There’s something magical about a hearty stew that brings comfort and warmth, especially when it’s made with the rich, deep flavor of Guinness. This Guinness Beef Stew is like a cozy hug in a bowl, packed with tender beef, earthy vegetables, and a luscious broth that’s slow-cooked to perfection. It’s everything you want in a stew—rich, savory, and satisfying. Whether you’re cozying up for a quiet dinner or serving it at a gathering, this stew is bound to become a favorite. Trust me, it’s one of those dishes where the longer it simmers, the more the flavors deepen and develop.
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Why You’ll Love Guinness Beef Stew
Here’s why you’re going to be obsessed with this Guinness Beef Stew:
Rich and Flavorful: The Guinness beer adds a unique depth of flavor to the stew, balancing the savory beef and vegetables with its rich, malty undertones. It’s truly a flavor powerhouse.
Tender Beef: The slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, absorbing all the flavors of the stew.
Comforting: There’s nothing quite like a bowl of stew on a chilly day. This dish will make you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm blanket, no matter the weather outside.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner, a holiday meal, or a gathering with friends, this stew is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.
Easy to Make: While this stew simmers away, you can kick back and relax. It’s the kind of recipe that practically cooks itself—just toss everything in and let the flavors meld together.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering stew:
- Beef Chuck: Cut into cubes, beef chuck is perfect for stews because it becomes incredibly tender as it cooks slowly.
- Guinness Beer: The star of the stew! The beer adds a deep, malty flavor that makes the broth extra rich.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots add a subtle sweetness and color to the stew.
- Potatoes: A hearty addition that makes the stew more filling and comforting.
- Onions: For a savory, aromatic base.
- Garlic: A few cloves of garlic to bring out the flavors in the stew.
- Beef Broth: Adds even more depth to the stew’s flavor.
- Tomato Paste: A touch of tomato paste to thicken the stew and give it that beautiful, rich color.
- Thyme and Bay Leaves: These herbs will infuse the stew with their aromatic flavors.
- Olive Oil: For searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the stew to perfection.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Here’s how you’re going to bring this amazing stew to life:
Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear them on all sides until they’re nicely browned. This helps lock in all those delicious flavors. Once seared, remove the beef and set it aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions and garlic. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, until the onions are softened and fragrant. This will create the perfect base for your stew.
Add the Liquids: Stir in the tomato paste, and then pour in the Guinness beer and beef broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—those bits are packed with flavor! Bring the liquid to a simmer.
Add the Beef Back In: Return the seared beef to the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer Slowly: Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully. Stir occasionally to ensure everything is cooking evenly.
Finish and Serve: Once the beef is tender and the stew has thickened to your liking, remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the stew hot, paired with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
How to Serve Guinness Beef Stew
This stew is perfect all on its own, but if you’re looking to make it even more delightful, try pairing it with one of these:
Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth is an absolute must.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes on the side make this meal even more comforting and satisfying.
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables like green beans or peas add a refreshing balance to the rich stew.
Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the stew and provide a refreshing contrast.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to make your stew even more fantastic:
Sear the Beef Well: Don’t rush this step! Browning the beef properly creates a deeper flavor and adds richness to the broth.
Use Leftover Stew: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The stew actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop.
Add Mushrooms: For an earthy twist, you can add sliced mushrooms along with the vegetables. They’ll soak up the delicious flavors of the stew.
Thicken the Broth: If you want a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot to create a heartier texture.
Slow Cooker Option: You can make this in a slow cooker. After searing the beef, add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of beer?
A1: Yes! If you don’t have Guinness, you can use another dark beer like stout or porter. Just keep in mind that it will alter the flavor slightly.
Q2: Can I make this stew in advance?
A2: Yes! Stew actually gets better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day ahead and reheat when ready to serve.
Q3: Can I freeze this stew?
A3: Yes! Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove.
Q4: What can I use instead of beef chuck?
A4: You can use other cuts of beef, like brisket or stew meat. Just make sure it’s a tougher cut that benefits from slow cooking.
Q5: How do I know when the beef is tender?
A5: When the beef is fork-tender and easily falls apart, it’s ready! If it’s still tough, let it simmer a little longer.
Q6: Can I add more vegetables?
A6: Absolutely! Feel free to add parsnips, turnips, or even some peas towards the end of the cooking time.
Q7: Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker?
A7: Yes, you can! After searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables, cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Quick and easy!
Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat.
Q9: Can I make this without alcohol?
A9: If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the Guinness with beef broth or a non-alcoholic beer.
Q10: Can I make this stew spicier?
A10: Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a bit of heat.
Conclusion
This Guinness Beef Stew is pure comfort in a bowl. With tender beef, rich flavors, and a perfect balance of savory vegetables, it’s everything you want in a hearty, soul-warming meal. Perfect for any occasion, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Enjoy the cozy, flavorful goodness, and let every spoonful take you to that perfect place of comfort.
Print
Guinness Beef Stew
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Irish-American
Description
Guinness Beef Stew is a hearty, rich, and flavorful dish, perfect for any occasion, especially St. Patrick’s Day! The beef is cooked slowly in a savory stout gravy, becoming tender and falling apart with every bite. With hearty vegetables and a touch of thyme, this comforting stew is the epitome of Irish cuisine.
Ingredients
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1 teaspoon vegetable oil
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4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
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3 pounds boneless chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
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Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
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2 large onions, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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2 tablespoons flour
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2 1/2 cups Guinness beer
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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2 1/2 cups beef broth
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2 sprigs thyme
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1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
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1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
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1/2 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
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Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch Oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add diced bacon and cook for 4-5 minutes until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and reserve.
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Season the beef generously with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove and reserve with the bacon.
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Lower the heat to medium. If necessary, add more oil, then stir in the onions and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
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Stir in the flour and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the paste darkens. Add the Guinness beer and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
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Add the beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir in the browned beef and bacon along with the thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil.
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Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 1 hour.
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Add carrots and potatoes, cover, and continue cooking for another hour or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked.
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If the stew is not thickened to your liking, increase the heat to medium-high and boil uncovered until thickened. Optionally, add a slurry of equal parts flour and cold liquid (beer, broth, or water) to thicken further.
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Discard the thyme sprigs, adjust seasoning if needed, and stir in the chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
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For thicker stew, add a slurry of flour and liquid towards the end of cooking.
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You can prepare this stew a day ahead as the flavors deepen and develop after resting in the fridge overnight.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg