Irish Beef Stew

Ingredients:

6 Pieces Bacon
2 1/2 lb Beef Chuck Roast, cut into 2-inch chunks
2 Onions, rough chopped
4 Garlic Cloves, minced
10-14 oz Guinness Beer (or other dark beer)
1/4 C Tomato Paste
4 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
5 Carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
5 Celery Ribs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 1/2 - 3 C Beef Broth
1 t Sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

In a large pot, brown bacon over medium heat. When bacon is browned, remove and reserve.

Thoroughly salt and pepper beef chunks. Increase heat to medium-high and brown beef pieces (in batches) until each has a nice crust on both sides. Remove beef and set aside.

Place onion in pot and reduce heat back to medium. Cook onions, stirring frequently, until translucent. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Pour in beer and tomato paste. Stir to combine. Toss in thyme sprigs.

Add beef pieces, carrot and celery. Pour enough beef broth in to just cover the rest of the ingredients. Stir in sugar.

Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cover. Allow to stew for about two hours. Once beef is fork tender, remove lid and increase heat to medium-high to return to a boil. Boil until stew reaches desired consistency.

Remove thyme stems and add salt or pepper, if needed.

Serve on roasted garlic and chive mashed potatoes!

Yield: 6-8 Servings

* Adapted from https://foodwishes.blogspot.com/2013/03/beef-guinness-stew-eating-beer-on-st.html