Beer-Braised Stew

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Cook: 6 hours

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Apr. 21, 2023
Guests will take one bite of this savory stew and immediately know something is different. And they'll never guess the secret ingredient is beer! Serve this with a loaf of freshly baked bread and everyone will be happy. —Geri Faustich, Appleton, Wisconsin
Beer-Braised Stew Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 3 bacon strips, diced
  • 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 cups fresh baby carrots
  • 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 can (12 ounces) beer or nonalcoholic beer
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Hot cooked noodles
  • Chopped fresh parsley, optional

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels; drain, discarding drippings. Sprinkle beef with pepper and salt. In the same skillet, brown beef in oil in batches; drain.
  2. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Add the carrots, bacon, onion, garlic and bay leaf. In a small bowl, combine the beer, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Pour over beef mixture.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 5-1/2 to 6 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender.
  4. In a small bowl, combine flour and water until smooth. Gradually stir into slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes or until thickened. Discard bay leaf. Serve beef with noodles. If desired, top with chopped parsley.

Can you freeze Beer-Braised Stew?

Freeze cooled stew in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally; add broth or water if necessary.

Nutrition Facts

1/2 cup (calculated without noodles): 258 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.