• 3 lbs beef roast such as chuck, round, or sirloin, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 yellow onions, minced (for flavor) or quartered (to remain intact after stewing)
• 4 large carrots, chopped into 1/2-inch lengths
• 3 large russet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 8 oz white button mushrooms, sliced
• 12 oz Guinness stout beer
• 4 cups beef stock or broth
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 large bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp chili powder

for thickening:

• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp cold water