Irish Beef Stew

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Irish Beef Stew

There’s no greater comfort food than a hearty stew. And this one? It might be the king. Deep stout gravy. Bold I.B. Dragon coffee. Sweet molasses notes from the Smoked Tea Rub. This isn’t background dinner. This is center-of-the-table dinner.

Why You’ll Love It

• Rich, deep gravy without weird ingredients.
• Slow-cooked flavor that tastes like you tried harder than you did.
• Even better the next day. (Leftovers win.)

The Java Momma Twist: Brewed I.B. Dragon and stout team up to build that deep, rich gravy. The Smoked Tea Rub on the beef adds a subtle sweet molasses note that makes people stop mid-bite and go, “Wait. What is that?”

What You’ll Need

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 1/2 lbs boneless beef chuck, cubed
• 2 Tbsp Smoked Tea Rub
• 2 tsp Pennsylvania Pepper
• 2 tsp Corn on the Cob Seasoning
• 6 oz bacon or pancetta, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sweet onions, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 Tbsp flour
• 4 Tbsp tomato paste
• 8 oz brewed I.B. Dragon
• 8 oz stout
• 2 1/2 cups beef stock
• Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make It

1. Pat beef dry and season with Smoked Tea Rub, Pennsylvania Pepper, and Corn on the Cob Seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat.
3. Brown beef in batches on all sides. Remove and set aside.
4. Lower heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent.
5. Add garlic and chopped bacon. Cook until bacon browns.
6. Stir in carrots and celery. Cook 1–2 minutes.
7. Add flour and cook 30 seconds to develop flavor.
8. Stir in tomato paste until fragrant.
9. Add stout, brewed I.B. Dragon, and beef stock. Stir well.
10. Return beef to pot. Cover and simmer on low until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
11. Remove lid. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
12. Serve over mashed potatoes or with crusty rolls.

Swaps & Permission Slips

• No stout? Use extra beef stock and a splash more brewed coffee.
• Gluten-free? Swap flour for cornstarch slurry.
• Want it thicker? Simmer uncovered the last 15–20 minutes.