Hop-Infused Bitter Ale Braised Beef Stew
A robust beef stew simmered in a pale ale beer with subtle hop bitterness, enriched with root vegetables and herbs. This american-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, pale ale beer (bitter style), carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 2 cups pale ale beer (bitter style)
- 3 medium, peeled and chopped carrots
- 2, chopped celery stalks
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes in batches, browning all sides for 5-7 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to a plate.
- Step 2: Lower heat to medium and add 1 large diced yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks to the pot. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it darkens and coats the vegetables. Pour in 2 cups pale ale beer, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits.
- Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pot along with 2 cups beef broth, 3 fresh thyme sprigs, 2 bay leaves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until beef is tender and the sauce thickens. Remove thyme and bay leaves before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hop-Infused Bitter Ale Braised Beef Stew take to make?
Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Hop-Infused Bitter Ale Braised Beef Stew?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pale ale beer (bitter style) from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hop-Infused Bitter Ale Braised Beef Stew?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Hop-Infused Bitter Ale Braised Beef Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Hop-Infused Bitter Ale Braised Beef Stew?
American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
