Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food
When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of beef stew to warm you up from the inside out. Picture tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, dark broth infused with the deep, malty flavors of Guinness beer. That’s exactly what you get with this Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food. This recipe combines the essence of traditional Irish cooking with ease and comfort, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold evening.
Table of Contents
I first discovered this stew during a family gathering, where the aroma wafted through the air, drawing everyone to the kitchen. It instantly became a favorite, with every spoonful delivering layers of flavor—from the savory beef to the smoky notes of bacon, complemented by vibrant vegetables. The slow cooker makes it even more appealing, allowing you to set it and forget it, while the ingredients meld together beautifully. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you once you give this hearty dish a try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Just 10 minutes of prep and let the slow cooker do the magic!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of Guinness beer and tender beef creates an incredibly rich and satisfying taste.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Serve in a rustic bowl, and you’ll have an impressive meal that looks as good as it tastes.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for cozy dinners, game day gatherings, or any occasion when comfort food is on your mind.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapted for gluten-free diets by swapping the flour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tbsp olive oil: This is used for browning the beef, creating a flavorful base. You can also use canola or vegetable oil if needed.
- 2.5 lb beef chuck: For the best texture, select boneless short rib or any other slow-cooking beef. Avoid lean cuts as they won’t tenderize as well in the slow cooker.
- 3/4 tsp salt and black pepper: Essential for elevating the flavor of the beef.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Add a fragrant depth to the stew; you can adjust based on your love for garlic.
- 2 onions, chopped: Brown, white, or yellow onions will work here; each brings a unique sweetness.
- 6 oz bacon, speck, or pancetta, diced: Adds a delicious smoky flavor; feel free to choose what you have on hand.
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour: This helps thicken the stew; for a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- 440ml Guinness beer: The heart of this dish! Look for the classic stout variety for the most authentic flavor.
- 4 tbsp tomato paste: This adds richness and depth to the broth, perfectly balancing the stew.
- 3 cups chicken stock: You can also use beef broth for a deeper meat flavor. Homemade stock is best, but boxed works just fine.
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut: Add lovely sweetness and color; feel free to use more veggies like parsnips for variety.
- 2 large celery stalks, cut: Imparts a fresh crunch and flavor, complementing the other ingredients.
- 2 bay leaves: These enhance the overall taste with their aromatic profile; don’t forget to remove them before serving.
- 3 sprigs thyme: Fresh thyme works wonders, but you can substitute with 1 tsp dried thyme if needed.
How to Make Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food
Prepare the Beef: Start by cutting the 2.5 lbs beef chuck into 5 cm (2-inch) chunks. Pat each piece dry with a paper towel—a dry surface means better browning—and then sprinkle generously with 3/4 tsp salt and black pepper.
Brown the Beef: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-based pot over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef in batches. Make sure each piece is browned well on all sides. This caramelization adds a delicious depth to your stew. Remove the beef onto a plate once browned and keep going until all the meat is seared.
Cook Onions and Bacon: After browning the beef, lower the heat to medium. If the pot is looking dry, drizzle in a little more oil. Add the 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 chopped onions, cooking for about 3 minutes until they are softening and aromatic. Then, toss in 6 oz diced bacon and cook until it’s beautifully browned.
Add Veggies: Next, stir in the 3 chopped carrots and 2 chopped celery stalks. Sauté them for another couple of minutes, letting their flavors mingle with the onions and bacon, creating a delightful foundation of taste for your stew.
Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle 3 tbsp all-purpose flour over the sautéed ingredients. Stir it all together for about one minute, cooking off the flour slightly, which will help thicken your stew later.
Mix in the Liquids: It’s time for the star ingredient! Pour in 440ml Guinness beer, followed by 3 cups chicken stock and 4 tbsp tomato paste. Mix everything well, ensuring the flour dissolves completely into the liquid. Add the 2 bay leaves and 3 sprigs of thyme to the mix.
Combine Everything: Now, return the browned beef to the pot along with any juices that collected on the plate. The liquid should just cover the beef slightly—this balance is crucial for a perfectly cooked dish.
Cook the Stew: Cover the pot and lower the heat until it’s gently bubbling. Let it simmer for about 2 hours. When you return, the beef should be tender. Remove the lid after 2 hours and let it simmer for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, which allows the sauce to reduce and thicken. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef falls apart at a touch.
Finish & Serve: If there’s excess fat on the surface, skim it off with a spoon. Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Before serving, make sure to remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. For the ultimate comfort, serve your hearty stew over creamy mashed potatoes, and enjoy every bite!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours after cooking. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 3 days in a well-sealed container. Better yet, you can freeze the stew for up to 3 months; just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in a microwave on medium power until heated through, usually about 5-7 minutes. Keep in mind that the flavors will deepen in the fridge, so it may taste even better on day two!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pot: When browning your beef, work in batches instead of adding it all at once to ensure optimal browning and flavor.
- Check the Consistency: If the stew appears too thin, let it simmer uncovered longer to reduce and thicken it, achieving that desirable consistency.
- Flavor Enhancements: Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of brown sugar for added depth of flavor.
- Make Ahead: This stew is the perfect candidate for a make-ahead meal—just reheat and serve to save time on busy nights!
The rich, comforting flavors of this Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food make it a dish that not only satisfies but warms your heart as well. The best part is that it’s super user-friendly, allowing you to experiment with flavors and even add your favorite vegetables. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this stew is sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves, grab a bowl, and enjoy the hearty goodness of this beloved dish!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this stew?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is the traditional choice, you can use lamb or even pork. Just adjust cooking times slightly since different meats have varying tenderness levels.
What’s the best way to thicken my stew?
If your stew doesn’t thicken to your liking, you can mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then add it to the stew while simmering until it reaches the desired thickness.
Can I make this stew in a Dutch oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, definitely! You can follow the same steps on the stovetop. The cooking times will be shorter—simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
What can I serve with Guinness Beef Stew?
While creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, crusty bread, buttered noodles, or a side salad also make fantastic accompaniments, providing balance to the hearty stew.
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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: One Pot
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This Guinness Beef Stew is a savory blend of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors. It’s the perfect comfort food for quick dinners or gatherings, easily made in a slow cooker!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2.5 lb / 1.25 kg beef chuck, boneless short rib or any other slow cooking beef
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 onions, chopped (brown, white or yellow)
- 6 oz / 180g bacon, speck or pancetta, diced
- 3 tbsp flour (all purpose/plain)
- 440ml / 14.9 oz guinness beer
- 4 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups (750 ml) chicken stock/broth (or beef broth)
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1.25 cm / 1/2″ thick pieces
- 2 large celery stalks, cut into 2cm / 1″ pieces
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 sprigs thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
Instructions
- Cut the beef into 5cm/2" chunks and pat dry. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a heavy pot over high heat. Brown beef in batches, then place onto a plate. Repeat with remaining beef.
- Lower heat to medium. If pot seems dry, add extra oil.
- Sauté garlic and onion for 3 minutes until softened, then add bacon.
- Cook until bacon is browned, then add chopped carrot and celery.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove raw taste.
- Pour in the Guinness, chicken broth/stock, and tomato paste. Mix well to dissolve the flour, then add bay leaves and thyme.
- Return the browned beef to the pot along with any juices. Ensure liquid covers the beef.
- Cover, reduce heat to a gentle bubble. Cook for 2 hours until beef is tender. Remove the lid and simmer for an additional 30-45 minutes or until the sauce thickens and beef is fork-tender.
- Skim off any surface fat if desired. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves and thyme before serving.
- Serve hot with creamy mashed potatoes!
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour.
You can substitute the Guinness with another stout or beer of your choice.
This stew can be made a day in advance; the flavors deepen as it sits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
