Clare Andrews

Slow cooker beef stew

There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty stew simmering away on a cold day. Filling the house with its rich, savoury aroma. This slow cooker beef and Guinness stew is the epitome of comfort food. Perfect for those evenings when you want to relax and enjoy a meal that feels like a warm hug. The deep, robust flavours of the Guinness meld beautifully with the tender beef and vegetables, creating a dish that is both satisfying and indulgent. Preparing this stew is a bit like stepping back in time, using classic ingredients and methods that have been cherished for generations.

The key to this stew is the slow cooking process, which allows all the flavours to meld together beautifully. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the vegetables soak up all the wonderful flavours from the stock, Guinness, and pancetta. Each bite is a symphony of taste and texture, from the soft, succulent meat to the slightly crisp vegetables.

Whether you’re preparing this for a family dinner or a special occasion, this slow cooked beef and Guinness stew is sure to impress. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savour each bite, and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food and good company. So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and look forward to a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

This slow cooker beef & Guinness stew takes 8 hours on low.

Serves 2.

Ingredients

500 kg stewing steak

2 heaped tablespoons plain flour

2 carrots Chopped into chunks

3 shallots Halved

1 sticky celery Chopped into chunks

300g pancetta

3-4 bay leaves

1 teaspoon garlic paste

Beef stock pot

Olive oil

Seasoning

Method

Place the flour and some seasoning into a bowl and coat your beef. Then add a dash of olive oil to a pan and sear the beef on the high for 5 minutes. Add a dash of red wine and continue stirring for a further 2 minutes. Then remove the beef and add to your pre heated slow cooker. Add a little water and a pint of Guinness and stir. Add a dash of water to the pan you seared the beef in and heat up, to make a nice sticky paste.

Next add in your chopped carrots, onions, garlic and celery and fry for a few minutes, add in your beef stock pot to the pan and garlic paste, stir and add into the slow cooker. In a fresh pan, fry up your diced pancetta, fry until crispy and add to your slow cooker, stir your stew and pop the lid back on.

Cook for 8 hours on low. When ready, I served my slow cooker beef stew with cheesy mash and green beans.

Serving this stew with cheesy mash and green beans makes for a complete and satisfying meal. The creamy, cheesy mash is the perfect companion to the rich, meaty stew, while the green beans add a nice crunch and a pop of colour to your plate. It’s the kind of meal that not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart.

Watch the video on my YouTube channel or click here for more of my slow cooker recipes.

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