I first discovered the magic of slow cooker beef and ale stew when I received a Jamie Oliver cookbook as a gift about a decade ago. Since then, I’ve become completely hooked on this delicious dish. Over the years, I’ve perfected my own version of this classic recipe, making it even more irresistible.
What sets my slow cooker beef and ale stew apart is a top secret ingredient – Worcestershire sauce! It adds an extra kick that will surely impress your taste buds. Feel free to share your thoughts with me in the comments below!
The Best Beef for a Perfect Stew
One of the many reasons why slow cooker stews are fantastic is that they allow you to use cheaper cuts of meat. In fact, the longer you cook them, the better they become. With beef, the rule is simple – the cheaper, the better when it comes to slow cooking!
Cheaper cuts of meat, which come from well-worked muscles, tend to become incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked for long periods of time. So, don’t be fooled into buying an expensive cut from your butcher. It will only disappoint you with its dryness.
When it comes to the absolute favorite cut of beef for a stew, we highly recommend beef shin. However, make sure to purchase a well-butchered piece to avoid ending up with a stew full of fat and sinew. Your local butcher is the best place to find it.
If you can’t find beef shin, supermarket-bought “braising beef” or “chuck steak” from the shoulder of the cow is a worthy alternative.
Choosing the Right Ale for Your Stew
To achieve the perfect flavor, opt for a full-bodied and malty ale. Our personal favorites are ruby ales or porters. These types of ale bring a remarkable richness and a hint of sweetness to the dish. If you’re looking for a specific recommendation, give Adnams Broadside a try!
While Guinness may be a popular choice among many, we suggest avoiding it for this recipe due to its bitterness. Similarly, IPAs can impart an unpleasant hoppy twang to the stew.
Non-Alcoholic Beer? No Problem!
If you prefer to go alcohol-free, you can still enjoy the wonderful flavors of beef and ale stew. The alcohol in the beer evaporates during cooking, so it doesn’t contribute to the final taste. A good non-alcoholic beer option is Low Alcohol Old Speckled Hen.
Leftovers? Freeze Away!
Don’t worry if you have leftovers, as this stew freezes beautifully. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bit! Simply defrost in the fridge overnight and make sure to heat it thoroughly before serving.
Transform It into a Delicious Pie
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily transform this beef and ale stew into a mouthwatering pie. Once the stew is cooked, divide it into pie dishes and top with ready-made puff pastry. Follow the pastry instructions for cooking and indulge in a delectable slow cooker steak pie.
For more delightful slow cooker recipes, visit Hook’d Up Bar and Grill. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of a slow cooker beef and ale stew, perfect for those chilly winter nights!