If you’re looking for a rich, hearty dish that wraps you in the cozy embrace of deep flavors, this Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Picture tender chunks of beef slowly simmered in dark, robust Guinness beer with a hint of bittersweet chocolate, surrounded by melt-in-your-mouth vegetables and a thick, luscious broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. This stew is comfort food elevated, perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings when you want a satisfying, fuss-free meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward an unforgettable stew. Each one contributes something special, from the savory depth of the beef and bacon to the subtle sweetness of potatoes and carrots, making this Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe a full-flavored masterpiece.
- 2 pounds boneless beef chuck: The hearty beef cut ensures your stew is tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
- ½ pound bacon (about 8 slices): Adds smoky richness and fat for browning your beef, intensifying the overall flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
- 3 onions, chopped: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that melts beautifully into the broth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant punch and depth to the stew.
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced: Sweetness and texture contrast that softens just right during cooking.
- 2 large celery ribs, sliced: Contributes subtle earthiness and a slight crunch that balances the stew.
- 1 ½ cups Yukon gold potatoes, cubed: Absorb the stew’s rich flavors while providing a creamy texture.
- 1 ½ cups beef broth: A savory liquid base that blends beautifully with all ingredients.
- 18 ounces dark beer (like Guinness): The star that infuses the stew with malty, slightly bitter notes, essential for that authentic Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe taste.
- ¼ cup tomato paste: Thickens the broth and adds a concentrated tomato richness.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami and adds slight tanginess.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the bitterness of the beer and acidity of tomato paste.
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper: Provides gentle heat throughout the stew.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Offers subtle herbal notes and warmth.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses the stew with mildly floral, fragrant complexity.
- 1 ounce bittersweet chocolate, chopped: Surprising but brilliant—adds depth and richness to the broth.
- ⅓ cup flour: Used to thicken the stew for that perfectly luscious consistency.
How to Make Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Beef
Start by cutting your boneless beef chuck into generous 1 ½ inch chunks. Give each piece a good sprinkle of salt and pepper so the seasoning sinks in while you prep the rest of the ingredients. This seasoning step might seem simple, but it’s the foundation of good flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat, fry your bacon slices until they’re perfectly crisp. Once done, remove and crumble the bacon, leaving the flavorful fat behind. This bacon fat is gold for browning the beef—don’t skip it! It adds such incredible depth to your stew.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Using the hot bacon fat, brown the seasoned beef chunks in batches. Don’t crowd the pan; you want that beautiful golden crust, which locks in juices and boosts flavor. As each batch browns, transfer the beef pieces to your slow cooker. Once all beef is browned, toss in the crumbled bacon for even more savory goodness.
Step 4: Combine Broth and Tomato Paste
Whisk together your beef broth and tomato paste until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef and bacon in the slow cooker, making sure everything starts to mingle in those deep, rich flavors.
Step 5: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Now for the garden-fresh touch—add your chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots and celery, plus your cubed potatoes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, sugar, ground pepper, dried thyme, and of course, the bay leaf. This medley will create a vibrant, layered flavor profile as it cooks away.
Step 6: Add Beer and Chocolate
Pour in your dark beer like Guinness, the soul of this recipe. Then sprinkle in the chopped bittersweet chocolate. It melts into the stew slowly, creating an unexpectedly luscious finish. Give everything a good stir to combine before moving on.
Step 7: Slow Cook the Stew
Seal your slow cooker with the lid and set it to low for 8 hours. This long, slow cooking time lets the beef soften to fork-tender perfection and allows every flavor to harmonize beautifully—patience is key here.
Step 8: Thicken the Stew
When the timer goes off, remove the lid and carefully ladle one cup of the cooking liquid into a separate bowl. Whisk in your flour to make a smooth slurry, then pour it back into the slow cooker. Stir everything up and let it cook another 5 minutes to thicken that stew into a perfectly rich and hearty consistency.
Step 9: Finish and Serve
Finally, scoop out and discard the bay leaf, give your stew one last gentle stir, and it’s ready to serve! This Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe tastes incredible straight from the pot, especially if you sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for a fresh burst of color.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of chopped chives adds not only color but a bright, fresh contrast to the stew’s richness. For an extra indulgent touch, a dollop of creamy horseradish or sour cream on the side brings lovely cooling balance.
Side Dishes
This stew is a meal in itself, but if you want to round things out, crusty bread or buttery mashed potatoes are dream partners. The bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of that glorious stew broth, while mashed potatoes amplify the comfort factor.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe in rustic bowls for an inviting feel. If you’re hosting, consider individual bread bowls hollowed out to nestle the stew inside – it’s both impressive and delicious! A sprinkle of grated sharp cheddar or a dash of smoked paprika can also add a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your stew cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days while the flavors actually deepen, making leftover bites even more satisfying.
Freezing
This stew freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Warm the stew until heated through, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it seems thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that perfect consistency and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different beer if I don’t have Guinness?
Absolutely! While Guinness gives this stew its signature deep flavor, you can substitute with any dark beer such as a stout or porter. Avoid light beers as they won’t provide the same richness.
Do I have to brown the beef and cook the bacon first?
Browning the beef and cooking the bacon first adds layers of flavor through caramelization that can’t be replicated by slow cooking alone. It’s worth the extra step for a deeply savory stew.
What if I don’t have bittersweet chocolate?
You can omit the chocolate, but it contributes a subtle richness and rounds out the stew’s flavors beautifully. If you want a substitute, try a small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder for a similar effect.
Can I make this stew in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function for bacon and browning, then pressure cook on high for about 35 minutes. Just remember to use the thickening step at the end for the perfect stew consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. This stew reheats well and flavors even improve after a day or two. It makes a comforting, ready-to-go meal for busy weeks.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe is truly a treasure of comfort cooking, bringing bold, hearty flavors with minimum fuss. It’s perfect for chilly days when you want to come home to something warm, satisfying, and filled with love. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple you’ll want to make again and again.
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Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender chunks of beef chuck simmered slowly with vegetables, rich dark beer, bacon, and a hint of bittersweet chocolate for depth. Perfect for cozy dinners, this recipe combines the robust taste of Guinness with classic stew ingredients, slow-cooked to perfection for an exceptionally tender and savory meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Meat
- 2 pounds (907 g) boneless beef chuck, cut into 1 ½ inch chunks
- ½ pound bacon (about 8 slices)
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
Vegetables
- 3 onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 large celery ribs, sliced
- 1 ½ cups (355 g) Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1 inch cubes
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 ½ cups (355 ml) beef broth
- 18 ounces (510 ml) dark beer (like Guinness)
- ¼ cup (66 g) tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Seasonings and Others
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 ounce (28 g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- ⅓ cup (42 g) flour
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Beef: Cut the beef chuck into 1 ½ inch chunks and generously season with salt and pepper. Set aside to absorb the seasoning while preparing other ingredients.
- Cook Bacon: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, fry the bacon until crisp. Remove bacon from the pan, crumble it, and set aside. Keep the bacon fat in the pan.
- Brown the Beef: In batches, brown the seasoned beef pieces in the bacon fat, avoiding overcrowding. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker insert. Add crumbled bacon to slow cooker after browning all beef.
- Combine Broth and Tomato Paste: Whisk beef broth and tomato paste until smooth. Pour this mixture over the beef and bacon in the slow cooker to coat evenly.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots and celery, cubed potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, ground pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Add Beer and Chocolate: Pour in the dark beer (Guinness) and sprinkle chopped bittersweet chocolate. Stir everything to distribute the chocolate well.
- Slow Cook the Stew: Cover the slow cooker with lid and set to cook on low for 8 hours to tenderize beef and blend flavors.
- Thicken the Stew: After cooking, remove lid and ladle 1 cup of stew liquid into a bowl. Whisk in flour until smooth slurry forms. Pour slurry back into slow cooker and stir. Cook an additional 5 minutes to thicken.
- Finish and Serve: Remove and discard bay leaf. Stir stew and serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
- For best flavor, use a good quality dark beer like Guinness.
- Chopping the chocolate finely helps it melt evenly into the stew.
- If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a heavy skillet can be used to brown bacon and beef.
- The stew can be made a day ahead; flavors deepen after resting overnight.
- Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Irish
