Beef and Guinness Stew

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
2 1/2 lbs beef chuck (, boneless short rib or any other slow cooking beef (no bone))
3/4 tsp each salt and black pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 onions, chopped
6 oz bacon
3 Tbsp flour
14.9 oz Guinness Beer
4 Tbsp tomato paste
3 cups chicken stock/broth
3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2" thick pieces
2 large celery stalks, cut into 1" pieces
2 bay leaves
3 sprigs thyme ((or sub with 1 tsp dried thyme leaves))

Directions

  1. Cut the beef into 2" chunks. Pat dry, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat oil in a heavy based pot over high heat. Add beef in batches and brown well all over. Remove onto plate. Repeat with remaining beef.
  3. Lower heat to medium. If the pot is looking dry, add oil.
  4. Cook garlic and onion for 3 minutes until softened, then add bacon.
  5. Cook until bacon is browned, then stir through carrot and celery.
  6. Add flour, and stir for 1 minute to cook off the flour.
  7. Add Guinness, chicken broth/stock, and tomato paste. Mix well (to ensure the flour dissolves well), and add bay leaves and thyme.
  8. Return the beef to the pot (including any juices). The liquid level should just cover.
  9. Cover, lower the heat so it is bubbling gently. Cook for 2 hours. Remove lid, then simmer for a further 30 - 45 minutes or until the beef falls apart at a touch and the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly.
  10. Skim off fat on surface, if desired. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves and thyme.
  11. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes!!

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