Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food
With its rich flavors and hearty feel, Guinness Beef Stew is a cozy dish that wraps you in warmth like a favorite sweater. Nothing beats the comfort of a slow-cooked stew, especially when it’s filled with chunks of tender beef and vegetables, bathed in a deeply flavorful broth enhanced by the bold notes of Guinness beer. Each spoonful is a delight, bringing together the earthiness of the vegetables and the savory depth created through hours of gentle simmering.
Table of Contents
I remember the first time I made this stew on a chilly evening. The heady aroma wafting through my kitchen was enticing enough to make anyone’s stomach growl. Soon enough, my family gathered around the table, eager to dig in. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a taste of Ireland that you can savor at home. If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make comfort food that will impress and satisfy a crowd, Guinness Beef Stew is your answer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep takes just 10 minutes, making it easy for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The depth of the Guinness melds beautifully with tender beef, creating a mouthwatering experience.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: A bubbling pot of stew is always a hit and looks impressive on the table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for cozy dinners, weekend gatherings, or chilly evenings on the couch.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily substitute ingredients to suit dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tbsp olive oil: This helps brown the beef and adds a rich flavor. Use extra virgin for better taste.
- 2.5 lb beef chuck, boneless short rib: Choose cuts suitable for slow cooking to ensure tenderness.
- 3/4 tsp each salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef and enhancing the dish’s overall flavor.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic adds aromatic richness. For convenience, you can also use jarred minced garlic.
- 2 onions, chopped: Opt for brown, white, or yellow onions; they provide sweetness and depth when caramelized.
- 6 oz diced bacon, speck, or pancetta: Adds a lovely smokiness and fat to bind the flavors together.
- 3 tbsp flour: This thickens the stew. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
- 440ml Guinness beer: The star ingredient! It contributes a malty sweetness and robust flavor to the stew.
- 4 tbsp tomato paste: Deepens the color and flavor while providing a slight acidity to balance the dish.
- 3 cups chicken stock or broth: Choose a good-quality stock for a fuller-bodied stew.
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1.25 cm pieces: Adds sweetness and textures. Feel free to substitute with parsnips for a twist!
- 2 large celery stalks, cut into 2cm pieces: Balances the stew’s flavors and adds a satisfying crunch.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuses a subtle herbal depth throughout the cooking process.
- 3 sprigs thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme leaves): Offers an aromatic quality; fresh thyme packs more flavor but dried works well too.
How to Make Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food
Cut and Prepare Beef: Start by cutting the 2.5 lb beef chuck or boneless short rib into 5cm chunks. Pat them dry with paper towels; this will help them brown nicely. Sprinkle 3/4 tsp salt and black pepper over the beef, ensuring even flavor distribution.
Brown the Beef: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-based pot over high heat. Add the beef chunks in batches, making sure not to crowd the pot. Brown them well on all sides until they develop a deep, golden crust. Remove each batch and set aside on a plate. Browning adds so much flavor to the final dish!
Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. If the pot looks too dry, drizzle in a bit more olive oil. Toss in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 chopped onions. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, then add the 6 oz diced bacon. Cook until the bacon renders its fat and turns golden.
Mix in Vegetables and Flour: Stir in the 3 peeled and chopped carrots and 2 large celery stalks. Allow them to sauté for a few minutes until they start to soften. Sprinkle 3 tbsp flour over the mixture and stir for about 1 minute to cook off the rawness of the flour, ensuring it coats the vegetables evenly.
Pour in the Liquids: Gradually add 440ml Guinness beer, using a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot and dissolve any flavorful bits. This step is crucial as it captures all those flavor layers. Then mix in 3 cups chicken stock or broth and 4 tbsp tomato paste. Finally, drop in 2 bay leaves and the 3 sprigs of thyme.
Combine Beef and Liquid: Return the browned beef back into the pot, making sure to include any juices from the plate. The liquid should just cover the beef and vegetables; add a little more stock if necessary. It’s okay if it looks a little soupy now; it will thicken as it cooks.
Simmer the Stew: Cover the pot, reduce the heat, and let it bubble gently. Cook for about 2 hours; the beef should be starting to get tender. After that, remove the lid and let it simmer for an additional 30 to 45 minutes. This allows the flavors to intensify, and the sauce to reduce to a rich consistency. The beef should fall apart at the slightest touch.
Finish and Serve: If desired, skim off any fat from the surface of the stew. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves and thyme before serving. Serve thoughtfully with creamy mashed potatoes for a complete, comforting meal!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a shallow container for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge, and then warm in a pot over low heat until bubbling. You might find the texture slightly different upon reheating, but a splash of extra broth can help refresh its consistency.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcrowding the pot while browning the beef; this prevents steaming and allows for better browning.
- Make sure to use beef that’s cut for slow cooking to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning during the last simmer, as the flavors may intensify while cooking.
- If you like a thicker stew, you can whisk together a teaspoon of flour with a bit of cold water and stir it in during the last simmer.
There you have it! Full of rich flavors and unmatched comfort, this Guinness Beef Stew is bound to become a favorite in your household. You can easily adjust or add to the ingredients to make it your own. Enjoy the process of bringing this hearty dish to your table!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Follow the initial steps of browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables. Then transfer everything to your slow cooker, add the liquids, and cook on low for about 6-8 hours until the beef is tender.
What can I substitute for Guinness beer?
If you prefer not to use beer, a good-quality beef broth, or even a non-alcoholic stout can work well, though the flavor may not be quite the same.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Definitely! Cuts like brisket or round will work, but make sure they are suitable for slow cooking as they need time to soften and become tender.
How do I thicken the stew if it’s too thin?
If you find your stew is a bit thin after cooking, you can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew. Allow it to simmer a few more minutes until the liquid thickens up.
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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: Slow Cooker
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This Guinness Beef Stew is a delightful comfort food, with tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2.5 lb / 1.25 kg beef chuck, boneless short rib or any other slow cooking beef (no bone)
- 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 (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 sub with 1 tsp dried thyme leaves)
Instructions
- Cut the beef into 5cm/2" chunks, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a heavy pot over high heat, brown beef in batches, then remove.
- Lower heat to medium; add more oil if pot looks dry.
- Sauté garlic and onion for 3 minutes until softened, then add the bacon.
- Cook until bacon is browned, then stir in carrot and celery.
- Add flour and stir for 1 minute to cook off the flour.
- Pour in Guinness, chicken broth, and tomato paste; mix well, add bay leaves and thyme.
- Return beef and any juices to the pot, ensuring liquid covers the beef.
- Cover and simmer gently for 2 hours until beef is tender. Remove lid and simmer for another 30-45 minutes until beef can be easily torn apart and sauce thickens.
- Skim off any fat from the surface if desired, adjust salt and pepper, and remove bay leaves and thyme before serving.
Notes
Serve with creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Feel free to substitute the beef with lamb for a different flavor.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and ensure your beer is gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
