As the crisp air of late November settles in St. Louis, there’s nothing more comforting than a hearty, slow-cooked meal to warm both body and soul. Today, I’m excited to share a delightful recipe that combines tender beef with the rich, malty flavors of stout beer, creating a dish that’s perfect for cozy evenings: Beef in Beer in the Slow Cooker.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This dish brings together succulent beef stew meat, sweet shallots, smoky bacon, and earthy mushrooms, all simmered slowly in a robust stout beer. The result is a flavorful, hearty meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. The use of stout beer, such as Guinness®, imparts a deep, rich flavor to the gravy without overwhelming the palate.
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided
- 12 shallots, peeled and left whole
- 1 pound cubed beef stew meat
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle Irish stout beer (such as Guinness®)
- 2 onions, halved and sliced
- 1 large garlic clove, crushed
- 4 slices smoked streaky bacon, sliced into strips
- 1½ cups fresh button mushrooms
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Preheat your slow cooker on the Low setting.
- Sauté the Shallots: In a skillet over medium-low heat, warm 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. Add the peeled whole shallots and cook until they are lightly browned, about 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer the shallots to the slow cooker.
- Sear the Beef: Using the same skillet, add the cubed beef stew meat and cook over medium heat until all sides are seared and browned, approximately 5 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and mix well to coat. Pour in the stout beer and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, transfer the beef and beer mixture to the slow cooker.
- Cook the Onions, Garlic, and Bacon: Wipe the skillet clean and add the remaining 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. Sauté the sliced onions until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the crushed garlic and sliced bacon, cooking for an additional minute. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add Mushrooms and Seasonings: Place the fresh button mushrooms into the slow cooker and season generously with salt and ground black pepper.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and let the mixture cook on Low for about 5 hours, or until the meat is tender and cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
This Beef in Beer pairs wonderfully with crusty French bread, perfect for soaking up the rich gravy. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it over mashed potatoes or alongside roasted vegetables.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetable Additions: To make this dish even heartier, add diced potatoes and carrots to the slow cooker along with the mushrooms.
- Beer Selection: While Guinness® is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other stout beers to find your preferred flavor profile.
- Thickening the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Final Thoughts
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, this Beef in Beer in the Slow Cooker offers a comforting and flavorful meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Its rich flavors and tender textures make it an ideal dish for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Give it a try, and let the warmth of this hearty meal bring joy to your table.
