Name: Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489931H57M50S
Total time: PT-489931H57M50S
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed; 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 cups beef broth; 1 cup Guinness or dark stout (optional); 3 carrots, sliced; 2 potatoes, cubed; 1 onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp thyme; Salt & pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 88 reviews

There is something truly soul-soothing about a classic Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any chilly day. Imagine tender cubes of beef slowly simmered with carrots, potatoes, and fragrant herbs in a rich broth accented by the deep, malty flavor of Guinness stout. This dish is much more than just stew; it’s a delicious tradition that invites you to gather around the table with loved ones and savor a hearty, satisfying meal that fills both belly and heart. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just diving into Irish-inspired dishes, this recipe is straightforward and incredibly rewarding.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white enamel pot filled with a rich, dark brown stew sitting on a stove. Inside the stew, there are several small yellow potatoes scattered around, with chunks of tender dark brown meat mixed in. Bright orange carrot slices are also visible, adding a pop of color against the thick sauce. The pot has a blue handle and the background features a white marbled texture. The stew looks thick and hearty, with steam rising gently. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, creating an irresistible balance of textures and hearty satisfaction.

Beef stew meat (2 lbs): Choose well-marbled, cubed beef for tenderness and rich flavor after slow cooking.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): For searing the beef to lock in its juices and develop a delicious crust.
Beef broth (4 cups): The savory liquid base that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
Guinness or dark stout (1 cup, optional): Adds that unmistakable deep, roasted flavor that defines this stew.
Carrots (3, sliced): Bring natural sweetness and a tender bite to the stew.
Potatoes (2, cubed): Provide hearty texture and soak up the savory broth beautifully.
Onion (1, diced): Builds the foundational aroma and adds subtle sweetness when cooked down.
Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuse the stew with warming, aromatic depth.
Tomato paste (1 tbsp): Enhances body and adds a mild tangy richness.
Thyme (1 tsp): This fragrant herb offers an earthy, slightly minty note to brighten the stew.
Salt and pepper: Season to your taste and bring all the flavors together perfectly.

How to Make Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan, and sear until each piece is beautifully browned on all sides. This step is crucial as it locks in the meat’s juices and builds a depth of flavor that anchors the entire stew.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Once the beef is seared, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook them together for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often until the onions soften and become translucent. This creates a fragrant base that complements the rich beef.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Flavorings

Pour in the beef broth and Guinness (if using), then stir in the tomato paste and thyme. These ingredients combine to form a robust and savory broth, where the bittersweet essence of Guinness perfectly balances the hearty components of the stew.

Step 4: Incorporate Vegetables and Simmer

Throw in the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Let it cook slowly for about 1½ to 2 hours—this is where the magic happens as the beef becomes tender and the flavors meld into a luscious, comforting dish.

How to Serve Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a rich brown stew. The stew has chunks of tender meat mixed with pieces of potatoes and orange carrots. The stew's sauce looks thick and shiny, covering all the ingredients well. Two shiny metal spoons rest inside the bowl, with a woman's hand holding one spoon, ready to scoop some of the stew. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with two round cork mats behind it. The scene is cozy and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a fresh, vibrant touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the stew just before serving. It adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve this stew alongside crusty Irish soda bread or a buttery mashed potato to soak up every last bit of that flavorful broth. A side of steamed green beans or sautéed kale also brings a lovely contrast and freshness to the hearty main.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic, cozy dinner vibe, serve the stew directly in individual earthenware bowls with a piece of soda bread on the side. For gatherings, you can even present it family-style in a large pot placed at the center of the table, inviting everyone to ladle out their portions and enjoy the warmth together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Recipe tastes just as amazing the next day, if not better as the flavors deepen overnight. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

This stew freezes wonderfully. After cooling completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a quick meal, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of broth if the stew has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible to retain the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this stew without Guinness?

Absolutely! If you prefer not to use Guinness or another stout, simply replace it with an equal amount of beef broth. While the unique flavor of the stout will be missing, the stew will still be hearty and delicious.

What cut of beef works best for this stew?

Look for chuck roast or beef stew meat that has some marbling. This cut becomes tender and flavorful as it slow cooks, perfect for a stew like this.

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can cook this Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Recipe in a crockpot. Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for about 8 hours.

Is this stew dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free. It’s a great option for anyone avoiding dairy but still craving a rich, comforting stew.

How thick should the stew broth be?

The broth should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still spoonable. If you want it thicker, you can mash a few potatoes in the stew or cook it uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce the liquid.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve made this Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic that brings people together with its hearty flavors and comforting warmth. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl and is surprisingly easy to make with straightforward ingredients. So why not gather your favorite people, simmer this magical stew, and create a cozy meal worth remembering? I promise, once you try it, this stew will become one of your go-to dishes for chilly days and festive gatherings alike.