Bacon, Beer and Beef Stew

There are times when a turkey burger or broiled fish with roasted vegetables just won’t do. Don’t get me wrong, they’re delicious. But sometimes a man just needs some manly food. This dish is just that. It has everything a man could want–and a woman for that matter. It has bacon, beef and beer all simmered together to make a hearty, thick and meaty stew. And if that weren’t enough, it has cheese biscuits layered on top just soaking up that gravy. Usually I make this dish in the colder months, but sometimes I just have to pull it out to appease the man in my life.

I used a lager beer, but any beer is fine. Darker beer is preferable. The stew meat is a sirloin. The longer it cooks, the tender the meat. This dish is great the next day and you could freeze it for another day when you need something besides salad.

INGREDIENTS

Bacon, Beer and Beef Stew

2 pounds of stew meat cut into small chunks

2 large onions, sliced

3 tablespoons of oil

5 slices of bacon cut into small pieces

3 tablespoons of flour

2 cups of beef stock

12 ounce bottle of beer

1 tablespoon of brown sugar

1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

2 bay leaves

Biscuits

4 ounces of self rising flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 ounces of melted butter

1 egg

2 ounces of cheddar cheese

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

Bacon, Beer and Beef Stew

1. Heat a large cast iron pot or dutch oven on medium heat and add oil.

2. Brown the cubed meat in the oil. You may have to brown the meat in batches so you don’t over crowd the meat.

3. Set the meat aside in a bowl.

4. Add onion and bacon to pot and cook until onion is translucent and bacon is cooked.

5. Add the flour and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes. Scrape bottom of pan.

6. Add the beef stock, beer, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves and beef. Bring to a boil.

7. Turn heat to low and place lid on leaving a slight gap.

8. Stir occasionally and cook for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until beef is tender.

Biscuits

1. When the stew has cooked about an hour, start making the biscuits.

2. In a bowl, mix together the flour and baking powder.

3. Mix the butter, egg and cheese in another bowl and add to the flour mixture.

4. Stir to combine. If it’s too thick or dry, add a little water.

5. Roll the mixture into 8-10 small balls and place on top of the stew.

6. Put the lid back on and let cook for about 10-15 minutes.

So next time you have some boys or men that want a hearty meal, try this stew. It works every time.

Stay safe and eat great, Canton.