This hearty Guinness beef stew is packed with tender beef, carrots, and potatoes swimming in a rich, dark sauce. It’s perfect for warming you up on chilly days!
I love how the Guinness gives the stew a deep flavor that really impresses. Plus, it’s a great excuse to enjoy a pint while cooking. Cheers to that! 🍻
Making this stew is simple—just brown the meat, toss in the veggies, and let it simmer. The smell in your kitchen will have everyone eager to dig in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is great for stews because it becomes really tender as it cooks. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute with sirloin or round steak, but keep in mind they may not be as juicy.
Guinness Stout: The deep flavor of Guinness enriches the stew. If you don’t have Guinness, any dark beer like brown ale or porter works well. For non-alcoholic, you can use beef broth or a non-alcoholic stout.
Vegetables: The classic combo of carrots, celery, and onion is essential here. If you’re out of celery, feel free to use bell pepper or parsnips. You can also add mushrooms for extra depth.
Potatoes: I use russet potatoes for their creamy texture, but yellow or red potatoes are also tasty options. Just make sure to cut them into even sizes for consistent cooking.
How Do You Get the Beef Perfectly Tender?
To ensure your beef turns out melt-in-your-mouth tender, browning is key! Here’s how to do it:
- First, season your beef with salt and pepper. This not only adds flavor but helps create a nice crust.
- Use a heavy pot or Dutch oven and heat it well. Browning on medium-high heat is crucial—too low might steam your meat instead of searing it.
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding your pot. If there’s too much meat at once, it will steam instead of brown.
- After browning, allow the pot to heat back up before adding veggies. This prevents sticking and helps build flavor.
Follow these tips, and your stew will have a rich, comforting taste that everyone will love. Happy cooking!
How to Make Guinness Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 (14.9 oz) can or bottle Guinness stout beer
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: 2 tbsp chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Guinness beef stew takes about 30 minutes for preparation and around 2 hours for cooking, totaling around 2.5 hours. It’s worth the wait as the flavors develop beautifully during the slow cooking process!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by seasoning the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. This enhances the flavor from the start!
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning it on all sides until nicely caramelized—about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and chopped celery until they begin to soften and smell incredible, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Tomato Paste:
Stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook for about 1 minute to integrate the flavors.
5. Coat with Flour:
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to coat everything well. Cook for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
6. Add Guinness:
Pour in the Guinness stout slowly while stirring to deglaze the pot. Scrape up any browned bits left from the beef—this adds to the flavor!
7. Combine Ingredients:
Now, add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaf, and the browned beef back into the pot. Stir everything together well.
8. Simmer the Stew:
Bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is super tender.
9. Add the Potatoes:
Add the potato chunks to the stew, cover again, and cook for another 30-40 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
10. Final Touches:
Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
11. Serve:
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and chopped green onions, if you’d like. This hearty stew pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or some rustic crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. Enjoy every bite!
Warm and comforting, this Guinness beef stew is sure to become a favorite for chilly evenings!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for stews due to its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or short ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the cut used.
What If I Don’t Have Guinness?
No worries! If you don’t have Guinness, you can substitute with another dark beer, like a brown ale or porter, for a similar rich flavor. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, just replace it with additional beef broth, or use a non-alcoholic stout if available.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually improve as they meld together! Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the stew.
Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can definitely make this stew in a slow cooker! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables in a pan first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, adding potatoes in the last hour of cooking.