Devine Beef and Guinness Stew: Hearty and Tasty

 

There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of beef and Guinness stew on a cold day. This Irish classic combines tender chunks of beef with rich, dark Guinness beer to create a deeply flavorful comfort food that’ll warm you from the inside out. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Serving Size: 6 servings

 

 

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Guinness Stew

This beef and Guinness stew is the ultimate comfort food. The dark beer adds a rich, malty depth that you just can’t get from regular beef stew. As it simmers low and slow, the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. The vegetables soak up all those incredible flavors. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing.

The Guinness doesn’t make this stew taste like beer. Instead, it adds a subtle richness and helps tenderize the meat. Even if you’re not a beer drinker, you’ll love this recipe.

Ingredients for Beef and Guinness Stew

For the Stew:

• 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 bottle (11.2 oz) Guinness stout
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 pound potatoes, cut into chunks
• 1 cup frozen peas

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crusty bread for serving

How to Make Beef and Guinness Stew

Step 1: Prep Your Beef

Pat your beef cubes dry with paper towels. This is important for getting a good sear. In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and pepper. Toss the beef cubes in this mixture until they’re evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the beef on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per batch. Don’t overcrowd the pan. You want a nice golden crust on the meat. Remove the browned beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build Your Flavor Base

In the same pot, add the chopped onions. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and starting to brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. This deepens the flavor.

Step 4: Add the Guinness

Now for the star ingredient. Pour in the Guinness, scraping up all those tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Those bits are pure flavor. Let the beer simmer for about 5 minutes. This cooks off some of the alcohol and concentrates the flavor.

Step 5: Simmer the Stew

Return the beef to the pot along with any juices. Add the beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally.

Step 6: Add the Vegetables

After 1.5 hours, add the carrots and potatoes. Cover again and simmer for another 45 minutes. The vegetables should be tender and the beef should be falling apart.

Step 7: Finish with Peas

In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

 

 

Tips for the Best Beef and Guinness Stew

Choose the Right Cut

Chuck roast is ideal for this beef and Guinness stew. It has enough fat to stay moist during long cooking. The connective tissue breaks down and makes the meat incredibly tender. You can also use beef stew meat, but chuck is my favorite.

Don’t Skip the Browning

Browning the beef creates a flavorful crust and adds depth to your stew. Yes, it takes extra time. But it’s worth every minute. Those caramelized bits are the foundation of great flavor.

Use Real Guinness

While any dark stout will work, traditional Guinness really is the best choice. It has the perfect balance of bitter and sweet. The roasted barley flavor is what makes this stew special.

Low and Slow is Key

Resist the urge to crank up the heat. Beef and Guinness stew needs gentle simmering to become tender. High heat will make the meat tough. Plan for at least 2.5 hours of total cooking time.

Make It Ahead

This stew actually tastes better the next day. The flavors have time to meld together. Make it on Sunday and enjoy easy dinners all week. It keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Variations on Traditional Beef and Guinness Stew

Add Mushrooms

Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions. They add an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the Guinness.

Try Root Vegetables

Swap some of the potatoes for parsnips or turnips. These root vegetables add a sweet, earthy note to your beef and Guinness stew.

Make It Spicy

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onions. A little heat balances the richness nicely.

Use Bacon

Cook 4 strips of chopped bacon before browning the beef. Use the bacon fat to brown the meat. Stir the crispy bacon back in at the end.

Serving Suggestions

Beef and Guinness stew is a complete meal in a bowl. But here are some serving ideas to make it even better:

• Serve over creamy mashed potatoes
• Pair with Irish soda bread or crusty baguette
• Add a simple green salad on the side
• Top with fresh chopped parsley
• Serve with extra Guinness for drinking

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover beef and Guinness stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth if it’s gotten too thick. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1/6 of recipe):

• Calories: 485
• Protein: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 895mg
• Cholesterol: 125mg
• Iron: 5mg
• Vitamin A: 180% DV
• Vitamin C: 25% DV

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make beef and Guinness stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first. Then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

What if I don’t drink alcohol?

You can substitute the Guinness with beef broth. Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and a teaspoon of coffee for depth. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be delicious.

Can I use a different beer?

Yes! Any dark stout or porter will work. Just avoid hoppy IPAs. They’ll make your stew bitter.

Why is my stew watery?

If your beef and Guinness stew is too thin, simmer it uncovered for the last 30 minutes. You can also mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in.

Final Thoughts

This beef and Guinness stew is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s rich, hearty, and full of deep, savory flavors. The tender beef practically melts in your mouth. The vegetables are perfectly cooked. And that Guinness gravy? Absolutely incredible.

Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving something warm and satisfying, this recipe won’t disappoint. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for company. Give it a try and see why beef and Guinness stew has been a beloved Irish classic for generations.

Grab your Dutch oven and get cooking.

 

Your family will thank you!