Traditional Irish Beef Stew

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Dredge Beef:
   • Season the beef stew meat with salt and black pepper. Dredge the meat in flour, shaking off excess.
3. Brown the Beef:
   • In a large ovenproof pot, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pot. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
4. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
   • In the same pot, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Deglaze the Pot:
   • Pour in the Guinness or dark beer to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

1. Add Remaining Ingredients:
   • Return the browned beef to the pot. Add beef broth, tomato paste, sugar, dried thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
2. Bring to a Simmer:
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and place it in the preheated oven.
3. Cook in the Oven:
   • Let the stew cook in the oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the meat is tender.
4. Add Vegetables:
   • Add carrots and potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Continue Cooking:
   • Return the pot to the oven and continue cooking for an additional 30-45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Check Seasoning:
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish the Irish Beef Stew with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.
8. Enjoy:
   • Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Traditional Irish Beef Stew!

This stew is best served with a slice of Irish soda bread or your favorite crusty bread. It’s a classic and hearty dish that warms both the body and soul.