Name: Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 large carrots, cut into chunks; 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 cups beef broth; 1 (11-ounce) bottle Guinness stout beer; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 bay leaves; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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If you’re looking for a meal that practically wraps you in a warm hug, Guinness Beef Stew should be at the very top of your list. Succulent bites of beef simmer with hearty vegetables in a broth that gets its deep, rich flavor (and trademark dark color) from a generous pour of Guinness stout. This classic Irish comfort dish brings together simple ingredients and slow cooking magic for a bowlful that’s as impressive on a special occasion as it is for a relaxed weeknight dinner. There’s nothing more inviting than the aroma of this Guinness Beef Stew filling your kitchen, promising goodness and flavor in every spoonful.

Guinness Beef Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Guinness Beef Stew so unforgettable is the way these down-to-earth ingredients come together—each one playing a part in flavor, texture, or heartiness. Don’t skip or substitute; every element is here for a reason!

Beef chuck: Perfectly marbled, it gets ultra-tender after a slow simmer and infuses the stew with deep, savory flavor.
Vegetable oil: Helps with browning the beef and softening the veggies for a delicious base.
All-purpose flour: Lightly coats the beef for a gorgeous crust and helps the broth thicken as it cooks.
Salt and black pepper: Don’t underestimate seasoning—start here and adjust at the end for the perfect stew.
Onion: Chopped onion caramelizes to add sweetness and body to the stew.
Garlic: Three cloves give just the right robust, aromatic lift to the background.
Tomato paste: A touch of tomato paste delivers subtle acidity and richness.
Beef broth: The liquid backbone—choose a good quality broth for the richest base.
Guinness stout beer: The star ingredient, lending signature depth, character, and color. No other beer quite compares!
Carrots: They bring a pop of color, natural sweetness, and soft texture.
Potatoes: For bulk and that classic, hearty stew feeling—Yukon golds or russets work wonders.
Celery stalks: Adds a gentle savory note and a bit of crunch.
Fresh or dried thyme: Essential for that earthy, herby undertone.
Bay leaves: These aromatic leaves infuse their fragrance throughout the entire pot.
Fresh parsley: A shower of chopped parsley at the end makes everything brighter and fresher.

How to Make Guinness Beef Stew

Step 1: Prep and Season the Beef

Start by patting the beef chuck dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear—it helps develop that crave-worthy crust. Generously season the chunks with salt and black pepper, then toss in flour until the cubes are lightly coated on all sides. This not only locks in the flavor but helps thicken the stew later on, giving it just the right texture.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high in a large Dutch oven. Brown the beef in batches so each piece gets a golden crust without crowding the pan. Don’t rush this stage—those browned bits at the bottom mean serious flavor! Transfer each browned batch to a plate as you go, adding a splash more oil if the pot looks dry.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Reduce the heat to medium and toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and softens, soaking up all those savory browned bits. Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for about a minute—it should slightly darken and become fragrant, ready to deepen the stew’s base.

Step 4: Deglaze with Guinness

Pour in the bottle of Guinness stout, and immediately stir, making sure to scrape up every last bit of flavor stuck to the bottom. This step is where Guinness Beef Stew gets its signature richness: the stout’s malty notes and deep color blend perfectly into the mix.

Step 5: Build the Stew

To the pot, add the beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, carrots, potatoes, and celery. Return your beautifully browned beef (and all those steak-y juices!) to the pot. Give it a good stir, then bring everything up to a boil.

Step 6: Slow Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the stew bubble away gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. The beef should become so tender it practically falls apart, and the vegetables will be perfectly cooked through. Stir occasionally, savoring the aroma as anticipation builds!

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Before serving, remove the bay leaves and give the stew a final taste for seasoning. If you like it thicker, leave the lid off for the last 20 minutes or mash a few potato pieces into the broth. Spoon into bowls and scatter with fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness.

How to Serve Guinness Beef Stew

Garnishes

Finish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley—this little bit of green isn’t just for looks, but helps brighten up the entire dish. If you want a bistro-like touch, crack some black pepper on top or add a drizzle of good olive oil for extra shine.

Side Dishes

Guinness Beef Stew absolutely begs to be served with fresh crusty bread for mopping up every last bit of gravy. Classic Irish soda bread, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a simple green salad can make this meal feel extra special and hearty.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the stew in individual bread bowls or mini crockpots for cozy gatherings. On St. Patrick’s Day, add a side of buttered cabbage or sprinkle in some chives just before serving—the emerald flecks play up the Irish spirit beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Guinness Beef Stew keeps so well in the refrigerator, the flavors only deepen overnight. Store cooled stew in an airtight container for up to four days, and you’ll have a ready-to-go meal whenever you need comfort in a pinch.

Freezing

This stew is freezer-friendly! Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze in portions for up to three months. When those chilly evenings hit, you’ll be grateful for a stash of hearty stew waiting for you.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. A splash of broth or water can help loosen the stew if it’s thickened up in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make Guinness Beef Stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.

What can I use instead of Guinness if I don’t like beer?

If you prefer to skip the stout, you can substitute beef stock or a non-alcoholic malty beer. While it won’t have the same signature flavor as Guinness Beef Stew, you’ll still get a wonderfully hearty and comforting stew.

Is Guinness Beef Stew gluten-free?

If you use a gluten-free stout (there are some good options available) and swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, your stew will be deliciously gluten-free and just as satisfying.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms are all fantastic additions to Guinness Beef Stew. Add them along with the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Just keep in mind that softer vegetables should be added in the last 30-40 minutes of cooking.

Does Guinness Beef Stew taste better the next day?

Yes, it truly does! Like many stews, the flavors deepen and mingle as they rest overnight in the fridge, making leftovers even more delicious and rewarding.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly special about gathering around a pot of Guinness Beef Stew, whether you’re sharing with friends or cozying up solo. Let this recipe be your invitation to taste the magic of slow-simmered comfort. I hope you give it a try and create your own warm memories, one hearty bowl at a time!

Guinness Beef Stew Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This hearty Guinness Beef Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy night in. Tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich broth with Guinness stout beer, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs make this Irish-inspired stew a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef:

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes

Seasoning:

3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables:

1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 large carrots, cut into chunks
3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 celery stalks, sliced

Other Ingredients:

2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1 (11-ounce) bottle Guinness stout beer
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef dry, season with salt and pepper, and toss with flour.
Brown the Beef: In a Dutch oven, brown the beef in batches.
Cook the Aromatics: Cook onion and garlic until softened, then add tomato paste.
Deglaze the Pot: Pour in Guinness, scraping the bottom of the pot.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, carrots, potatoes, and celery.
Simmer: Return beef to the pot, cover, and simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaves, and garnish with parsley before serving.