Beef and Guinness Stew

Ingredients

• 2 pounds stewing beef, cubed
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery sticks, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 (14.9 oz) can of Guinness
• 2 cups beef stock
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Start by tossing the cubed beef in flour, salt, and pepper. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
   
   
2. In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add in the dried thyme and bay leaf, and give everything a good stir.
   
   
3. Now it's time to add the star ingredient - Guinness! Pour in the can of Guinness along with the beef stock, and bring the stew to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
4. When the stew is ready, season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This Beef and Guinness Stew pairs perfectly with a slice of crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes.