Begin with a Warm Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), setting the stage for a slow, gentle cooking process that will make our stew beautifully tender.
Brown the Beef: Melt the butter in a large, oven-safe pot over medium heat. Season the beef chunks with salt and sear them until all sides are golden brown. Remove the beef and set aside.
Render the Bacon: In the same pot, add the bacon and cook until it starts to crisp up, infusing the pot with smoky flavors.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and chopped onions to the bacon, sautéing until they’re soft and fragrant.
Thicken the Mixture: Sprinkle flour over the cooked onions and bacon, stirring well. This step is crucial for giving our stew a rich, thick consistency.
Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the Guinness Beer, using a spoon to scrape up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the tomato paste and beef broth. Add the seared beef back into the pot along with the carrots, celery, potatoes, bay leaves, and thyme.
Bake to Perfection: After bringing the stew to a simmer, cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, allowing the ingredients to meld together and the beef to become fork-tender.
Serving: Once the stew is done, carefully remove it from the oven. Discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Adjust seasoning if necessary and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.