Guinness, beef broth, water, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with lid, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and barley is fully cooked.
06 - Remove bay leaves from the stew. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The Guinness stout adds a complex, slightly bitter, and chocolatey depth to the gravy.
  • It is a complete, well-balanced meal featuring protein, grains, and plenty of vegetables in one pot.
  • Tender beef chuck becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft after the slow simmer.
  • Pearl barley is a hearty grain that makes the stew incredibly filling and satisfying.
02 -
  • Ensure you brown the beef in batches to prevent overcrowding, which causes the meat to steam rather than sear.
  • Rinsing the pearl barley thoroughly before adding it to the pot removes excess starch and helps maintain the stew's consistency.
  • Always check the labels of your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce if you need to ensure the recipe remains strictly gluten-free or fish-free.
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