There’s nothing quite like a Guinness Beef Stew on a chilly evening. This Irish-inspired classic combines tender beef, root vegetables, and rich Guinness beer into a stew that’s thick, savory, and soul-warming. It’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, lazy Sundays, or any night you crave a bowl of comfort.
Let’s dive into how to make the best Guinness Beef Stew from scratch—with tips for slow cooker, stovetop, and Dutch oven methods.
Table of Contents
🥩 What Is Guinness Beef Stew?
Guinness Beef Stew is a traditional Irish-style dish made with beef chuck, carrots, potatoes, onions, and Guinness Draught. The long-simmered stew becomes rich and thick, with the beer adding a deep, malty flavor and hint of bitterness that balances beautifully with the tender meat and hearty vegetables.
✔️ Slow-cooked for depth of flavor
✔️ Beer-braised for rich, bold taste
✔️ Comfort food at its finest
🛒 Ingredients for Guinness Beef Stew
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Beef chuck roast | Becomes fork-tender and flavorful after simmering |
| Guinness Draught | Adds malty depth and slight bitterness |
| Beef broth | Adds savory richness and balances the beer |
| Carrots, onions, potatoes | Hearty vegetables that soak up the stew’s flavor |
| Garlic, thyme, bay leaf | Classic aromatics for bold Irish flavor |
| Tomato paste | Adds umami and thickens the base |
| Flour | Used to lightly coat the beef for browning and to thicken the stew |
| Salt & pepper | Seasoning base |
🍲 How to Make Guinness Beef Stew (Stovetop or Dutch Oven)
1️⃣ Brown the Beef
- Cut 2–3 lbs of beef chuck into 1½-inch chunks.
- Toss with salt, pepper, and 2 tbsp flour.
- Brown in batches in olive oil over medium-high heat. Set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onion, garlic, and tomato paste until softened and fragrant.
3️⃣ Deglaze with Guinness
- Pour in 1 bottle (11.2 oz) of Guinness Draught.
- Scrape up browned bits for deep flavor.
4️⃣ Simmer and Add Veggies
- Return beef to pot. Add:
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 large carrots (chopped)
- 2–3 medium potatoes (cubed)
- 1 bay leaf + 1 tsp dried thyme
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer for 2–2.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
5️⃣ Thicken and Serve
- Let simmer uncovered last 30 minutes to thicken naturally.
- Discard bay leaf, taste, and adjust salt/pepper.
🥖 Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
🕒 Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Option
- Brown beef and aromatics first for extra flavor.
- Transfer everything to the slow cooker.
- Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4–5 hours.
- Uncover last hour to allow stew to thicken.
👉 For a sweet bite before or after your spritz, check out our fun and colorful Cotton Candy Ice Cream—perfect for spring or summer entertaining.
💡 Tips for the Best Guinness Stew
- Use Guinness Draught not Extra Stout (too bitter)
- Brown the beef well for maximum flavor
- Cut vegetables into large chunks so they hold up during simmering
- Let it rest 10 minutes before serving for flavors to settle
- Make ahead – Tastes even better the next day!
🥔 What to Serve with Guinness Beef Stew
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Irish soda bread | Rustic, perfect for dipping |
| Mashed potatoes | Absorb that rich gravy |
| Colcannon (mashed potatoes + cabbage) | Traditional Irish pairing |
| Roasted Brussels sprouts | Earthy, caramelized contrast |
| Butter-glazed carrots | Sweet and smooth balance |
🥄 Want a real pub experience? Pair your stew with a cold pint of Guinness!
🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freeze: Up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags or containers
- Reheat: On stovetop over low heat or in microwave in short intervals
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Guinness stew ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
What’s the best cut of beef for Guinness Stew?
Beef chuck roast is ideal—it’s tough, marbled, and gets ultra-tender when simmered.
Can I use another beer besides Guinness?
You can, but use a dark ale or stout for similar richness. Avoid hoppy beers like IPAs.
Is Guinness Beef Stew alcoholic?
Most of the alcohol cooks off, leaving flavor behind. The finished dish is safe for most ages.