Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food
The rich aroma of Guinness Beef Stew wafting through your kitchen creates an inviting warmth that’s hard to resist. Picture tender chunks of beef braised in a robust sauce, deepened with the distinctive flavor of stout beer, complemented by fresh vegetables and crispy bacon. Each spoonful is a cozy hug on a chilly evening, perfect for gathering around the dinner table with loved ones. This is not just a meal; it is a celebration of Irish culture and comfort food at its finest.
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Having first tasted this dish during a spirited St. Patrick’s Day gathering, I was struck by the combination of flavors weaving together into something unbelievably satisfying. Unlike many typical stews, this one relies on the depth of Guinness, rather than merely stock, creating a delightful complexity that you won’t find in store-bought versions. Easy and budget-friendly, the Guinness Beef Stew offers crowd-pleasing comfort yet still feels deserving of a special occasion. I’m excited to share this recipe, which has become a personal favorite, and I hope you’ll find it just as delightful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe easily fits into a busy weeknight schedule.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of Guinness, tender beef, and fresh veggies creates a hearty and flavor-packed dish.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This stew’s deep brown coloring and chunky ingredients make it visually stunning for any table setting.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as a filling dinner, a potluck dish, or alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a true Irish experience.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable; you can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tbsp olive oil: This is essential for searing the beef and enhancing the overall flavor. You can also use canola oil or butter if preferred.
- 2.5 lb beef chuck, boneless short rib, or any other slow cooking beef: Opt for cuts that are well-marbled for maximum tenderness. If needed, you can substitute with brisket or round.
- 3/4 tsp each salt and black pepper: These seasoning basics amplify the stew’s taste. Feel free to adjust based on your preference.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth—don’t skip it!
- 2 onions, chopped: Brown, white, or yellow onions all work well. They contribute sweetness as they soften.
- 6 oz bacon, speck, or pancetta, diced: The bacon infuses a smoky richness. For alternatives, turkey bacon can be used for a lighter version.
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour: This thickens your stew beautifully; gluten-free flour can be used for those with dietary needs.
- 440 ml Guinness beer: The star of the show! Its complex flavors are unmatched; feel free to experiment with other stouts if desired.
- 4 tbsp tomato paste: It deepens the stew’s richness and adds a subtle sweetness.
- 3 cups chicken stock/broth (or beef broth): Homemade stock is ideal, but store-bought works perfectly too. Just be mindful of salt levels.
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1.25 cm/1/2″ thick pieces: Sweet and slightly earthy, they provide great texture.
- 2 large celery stalks, cut into 2 cm/1″ pieces: The celery adds more depth to the stew, balancing the flavors nicely.
- 2 bay leaves: These impart a lovely fragrance throughout the dish.
- 3 sprigs thyme (or sub with 1 tsp dried thyme leaves): Fresh thyme brings brightness; dried can be used in a pinch.
How to Make Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food
Cut and Season Beef: Begin by cutting the beef chuck into 5 cm/2″ chunks and patting it dry. Make sure to evenly sprinkle with 3/4 tsp salt and black pepper for maximum flavor.
Brown the Beef: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-based pot over high heat. In batches, add the seasoned beef, ensuring it browns well on all sides—this step is crucial for developing flavor. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and repeat with the remaining pieces.
Sauté Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium. If your pot seems dry, drizzle a bit more olive oil. Add the minced garlic and chopped onions, cooking for about 3 minutes until softened. This creates a fragrant base for your stew.
Cook the Bacon: Introduce 6 oz of diced bacon to the onion mixture, cooking until it turns golden brown. The rendered fat from the bacon is key to a rich and savory stew.
Add Vegetables: Stir in the carrots and celery, letting them cook through for a couple of minutes. This ensures they absorb all the delicious flavors from the pot.
Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle in 3 tbsp of all-purpose flour and stir for about 1 minute to cook off the raw taste of the flour. This will help to thicken your stew beautifully.
Pour in Liquids: Now it’s time for the good stuff! Pour in 440 ml of Guinness, followed by 3 cups of chicken stock (or beef broth) and 4 tbsp of tomato paste. Mix well to ensure the flour dissolves completely.
Season with Herbs: Toss in the 2 bay leaves and 3 sprigs of thyme, giving everything a good stir. This step is where the magic begins, as the herbs elevate the dish’s taste profile.
Return Beef to Pot: Place the browned beef back into the pot, including any juices that have collected on the plate. The liquid level should just cover the beef. If it doesn’t, add a bit more broth.
Simmer the Stew: Cover the pot and lower the heat so it bubbles gently. Let it simmer for about 2 hours. By this time, the beef should be tender enough to break apart easily.
Finish Cooking: Remove the lid and let it simmer for an additional 30-45 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and intensify. You’ll know it’s done when the beef pulls apart with very little effort.
Adjust and Serve: If desired, skim off some fat from the surface before serving. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs before sharing this delicious dish with your diners.
Storing & Reheating
To store your Guinness Beef Stew, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for a few hours but should be refrigerated for no longer than 3-4 days. For longer storage, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, where it can last for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm the stew on the stove over low heat until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Keep in mind that flavors may meld even more, deepening the richness, while the texture of the meat may become softer.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcrowding the pot when browning the beef, as this can lead to steaming rather than browning. If needed, do it in smaller batches for better results.
- For even more flavor, consider marinating the beef in Guinness for a couple of hours before cooking—it’s a fun twist!
- If you have any leftover stew, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld.
- Use leftover bacon fat for sauteing—this adds another layer of deliciousness to your stew.
- Consider serving with fresh bread to sop up every last drop of that rich sauce.
The beauty of Guinness Beef Stew lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. It’s hearty enough to please a crowd and easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Don’t hesitate to experiment—whether it’s swapping in your favorite vegetables or trying different types of beer to see how it changes the dish. Now, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this classic Irish comfort food. Bon appétit!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of beer?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of Guinness, feel free to experiment with other stouts or even a dark lager. Just remember that the beer’s flavor will influence the dish, so pick one that you enjoy drinking.
How do I thicken the stew if it’s too watery?
If your stew comes out thinner than you’d prefer, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the simmering stew for a few minutes until it thickens.
Can I prepare this stew in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the stew a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently on the stove or in the slow cooker on low until warmed through. This dish often improves in flavor when allowed to sit overnight.
What’s the best way to serve Guinness Beef Stew?
Guinness Beef Stew is traditionally served with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread for dipping. You can also pair it with a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast.
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📖 Recipe Card
Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 190 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This Guinness Beef Stew is an unforgettable comfort dish with tender beef and rich flavor. Perfectly simple to prepare, it’s an ideal choice for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2.5 lb beef chuck, boneless short rib or any other slow cooking beef
- 3/4 tsp each salt and black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 onions, chopped
- 6 oz bacon, speck or pancetta, diced
- 3 tbsp flour
- 440ml Guinness beer
- 4 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups chicken stock/broth
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1.25 cm pieces
- 2 large celery stalks, cut into 2cm pieces
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 sprigs thyme
Instructions
- Cut the beef into 5cm chunks and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a heavy pot, heat olive oil over high heat. Brown the beef in batches, then set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add more oil if necessary.
- Cook garlic and onion for 3 minutes until soft, then add bacon and brown it.
- Mix in carrots and celery, cooking until tender.
- Sprinkle the flour into the mixture and stir for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Pour in Guinness, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Stir to combine everything, ensuring the flour dissolves. Add bay leaves and thyme.
- Return the browned beef to the pot, making sure the liquid covers it.
- Cover the pot, lower the heat, and let it simmer for 2 hours. Check for tenderness.
- Remove the lid and simmer for an additional 30 to 45 minutes until beef is fork-tender and sauce thickens.
- Skim off any excess fat, adjust seasoning and remove bay leaves and thyme before serving.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and ensure your beer is gluten-free.
Serving with creamy mashed potatoes complements the stew beautifully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
