If you are looking for a hearty, soul-warming meal that bursts with rich flavors and velvety textures, this Guinness Beef Stew Recipe is pure magic in a bowl. Tender cubes of beef slow-cooked to perfection mingle with vibrant carrots, golden potatoes, and fragrant herbs, all enveloped in a luscious Guinness-infused broth that brings a slight malty sweetness and deep complexity to every bite. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly evening, delivering comfort food at its finest with just the right touch of Irish charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color for the perfect stew. From the rich beef and fragrant herbs to the unique addition of Guinness beer, every element is essential for delivering the full experience of this classic dish.
- 3 Tbsp olive oil: For browning the beef and sautéing the veggies, adding depth to the base of the stew.
- 2 lbs chuck beef (stewing beef or lamb shoulder), cubed: The star protein that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- 1 onion, roughly sliced: Provides sweetness and aromatic warmth throughout the stew.
- 1 celery stick, sliced: Adds subtle, fresh notes and a bit of crunch.
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut: Brings sweetness and a pop of color that brightens the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the stew with savory depth and a mild kick.
- ¼ cup tomato paste: Offers a concentrated tomato richness that balances the beer’s bitterness.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Used to coat the beef for perfect browning and to thicken the stew.
- 4 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid base that marries all the ingredients together.
- 1 ½ cups Guinness beer: The magical ingredient that gives this stew its signature robust, malty undertone.
- 2 lbs yellow potatoes, halved: Comforting, creamy bites that soak up the stew’s luscious sauce.
- Sea salt and pepper: To season the stew perfectly and enhance all flavors.
- 2 bay leaves: Adds subtle herbal notes to deepen the complexity.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Earthy and aromatic, it complements the beef beautifully.
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh, bright finish when serving.
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch & 2 Tbsp water: Mixed to thicken the stew to your ideal consistency.
How to Make Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by combining flour, sea salt, and pepper in a bowl, then toss the beef cubes in this mixture. This coating is crucial as it creates a beautiful crust during cooking and helps thicken your stew later. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven, shake off excess flour from the beef, and brown the cubes in small batches to ensure even caramelization. When browned, set the beef aside—it’s the flavorful base your stew will build on.
Step 2: Develop the Aromatics and Deglaze
Next, add the sliced onions to the same pot and cook until they soften, releasing their sweetness. Remove the onions and coalesce them with your browned beef cubes. Pour the Guinness beer into the hot pot, scraping up all those irresistible browned bits clinging to the bottom—this step infuses your stew with a deep, malty essence. Stir in the beef broth and tomato paste, bringing everything to a gentle boil before lowering the heat to let it simmer covered for 45 minutes. This gives time for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Simmer
Now it’s time to add the remaining vegetables, bay leaves, thyme, and potatoes to the pot. Simmer the stew for another 45 minutes or until the beef turns tender and the potatoes are cooked through. For a perfectly thickened stew, whisk together cornstarch and water, then slowly stir this slurry into your pot until you achieve the desired consistency. The result is a rich, hearty stew that’s just begging to be ladled into your favorite bowl.
How to Serve Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and a touch of herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, hearty stew. A light crack of black pepper over the garnish can also awaken the flavors just before serving.
Side Dishes
Serve this Guinness Beef Stew alongside crusty artisan bread or warm buttered Irish soda bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes or a simple green salad also make excellent companions, giving balance and variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the stew in individual mini cast-iron pots or rustic bread bowls for a cozy, communal vibe. You can also accompany it with a small glass of Guinness to really elevate the Irish theme and enhance the eating experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Guinness Beef Stew Recipe actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors deepen overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Freezing
To enjoy the stew later, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool the stew completely before freezing, and avoid adding the parsley garnish until after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly warm the beef and vegetables. If the stew thickens too much, stir in a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up to its original comforting consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of beer instead of Guinness?
Absolutely! While Guinness is classic for its unique flavor, you can experiment with other dark beers like stouts or porters that offer similar maltiness. Lighter beers will change the flavor profile, so it really depends on your taste preferences.
Is there a substitution for chuck beef in this Guinness Beef Stew Recipe?
Chuck beef is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. However, you can use stewing beef from other cuts or even lamb shoulder for a twist. Just make sure to choose cuts suitable for long, slow cooking.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender to replicate the rich flavors and texture.
How thick should the stew be when finished?
The stew should have a thick, velvety consistency that coats the back of a spoon nicely. Use the cornstarch slurry to adjust thickness—add it gradually, as it thickens quickly.
Can I prepare the stew without alcohol?
To keep the stew alcohol-free, substitute the Guinness beer with additional beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar or brewed black tea to mimic the depth and slight bitterness the beer provides.
Final Thoughts
This Guinness Beef Stew Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and impresses with its rich flavor and hearty goodness. It’s straightforward to make, perfect for sharing, and deeply satisfying. I encourage you to give it a try—you may just find it becomes your new favorite comfort food classic.
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Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This hearty Guinness Beef Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chunks of beef simmered slowly with aromatic vegetables, rich beef broth, and the distinctive taste of Guinness beer. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this stew combines traditional Irish flavors with robust ingredients to create a satisfying meal that serves six.
Ingredients
Meat and Coating
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs. chuck beef (stewing beef or lamb shoulder, trimmed and cubed)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Sea salt and pepper (to taste)
Vegetables
- 1 onion (roughly sliced)
- 1 celery stick (sliced)
- 4 medium carrots (peeled and cut into 1-2” pieces)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 lbs. yellow potatoes (cut in half)
Liquids and Seasonings
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1½ cups Guinness beer
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Thickening Agent
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp water
Instructions
- Coat and Brown the Beef: Combine flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the beef cubes with this flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Brown the beef in small batches until nicely seared on all sides. Remove browned beef and set aside in a bowl.
- Sauté Onions and Deglaze: Add the roughly sliced onions to the pot and cook until they begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Remove onions and add them to the bowl with the beef. Pour Guinness beer into the pot, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom with a spatula or wooden spoon to release flavor.
- Add Broth and Tomato Paste, Simmer: Stir in the beef broth and tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 45 minutes to develop rich flavors and tenderize the beef.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Continue Cooking: Add celery, carrots, potatoes, garlic, bay leaves, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir to combine and simmer, covered, for another 45 minutes or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
- Thicken the Stew: Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly add the slurry into the stew while stirring to thicken it to your desired consistency. Allow the stew to cook for a few more minutes until thickened, then remove bay leaves and stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, brown the beef well but avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing.
- Use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or large pot for even heat distribution and best results.
- Adjust thickness by varying the amount of cornstarch slurry added.
- Leftovers taste great and often improve after a day as flavors meld.
- Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
