There is something truly soul-satisfying about a rich, hearty Guinness Beef Stew Recipe that warms you from the inside out. This stew brings together tender chunks of beef, earthy vegetables, and the unmistakable depth of Guinness beer, creating a flavorful masterpiece that feels like a big, comforting hug on a plate. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a meal that’s both nourishing and indulgent, this Guinness Beef Stew Recipe is a timeless dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list intimidate you—these ingredients are straightforward, everyday essentials, each one playing a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this stew truly unforgettable.
- 3 Tbsp olive oil: For that initial sear to lock in juicy beef flavors and add a subtle richness.
- 2 lbs. chuck beef (stewing beef, or lamb shoulder, trimmed and cubed): The star protein that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it simmers.
- 1 onion (roughly sliced): Adds sweetness and complexity when softened.
- 1 celery stick (sliced): Offers a gentle crunch and fresh herbal notes.
- 4 medium carrots (peeled and cut into 1-2” pieces): Their sweetness balances the savory depth perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Provides aromatic warmth and a flavor punch.
- ¼ cup tomato paste: Intensifies the stew’s richness and adds a subtle tangy undertone.
- ¼ cup flour (all-purpose): Helps create a luscious, thick stew base when combined with beef juices.
- 4 cups beef broth: The savory liquid foundation of the stew.
- 1-½ cups Guinness beer: The secret hero that gives this beef stew a unique maltiness and depth.
- 2 lbs. yellow potatoes (cut in half): Starchy treasures that soak up all those fabulous flavors.
- Sea salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for highlighting all the other ingredients.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuse gentle herbal notes while simmering.
- 1 tsp thyme (dried): Adds a woodsy, earthy touch.
- 2 Tbsp parsley (fresh, chopped): A bright, fresh finishing herb.
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch: The thickening agent that ensures a perfect stew consistency.
- 2 Tbsp water: Used to create the cornstarch slurry for thickening.
How to Make Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by tossing the beef cubes in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper—this not only seasons the meat but also helps create a wonderful crust when browned. Heat your olive oil in a large Dutch oven, then brown the beef in batches so each piece gets that gorgeous caramelized exterior. This step is crucial because those browned bits left in the pan add incredible flavor to the stew later on. Set the browned beef aside once done.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Build the Broth
Next, soften the onions in the pot until they just start to turn translucent—this sweetens them up beautifully. Add them to the beef bowl, then pour in the Guinness beer, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift up all those caramelized bits. This is where the stew starts developing its rich character. Stir in the beef broth and tomato paste to round out the flavors. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for 45 minutes—this allows the beef to begin tenderizing while soaking in those delicious liquids.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Simmer Until Tender
Now’s the time to add the remaining vegetables and herbs: carrots, celery, garlic, yellow potatoes, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir everything together, cover again, and simmer for another 45 minutes until the beef and vegetables are fork-tender and the flavors meld into something magical. This slow cooking is what makes this Guinness Beef Stew Recipe truly special, giving every bite that cozy richness you crave in a stew.
Step 4: Thicken to Perfection
When the stew is ready, mix the cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry. Slowly add this to the simmering stew, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your preferred consistency. This final step turns the broth into a silky, luscious sauce that clings lovingly to every morsel of beef and vegetable.
How to Serve Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and a burst of herbaceous brightness that lightens the stew beautifully. You can also add a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper for a little extra edge. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of creamy horseradish sauce or crusty bread smeared with butter on the side elevates the experience.
Side Dishes
While this stew is hearty enough on its own, pairing it with classic sides makes the meal even more inviting. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery Irish soda bread complement the Guinness Beef Stew Recipe perfectly. Roasted root vegetables or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette add balance and freshness, ensuring your meal is well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the stew in individual rustic bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. For a fun twist, hollow out a crusty bread bowl and ladle the stew inside—guests love the interactive element! You can also top the stew with crispy fried onions or shredded sharp cheddar for an extra indulgent touch. Presentation is all about making this comforting classic feel even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Guinness Beef Stew Recipe tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had a chance to meld fully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you reheat, do it gently on the stove to keep the beef tender and the sauce silky.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully! After cooling completely, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave room for expansion and label the container with the date. Freezing is perfect for when you want to enjoy this delicious Guinness Beef Stew Recipe on a busy night with minimal effort.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw the stew overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as the texture might suffer, and reheating slowly ensures the beef stays tender and the sauce remains silky.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of beer instead of Guinness?
While Guinness adds a unique maltiness and subtle bitterness that defines this stew, you can experiment with other dark beers like stouts or porters. Just keep in mind that lighter beers will change the flavor profile and may make the stew less rich.
Is chuck beef the best cut for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chuck beef is perfect for stewing because it has enough fat and connective tissue to become tender and flavorful during long, slow cooking. You can also try lamb shoulder if you want a slightly different flavor, but avoid leaner cuts to prevent dryness.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the beef and sauté the onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Add the cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken the stew before serving.
What can I substitute for cornstarch if I don’t have any?
Flour works well as a thickener too. Mix a bit of flour with cold water to make a slurry, similar to cornstarch. Just add it gradually to the stew while stirring, and cook a few extra minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
How do I make the stew more flavorful?
Taking the time to brown the beef properly and deglaze the pan with Guinness is key. Also, letting the stew simmer low and slow allows flavors to develop fully. Don’t skip seasoning with salt and pepper at each step, and consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra umami boost.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made this Guinness Beef Stew Recipe before, now is the perfect time to give it a go. The combination of tender beef, garden vegetables, and that unmistakable Guinness richness creates a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Once you try it, this stew will quickly become your go-to comfort food for any occasion that calls for something truly special.
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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: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This hearty Guinness Beef Stew is a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. Tender chunks of chuck beef are browned and then slowly simmered with Guinness beer, beef broth, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs to develop rich, deep flavors. The stew is thickened with a cornstarch slurry to create a luscious, satisfying texture, making it an ideal meal for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Coating
- 2 lbs. chuck beef (stewing beef, or lamb shoulder, trimmed and cubed)
- ¼ cup flour (all-purpose)
- 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 Seasoning
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1–½ cups Guinness beer
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp thyme (dried)
- 2 Tbsp parsley (fresh, chopped)
Thickening
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp water
Instructions
- Prepare and Brown Beef: In a bowl, combine flour, sea salt, and pepper. Coat the cubed beef evenly with this flour mixture. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Shake off excess flour from the beef and brown it in small batches in the heated oil, ensuring a good sear on all sides. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Deglaze Pot: Add sliced onions to the pot and cook until they start to soften, approximately 3 minutes. Remove them and add to the browned beef. Pour the Guinness beer into the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom with a spatula or wooden spoon, which adds depth to the stew. Stir in the beef broth and tomato paste, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Simmer: After 45 minutes, add celery, carrots, potatoes, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and chopped parsley to the pot. Continue to simmer the stew, covered, for another 45 minutes or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Thicken the Stew: Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly stir the slurry into the simmering stew, continuing to cook until the stew reaches the desired thickness. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh herbs if available.
- Make sure to brown the beef well to enhance the stew’s depth of flavor.
- Simmer gently to ensure the meat becomes tender without drying out.
- This stew can be made a day ahead; flavors improve after resting overnight.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
