If you’re searching for a comforting, soul-warming meal that feels like an Irish pub hug in a bowl, this Guinness Beef Stew is just the ticket. Each spoonful delivers melt-in-your-mouth beef, hearty vegetables, and that signature richness from Guinness stout. It’s the kind of dish that wins over everyone at the table, from the most traditional stew lovers to those simply in need of a little edible TLC. Whether for St. Patrick’s Day or any cold evening, this Guinness Beef Stew transforms humble ingredients into a deeply savory, satisfying feast that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Guinness Beef Stew shines with a lineup of simple, classic ingredients that each add their own magic. These basics combine to create deep, complex flavors, tender bites, and beautiful color—proof that you don’t need fancy groceries for incredible comfort food.
- Beef chuck (2 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes): The essential foundation for a stew that’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps brown the beef and slightly thickens the stew as it simmers.
- Salt and black pepper: These basics bring all the flavors to life—don’t be shy about seasoning the beef well.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a rich layer of flavor and encourages beautiful caramelization as you brown the beef.
- Chopped onion (1 large): Infuses subtle sweetness and depth into the base of the stew.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Wakes everything up with a gentle punch of aroma and taste.
- Carrots (3 medium, sliced): Offer up color, natural sweetness, and that classic stew heartiness.
- Celery stalks (2, sliced): Give a fresh, gentle backbone of flavor to balance the richness.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): A small scoop adds umami depth and a touch of richness to the sauce.
- Guinness stout (1 bottle, 11–12 ounces): The star of the show, bringing bold malty notes and extra body to the stew.
- Beef broth (4 cups): Keeps everything tender and juicy, while layering in savoriness.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 teaspoons): Adds a tangy, savory spark that ties it all together.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Offers classic herbal notes that pair beautifully with beef and beer.
- Bay leaves (2): Infuse the whole stew with a subtle, comforting earthiness.
- Potatoes (4 medium, peeled and diced): These soak up the luscious gravy and make every bowl seriously filling.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): The bright finishing touch for both color and a pop of fresh flavor.
How to Make Guinness Beef Stew
Step 1: Season and Flour the Beef
Begin by generously seasoning your beef cubes with salt and pepper. Toss them in a bowl with the flour until just lightly coated on all sides. This extra step helps create a golden crust during browning and will gently thicken your stew later. Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute!
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Grab your favorite Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot and heat up that olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the floured beef cubes so each side gets a glorious brown crust—this is where tons of flavor is built! Once browned, scoop them out onto a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the same pot, scraping the caramelized beef bits as it softens for about five minutes. Drop in the garlic next, letting it cook just until fragrant (about 30 seconds); you want its aroma to bloom, not burn.
Step 4: Build the Stew Base
Stir in the carrots and celery, giving everything a good toss, then add the tomato paste. Let it cook for two minutes so its flavors deepen and meld into the vegetables. The kitchen should already be smelling fantastic!
Step 5: Add the Guinness and Broth
Now for the star move: pour in the entire bottle of Guinness stout, scraping up any stuck-on goodness from the pot’s bottom. Follow with the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. This is when your stew starts singing with flavor.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Return your seared beef to the pot. Bring the liquid up to a gentle boil, then drop the heat to low, pop on a lid, and let it simmer for one hour. The beef will start to soak up all those complex, malty, and savory notes from the Guinness Beef Stew base.
Step 7: Add the Potatoes and Finish Cooking
Add the diced potatoes, cover, and continue to simmer for another 30 to 40 minutes. The stew is ready when the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are plush and soft. Don’t forget to fish out those bay leaves! Do a final taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle that gorgeous green parsley over the top just before serving. The color and fresh flavor really wake up each bowl of Guinness Beef Stew—plus, it looks so inviting!
How to Serve Guinness Beef Stew
Garnishes
No bowl of Guinness Beef Stew is complete without a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. For a little extra flair, try a few shavings of sharp Irish cheddar or a dollop of creamy horseradish on top. The right garnish not only brightens up your stew but adds another dimension of taste and texture.
Side Dishes
Nothing beats a slice of crusty bread (preferably warm!) for mopping up every drop of savory gravy. If you want to double down on comfort, serve this stew over a spoonful of buttery mashed potatoes or alongside roasted root vegetables. For a lighter pairing, a peppery green salad makes a fresh counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, consider ladling your Guinness Beef Stew into individual bread bowls, or serve it “family style” in a large, rustic Dutch oven right in the middle of the table. You can even turn leftovers into fun hand pies or top with puff pastry for a stew-meets-pot-pie mashup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Guinness Beef Stew cool to room temperature, then store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The flavors only deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more irresistible! Properly stored, it’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to four days.
Freezing
This stew freezes like a champ. Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little room for expansion. It keeps beautifully for up to three months. When a cold, busy night strikes, you’ll thank yourself for having a stash on hand.
Reheating
Warm the stew gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of extra broth or water if needed to get it back to your preferred consistency. For a quick fix, you can even use the microwave—just cover and stop to stir midway.
FAQs
Can I make Guinness Beef Stew in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, the stew tends to taste even better the next day as the flavors meld and deepen. Simply store it in the fridge and gently reheat whenever you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of beef chuck?
If beef chuck isn’t handy, you can substitute another stew-friendly cut like brisket or even boneless short ribs. The key is to use a cut with enough marbling, so the beef becomes tender after a slow simmer.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and choose a gluten-free stout (they’re popping up everywhere these days). With those tweaks, Guinness Beef Stew can be enjoyed by all.
Can I make this Guinness Beef Stew in a slow cooker?
Definitely. Follow all the browning and sautéing steps on the stovetop, then transfer everything into your slow cooker. Cook on low for about 8 hours or until the beef and veggies are melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Will other beers work if I don’t have Guinness?
While Guinness stout is classic for this stew, any robust, malty stout or porter will do in a pinch. Just steer clear of anything too hoppy, as it can turn the stew bitter.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Guinness Beef Stew enough when the craving for true comfort food hits. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, every bowl brings cozy flavors and a taste of Ireland into your kitchen. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it becomes your new family tradition!
Print
Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty Guinness Beef Stew is a classic Irish dish that is perfect for a comforting meal, especially during colder months. Tender beef simmered in a rich and flavorful broth with vegetables and Guinness stout, this stew is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
Beef:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
Other:
- 1 (11-12 ounce) bottle Guinness stout
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Beef: Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, then coat lightly with flour.
- Brown Beef: Brown beef in batches in a large Dutch oven. Set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: Cook onion until softened, then add garlic, carrots, celery, and tomato paste.
- Add Liquids: Pour in Guinness stout, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Simmer: Return beef to pot, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 1 hour.
- Add Potatoes: Add potatoes and cook for another 30-40 minutes until tender.
- Season and Serve: Discard bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes
- Leftovers taste even better the next day
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
