Irish Beef Stew
I got this recipe for Irish beef stew from a friend who recently vacationed in Ireland. This is one of my favorite easy dinners when it's cold outside! The Guinness beer really adds a great flavor.
olive oil
2
tablespoons
all-purpose flour
3
tablespoons
beef chuck, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
2
pounds
carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
1
pound
potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
6
large
white onion, cut into large chunks
1
garlic, minced
2
cloves
beef broth
2
cups
tomato paste
1
(6 ounce) can
Irish stout beer (e.g. Guinness)
1
(12 fluid ounce) can or bottle
cold water
1
tablespoon
cornstarch
1
tablespoon
 Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss beef cubes with flour to coat, then fry in the hot oil until browned. Place the carrots, potatoes, onion and garlic in a large slow cooker. Place the meat on top of the vegetables. Mix together the beef broth and tomato paste and pour into the slow cooker along with the beer.
  Place carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic into a large slow cooker; place browned beef on top of vegetables. Mix beef broth and tomato paste together until combined; pour into the slow cooker along with beer.
  Cover and cook on High for 6 hours or Low for 8 hours. During the last hour before serving, dissolve cornstarch in cold water and stir into broth. Simmer on the High setting for a few minutes to thicken. Serve hot.
