This Stout & Honey Beef Roast is a tasty way to impress your family or friends. The rich flavors of stout beer blended with sweet honey make for a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
As it cooks, your kitchen will smell amazing and have everyone asking what’s for dinner. I love serving it with roasted veggies—they soak up all the delicious juices!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: Chuck roast is ideal for this recipe due to its rich flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked. If you can’t find chuck, a brisket or round roast can work as alternatives, but they may change the texture slightly.
Stout Beer: A stout like Guinness gives depth to the dish. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, consider using a dark non-alcoholic beer or beef broth with a splash of vinegar for acidity.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and enhances the flavors. For a different twist, maple syrup or brown sugar can serve as substitutes, though they might alter the flavor profile a bit.
Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and onions provide great flavor. Feel free to mix in other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes if you want to change things up!
Fresh Thyme: Fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor, but dried thyme is a quick alternative. Just remember to use less, about one-third of the amount!
How Do I Achieve a Perfectly Searing Technique for the Roast?
Searing the beef before roasting is crucial to building flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your Dutch oven is hot before you add the oil. A drop of water should sizzle and evaporate quickly.
- Pat the roast dry with paper towels; this helps achieve a nice crust. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the roast in the pot and avoid crowding. Let it cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes before flipping.
- Brown all sides evenly for about 4-5 minutes each. This locks in juices and adds an amazing depth of flavor.
How to Make Stout & Honey Beef Roast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Roast:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 cup stout beer (e.g., Guinness)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 medium carrots, cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, quartered
- 2 large onions, cut into wedges
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef stock
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 3 to 4 hours of roasting time in the oven. You’ll spend a little time seasoning and browning the meat, then just let it roast to tender perfection while you sip your favorite drink!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This will ensure your roast cooks evenly and perfectly.
2. Season the Roast:
Generously season the beef chuck roast on all sides with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy—this adds tons of flavor!
3. Sear the Roast:
In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the roast. Sear it for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned. This step adds great flavor, so don’t skip it! Once done, take the roast out and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, toss in the onions and garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onions turn translucent and smell amazing!
5. Deglaze the Pot:
Pour in the stout beer and honey, making sure to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. These bits are packed with flavor and will enhance your roast!
6. Assemble the Ingredients:
Return the roast to the pot. Now, add the carrots, potatoes, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. The liquid should come up about halfway on the roast—this will keep it juicy!
7. Start Roasting:
Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to your preheated oven. Let it work its magic!
8. Cooking Time:
Roast the beef for 3-4 hours, or until it’s super tender. You should be able to shred it easily with a fork when it’s ready.
9. Let It Rest:
Once the roast is done, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. This helps keep the meat juicy!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the roast and serve it with the delicious vegetables and some of the cooking liquid spooned over the top. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Choose a cut with good marbling for the best flavor. Adjust the cooking time according to the thickness and tenderness of the meat—generally, leaner cuts will need less time than a chuck roast.
What Is a Good Stout Substitute?
If you don’t have stout beer, you can substitute it with a brown ale or a porter for a similar depth of flavor. For a non-alcoholic option, try using a non-alcoholic stout or a mix of beef broth with a splash of soy sauce for that umami taste.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the beef roast and vegetables for up to 3 months. When freezing, let everything cool completely before packing. To reheat, gently thaw in the fridge overnight and warm up on the stove or in the oven.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Dish?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons or omit it entirely. You can also balance the sweetness by adding a splash more Worcestershire sauce or a bit of vinegar to the cooking liquid for a tangy contrast.
