Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, dark beer broth come together in this comforting Guinness Beef Stew — the perfect meal for chilly nights. It’s one of those dishes that fills the house with irresistible aromas and promises pure, soul-soothing satisfaction.
Simmered low and slow with the bold flavor of Guinness stout, this classic Irish dish is all about deep, soul-warming comfort. If you love rustic, hearty meals, you might also enjoy our Ossobuco, another slow-cooked favorite that’s rich with deep, savory flavor.
Perfect for family dinners, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, or whenever you need a cozy bowl of goodness, this stew brings a rustic warmth to any table. And for a lighter side to complement it, our Fig Salad adds a fresh, vibrant contrast.
✅ Recipe Summary
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
🍽️ Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
👥 Servings: 6 servings
⚡ Difficulty: Easy
🧾 Ingredients
- 2½ pounds beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes (1.1kg)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15g)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (30g)
- 1 bottle Guinness stout (330ml)
- 2 cups beef broth (480ml)
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 bay leaf
👩🍳 Instructions
- Pat the beef dry with paper towels.
Toss cubes lightly with flour, salt, and pepper. - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
Brown the beef in batches, removing to a plate as you go. - In the same pot, add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. - Stir in tomato paste, scraping up any browned bits.
- Pour in Guinness, scraping the bottom of the pot.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes. - Return the beef to the pot.
Add beef broth, carrots, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. - Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and cook gently for 2–2½ hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender. - Remove the bay leaf.
Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.
📌 Notes
✅ Browning the beef properly deepens the flavor of the stew.
✅ Guinness adds richness but not a bitter taste when slow-cooked.
✅ Cut vegetables into larger chunks so they don’t overcook.
🔄 Variations & Add-ons
✅ Add mushrooms or parsnips for even heartier texture.
✅ Stir in frozen peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a pop of color.
✅ Try serving over mashed potatoes for an extra-comforting meal.
🥄 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
🌍 Background Story
Stews have been a staple of hearty meals across the world for centuries, and Guinness Beef Stew holds a special place in Irish culinary tradition.
Brewed since 1759, Guinness stout lends a deep, complex flavor to slow-cooked dishes, balancing the sweetness of root vegetables and the savoriness of tender beef.
What started as a simple, rustic meal for farmers and laborers has become a beloved comfort food served in Irish pubs and homes alike.
This Guinness Beef Stew is a beautiful example of how a few simple ingredients, given time and care, can create something deeply satisfying — perfect for sharing and celebrating life’s cozy, everyday moments.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve Guinness Beef Stew in deep bowls with a hunk of crusty bread or traditional Irish soda bread on the side.
It pairs beautifully with a pint of stout, a glass of bold red wine, or a simple buttered potato mash.
❓ FAQs About Guinness Beef Stew
Can I make Guinness Beef Stew ahead of time?
Absolutely!
It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Can I cook it in a slow cooker?
Yes — brown the beef first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 7–8 hours.
Can I use a different beer?
You can, but Guinness gives the stew its signature depth.
A dark ale or porter would be a good substitute.
Can I freeze Guinness Beef Stew?
Definitely.
Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Can I thicken the stew even more?
If you like a thicker stew, mash a few potatoes into the broth at the end of cooking.
✨ Final Thoughts
Hearty, deeply flavored, and endlessly comforting, this Guinness Beef Stew is the kind of meal that nourishes both body and soul.
Simple, rustic, and perfect for any cozy gathering.
