Guinness Beef Stew
Tender chunks of beef slow-cooked in a rich, savory gravy made with Guinness stout, root vegetables, and herbs. A comforting, hearty meal perfect for a chilly evening, best served with crusty bread.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 180 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Beef
- b.Pat the beef cubes completely dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- c.In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1.5 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper.
- d.Add the beef cubes to the flour mixture and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sear the Beef
- b.Heat the olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- c.Once the butter is melted and foaming, add half of the beef in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pot.
- d.Sear for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until deeply browned on all sides. Transfer the seared beef to a plate.
- e.Repeat with the remaining beef, adding more oil if the pot seems dry.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
- c.Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, until the vegetables have softened.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- e.Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to darken slightly, which deepens the flavor.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Deglaze and Build the Gravy
- b.Pour the Guinness into the pot to deglaze. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any remaining browned bits from the bottom.
- c.Bring to a simmer and cook for 3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- d.Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, thyme sprigs, and the bay leaf.
- 5
Step 5
- a.First Simmer
- b.Return the seared beef and any accumulated juices back to the pot. Stir everything to combine.
- c.Bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 2 hours. Stir every 30 minutes to prevent sticking.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Add Potatoes and Finish Cooking
- b.After 2 hours, stir in the potato chunks.
- c.Cover the pot again and continue to simmer for another 45-60 minutes, or until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Final Touches and Serving
- b.Remove the pot from the heat. Fish out and discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.
- c.Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- d.Ladle the hot stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, sear the beef in batches. Overcrowding the pan will steam the meat instead of browning it, which is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor.
- 2Guinness Draught is recommended for a smoother, less bitter flavor. Guinness Extra Stout can be used but may result in a more bitter gravy.
- 3This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. It's a great make-ahead meal.
- 4If your stew isn't as thick as you'd like, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering stew until it thickens.
- 5Ensure the beef is cut into uniform 1.5-inch cubes so that all pieces cook evenly.
- 6For extra richness, you can add 1-2 strips of chopped bacon and render it down before searing the beef.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetable Addition
Add 1-2 peeled and chopped parsnips or turnips along with the potatoes for a more complex root vegetable flavor.
Herb SwapHerb Swap
Substitute the thyme with 1-2 sprigs of fresh rosemary for a different aromatic profile.
Meat AlternativeMeat Alternative
Use 2 lbs of lamb shoulder, cut into cubes, for a classic Irish Lamb Stew variation.
Cooking MethodCooking Method
To make in a slow cooker, complete steps 1-4 on the stovetop, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding the potatoes in the last 2 hours of cooking.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The beef provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Iron
Beef is a fantastic source of heme iron, a type of iron that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for preventing anemia and transporting oxygen in the blood.
Packed with Vegetables
With carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes, this stew delivers a variety of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and provides essential nutrients.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates from the potatoes offer a slow-releasing source of energy, helping to keep you full and energized for longer.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Guinness Beef Stew contains approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the exact cut of beef and serving size. This estimate does not include side dishes like bread or mashed potatoes.