Name: Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h 10 min
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: Irish
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 each salt and 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; 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

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Guinness Beef Stew is a cozy testament to the spirit of Irish cooking, where rich flavors meld together over time to create a heartwarming, savory dish that lifts the soul. This slow-cooked wonder draws you in with its deep, inviting aromas, a hearty blend of tender beef, smoky bacon, and vibrant vegetables, all simmered lovingly in the robust embrace of Guinness beer. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, filling both your home and your belly with comfort.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food

Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food

I still remember the first time I enjoyed this stew. It was at a quaint little pub on a rainy evening, where a steaming bowl was served alongside a thick slice of crusty bread. That flavor-filled experience took center stage in my mind, and soon after, I knew I had to recreate it at home. Engagingly delicious, Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food takes just a few minutes of prep and a few hours of patience to transform simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal. Grab your slow cooker, and let’s dive into the comforting embrace of this traditional Irish dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only 10 minutes of prep time, the slow cooker handles the hard work, turning this into a fuss-free recipe that practically cooks itself.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of the deep, malty notes from Guinness and the savory aromas of tender beef makes every bite a rich explosion of flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the glistening sauce make this stew not just delicious, but also lovely to serve.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight dinners, lazy Sundays, or as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings; serve it with crusty bread or silky mashed potatoes.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free flour and broth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tbsp olive oil: A staple for sautéing and adding depth of flavor; can substitute with vegetable oil if desired.
2.5 lb boneless beef chuck: Essential for slow cooking, this cut becomes wonderfully tender. You can also use short rib for extra richness.
3/4 tsp each salt and black pepper: Seasoning helps enhance the flavors of the meat and vegetables.
3 garlic cloves, minced: This aromatic ingredient infuses the stew with a sweet, savory note.
2 onions, chopped: Brown, white, or yellow onions add layers of flavor and sweetness.
6 oz diced bacon, speck, or pancetta: The smoky richness from the bacon elevates the stew to another level.
3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative): This thickens the stew’s sauce beautifully.
440ml Guinness beer: The star ingredient! It adds a unique depth of flavor to the stew.
4 tbsp tomato paste: Adds richness and a touch of acidity to balance the flavors.
3 cups chicken stock or beef broth: Forms the stew’s base; use low-sodium for more control over saltiness.
3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1.25 cm pieces: Sweetness and texture come from these vibrant root vegetables.
2 celery stalks, cut into 2 cm pieces: Adds crunch and earthy flavor.
2 bay leaves: They impart a subtle, herbal flavor that enriches the stew.
3 sprigs thyme (or 1 tsp dried): Another aromatic that complements the beef and veggies well.

How to Make Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food

Cut the beef: Start by cutting 2.5 lb boneless beef chuck into 5 cm chunks. Pat them dry then sprinkle with 3/4 tsp each of salt and black pepper; this enhances the beef’s natural flavor.

Brown the beef: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy pot over high heat. Add the seasoned beef in batches, browning well on all sides. Once browned, remove it to a plate. This step is crucial; browning develops a deeper flavor in the final stew.

Sauté the vegetables: Lower the heat to medium. If the pot appears dry, add a little more olive oil. Cook 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 chopped onions for about 3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Then add in 6 oz diced bacon; cook until it’s nicely browned, releasing all those fatty, delicious juices.

Stir in the veggies: Toss in 3 peeled and sliced carrots and 2 cut celery stalks to the pot. You’re building layers of flavor here, so let them mingle for a couple of minutes.

Add the flour: Sprinkle in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and stir for about a minute to cook off the flour. This step will help the sauce thicken later, giving it that perfect stew consistency.

Pour in the liquids: Now it’s time to add 440ml Guinness beer, 3 cups of chicken stock or beef broth, and 4 tbsp tomato paste. Mix everything well to ensure the flour is fully dissolved. Don’t forget the 2 bay leaves and 3 sprigs of thyme that will infuse the stew with lovely herbal notes.

Combine the beef and sauce: Return the beef (and any collected juices) back into the pot. At this point, you should be able to see that the liquid just covers the meat.

Cooking time: Cover everything and lower the heat so it gently bubbles. Let it cook for 2 hours; by then, the beef should be pretty tender. Remove the lid and let it simmer for another 30 to 45 minutes or until the beef could easily fall apart at a touch, and the sauce has reduced.

Finish and serve: Once done, skim off any fat on the surface if desired and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Remember to remove the bay leaves and thyme before serving. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes for a truly comforting meal!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers of this hearty stew, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months; just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until warmed through. Keep in mind, while freezing may slightly alter the texture, it will still remain incredibly flavorful!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the pot when browning the beef; it needs space for good caramelization.
Always season your ingredients at each step for more layered flavors.
For the best taste, use room temperature beef; it sears better than cold meat.
To boost flavors, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dollop of honey for a touch of sweetness.
You can easily prepare this ahead and let the flavors develop overnight; the taste improves the next day!

When you pull this stew together, it transforms into a meal that not only nourishes but also warms your heart. The combination of flavors is the essence of comfort food at its finest.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different beer?

Absolutely! While Guinness adds a unique richness, any dark stout or porter would work well. Just remember, lighter beers will alter the flavor profile.

How do I make this stew thicker?

If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 1-2 tbsp of cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it in during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Can I cook this in a Dutch oven instead?

Yes, you can! Simply follow the same steps on the stove over low heat instead, adjusting the cooking time as necessary for tenderness.

Is this stew suitable for freezing?

Definitely! This stew freezes exceptionally well. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing, and use it within three months for best flavor retention.