Slow simmering in your kitchen, the aroma of Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots wafts through the air, warming your senses. Imagine tender chunks of beef coated in a rich, velvety sauce, paired perfectly with succulent potatoes and vibrant carrots. This hearty dish not only fills your belly but also nourishes your soul. There’s something magical about a stew that becomes even better on the second day, as the flavors meld and deepen.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots

Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots

I discovered this recipe during a chilly autumn afternoon, desperately seeking comfort food that would satisfy my family and friends. Little did I know, this savory creation would become a staple in our home. So straightforward to prepare, and with ingredients that you might already have in your pantry, it’s a reliable option for everything from casual family dinners to more festive gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 30 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it for a full day.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of Guinness beer with herbs results in a rich, savory taste that’s a hug in a bowl.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of veggies contrast beautifully with the deep brown beef stew.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep for busy workweeks.
Diet-Friendly Options: Can be easily adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets by using the right substitutions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lbs. beef stew meat: Well-trimmed beef chuck or round works great for tenderness.
2 tbsp. cooking oil: Use canola or vegetable oil for sautéing the meat.
½ cup all-purpose flour: Coats the beef for browning, creating a rich sauce later.
2 tsp. salt: Essential for flavor enhancement—don’t skip this!
½ tsp. pepper: Freshly cracked if possible, to add a bit of heat.
1 tsp. dried leaf oregano: Adds an earthy tone; fresh will suffice if you have it.
1 tsp. dried leaf thyme: Beautifully complements the other flavors.
1 tsp. onion powder: Gives depth to the stew without needing fresh onions.
6 oz. tomato paste: Intensifies the stew’s richness and coats the beef nicely.
15 oz. beef broth: Use low-sodium broth for more control over saltiness.
3 cups baby red potatoes: Quartered for heartiness; their skin adds texture.
3 cups carrots: Sliced into rounds; they sweeten as they cook.
2 cups celery: Sliced for crunch and subtle flavor.
1 cup white onion: A small onion, chopped; adds fundamental flavor.
2 tsp. garlic, minced: Fresh garlic boosts taste significantly.
11.2 oz. Guinness beer: Use regular or extra stout for maximum flavor.
2 bay leaves: Infuse a subtle herbal quality during cooking.

How to Make Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots

Prepare the Beef: In a large ziplock bag, combine ½ cup all-purpose flour, 2 tsp. salt, ½ tsp. pepper, 1 tsp. dried leaf oregano, 1 tsp. dried leaf thyme, and 1 tsp. onion powder. Add the 2 lbs. beef stew meat to the bag, sealing it before giving it a good shake until the beef is fully coated.

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet set to medium-high heat, add 2 tbsp. cooking oil once it shimmers. Place the coated beef in the skillet, browning it on all sides—aim for a nice crust but avoid burning. The goal here is to enhance the flavor through caramelization.

Create the Sauce: Once brown, mix in 6 oz. tomato paste and 15 oz. beef broth to the skillet. Stir this mixture until it forms a thick sauce, scraping up any delicious bits stuck at the bottom. This adds more depth to your stew. Off the heat, set this sauce aside.

Load the Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, add 3 cups baby red potatoes, 3 cups sliced carrots, 2 cups sliced celery, and 1 cup chopped white onion. Toss in 2 tsp. minced garlic for an aromatic kick.

Combine Everything: Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the vegetables in the slow cooker. Carefully stir it together for even distribution. Then, pour in 11.2 oz. of Guinness beer and scatter 2 bay leaves on top for added aroma.

Cook Low & Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours without lifting the lid. This allows flavors to meld while keeping the meat tender and juicy.

Finish & Serve: After 8 hours, carefully remove the bay leaves. Dish out the hearty stew into bowls and savor the warmth and comfort it brings.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, transfer your stew to freezer-safe containers, where it can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Remember, the texture might change slightly, but just a splash of broth can help refresh its consistency.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning the beef; work in batches if needed to achieve a good crust.
For extra richness, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of brown sugar to balance the flavors.
Use room temperature meat for even browning.
Instead of baby red potatoes, you can also use Yukon Gold or russets; just be mindful that russets may break down more easily.
For a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

The satisfaction of a steaming bowl of Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots is unmatched. With a simple ingredient list and effortless cooking process, this stew quickly becomes a go-to recipe that everyone in your home will adore. Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional vegetables or spices to truly make it your own. Enjoy sharing this classic comfort with family and friends!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this stew gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the beef coating and use gluten-free beef broth. Ensure your Guinness beer is gluten-free or opt for a gluten-free ale instead.

How do I know when the beef is tender?

After eight hours of cooking on low, the beef should be fork-tender. If it resists, it may need a little more time. Feel free to let it cook longer if necessary.

Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, corn, or mushrooms. Just keep in mind that they may require different cooking times, so adding them towards the end of cooking might be best.

What can I serve with Guinness beef stew?

This stew is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping or over mashed potatoes for an even heartier meal. A side salad can add a refreshing touch as well!

More One Pot Recipes

Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food

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Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 510 minutes
Total Time: 9 hours
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: One Pot
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Irish

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Description

This Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots is a delightful blend of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors. Perfect for a comforting meal, it’s an easy-to-make dish that will satisfy your cravings for home-cooked goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs. beef stew meat, well trimmed
2 tbsp. cooking oil
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
1 tsp. dried leaf oregano, not ground
1 tsp. dried leaf thyme, not ground
1 tsp. onion powder
6 oz. tomato paste
15 oz. beef broth
3 cups baby red potatoes, quartered
3 cups carrots, sliced
2 cups celery, sliced
1 cup white onion, cut into large pieces
2 tsp. garlic, minced
11.2 oz. guinness beer, 1 bottle (original or extra stout)
2 bay leaves

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Instructions

In a large ziplock bag, combine flour, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and onion powder.
Add the beef to the bag and shake until thoroughly coated with the mixture.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the cooking oil.
Add the beef to the skillet and brown on all sides without burning it.
Once browned, mix in the tomato paste and beef broth, stirring until a thick sauce forms, then set aside off the heat.
Place potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
Layer the beef and sauce mixture over the veggies in the slow cooker.
Pour in the Guinness beer and place bay leaves on top.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours without lifting the lid.
After cooking, remove bay leaves before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding additional herbs like rosemary or parsley.
Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Feel free to adjust the vegetable quantities based on your preference.