Dry off all pieces of meat with a paper towel, then salt and pepper all sides of meat generously.
3 pounds chuck roast
Coat bottom of a dutch oven with olive oil over medium high heat. When hot, add meat to dutch oven leaving plenty of space between each piece to maximize browning (this will need to be done in batches). Thoroughly brown all sides of meat and move to plate while browning the rest of the meat.
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Once all meat is browned, coat the pan with olive oil and add one of the quartered onions, the thyme, rosemary, garlic, and more salt and pepper. Cook for a few minutes, then stir in the garlic and tomato paste until everything is coated. Allow to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2 large yellow onions, 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary, 4 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Add one cup of the Guinness and stir, making sure to remove any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with your spoon and bring the liquid to a simmer.
2 cups Guinness
Add the beef (and its juices) to the pot along with the 5 cups of the beef stock and bay leaves.
6 cups beef stock, 2 dried bay leaves
Bake, covered, at 325°F for 1 ½ hours.
Remove from oven, add in carrots, potatoes, celery, mushrooms (if using) and remaining onion and stir gently. Add the leftover cup of Guinness and leftover cup of beef stock. Cover again, and bake for an additional 1 ½ hours until the meat is completely tender and pulls apart easily with a fork.
6 large carrots, 3 medium potatoes, 3 stalks celery, 2 cups button mushrooms
Bring the stew it to a boil on the stove, then reduce to a low simmer.
Using a fork, toss together the bisquick, garlic powder, cheddar cheese, and chives. Drizzle in the milk, then use the fork to mix until combined and no dry spots remain.
2 cups Bisquick, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ⅔ cup milk, 1 ½ cups aged sharp cheddar cheese, ¼ cup minced chives
Once simmering, drop spoonfuls of the dough on top of the liquid. Cover and simmer (a low simmer) for 10 minutes.
Uncover and simmer for another 10 minutes. Garnish with more minced chives. Allow the stew to rest for 15-30 minutes, then serve..