Classic Beef and Guinness Stew for Saint Patrick's Day
By: Leah Rodrigues
Published: March 7, 2015

On my first trip to Ireland, I savored the taste of authentic Irish comfort food.  From hand held meat pies to beef and Guinness stew, these traditional meals are hearty and delicious.  It is only fitting then that such a meal should be served Saint Patrick's Day.  Beef chuck is cooked low and slow in a tomato based broth that is laced with Guinness, or other dark Irish beer, which lends a mild toasted, malty flavor to the dish.  The stew is served on a bed on whipped potatoes.  You can also pour this stew into a flaky pastry crust to make a beef and Guinness pie.   
Irish Beef and Guinness Stew
Recipe from Food Wishes
Ingredients:
4 strips bacon, sliced into small pieces
	2 1/2 lb. beef chuck, cut in 2-inch pieces (tossed with black pepper and at least 1 tsp salt)
	2 onions, chopped
	1/2 tsp salt
	4 cloves garlic, minced
	1 can (14.0-oz) Guinness beer, or other dark beer
	1/4 cup tomato paste
	4 sprigs of fresh thyme
	3 carrots, cut in 1-inch pieces
	2 ribs celery, cut in 1-inch pieces
	2 1/2 cups chicken stock, or as needed
	1 tsp sugar salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
	4 cups mashed potatoes, optional (not really)
For full recipe instructions, watch the video below.