Name: Beef and Guinness Stew Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2½ lb beef chuck, cubed; 1 onion, chopped; 3 carrots, sliced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp flour; 1 bottle Guinness stout (about 11.2 fl oz); 2 cups beef broth; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 26 reviews

If you’re craving a soul-warming meal that brings a touch of Ireland to your kitchen, the Beef and Guinness Stew Recipe is absolutely perfect for you. This dish combines tender cubes of beef with rich Guinness stout, simmered alongside hearty vegetables to create a stew bursting with deep, comforting flavors. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and makes every bite utterly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this classic stew is sure to impress with its robust taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A dark metal tray holds several bowls and ingredients arranged neatly on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture. At the top right, a large white bowl contains six whole potatoes, round and light brown. To its left, a small white bowl filled with white flour sits next to another white bowl holding a mixture of spices in different colors: beige, black, white, and green. Above this, a clear glass bowl with chunks of red meat is placed. Below the potatoes, there is a wooden bowl filled with sliced white onions, and to its left, a white bowl is full of bright orange baby carrots. In the bottom center, small white dishes contain peeled garlic cloves and a small amount of red paste, possibly tomato or pepper paste. Next to them, two clear glass measuring cups contain a dark liquid and a brown broth. A glass bottle with a cork holds a light brown liquid, probably oil. Fresh green parsley is laid in the background, adding a touch of color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this stew lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. From the tender beef chuck to the earthy carrots and nourishing broth, this list is all about straightforward, accessible ingredients that come together effortlessly.

2½ lb beef chuck, cubed: Choose well-marbled beef for juicy, tender chunks that soak up all the flavors.
2 tbsp olive oil: For browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, adding a subtle richness.
1 onion, chopped: Provides a natural sweetness and depth once softened.
3 carrots, sliced: Sweet and tender, they add color and a slight earthiness.
2 tbsp flour: Helps thicken the stew to that perfect, hearty consistency.
1 bottle Guinness stout: The star ingredient, infusing the stew with bold, malty, and slightly bitter notes.
2 cups beef broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and creates a luscious base.
1 tsp dried thyme: Adds an herbal touch that brightens the dish.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.

How to Make Beef and Guinness Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks in batches, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides until they develop a rich golden crust. This step is vital because browning locks in juices and adds a deep, savory flavor. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sliced carrots. Cook them gently over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent and the carrots start to soften—this usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. These aromatics form the flavor foundation of your stew, releasing natural sweetness and aroma.

Step 3: Create the Base with Flour

Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for a minute or two to eliminate the raw flour taste. This step helps thicken the stew as it simmers, giving you that luscious, stew-like texture you’re aiming for.

Step 4: Add the Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in the full bottle of Guinness stout and the beef broth slowly, stirring continuously to combine with the flour and vegetables. Add the dried thyme, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Return the browned beef to the pot, stirring everything together to marry the flavors.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer slowly for two and a half hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and the flavors have fully melded. This long, slow cooking process allows the tough cuts of beef to break down into melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

How to Serve Beef and Guinness Stew Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a bit of fresh green can brighten the bowl beautifully. Try sprinkling some chopped fresh parsley right before serving—it adds a fresh, slightly peppery contrast to the rich, hearty stew.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up all that flavorful gravy. If you want something lighter, a simple green salad can also be a refreshing complement.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic touch, serve the stew in individual cast iron pots or deep bowls for a cozy, homey vibe. You might also ladle it into puff pastry shells for an impressive presentation that turns the dish into a comforting pie-style meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This stew actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have mingled, so refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. The beef becomes even more tender and the sauce thickens deliciously as it sits.

Freezing

You can freeze the stew for up to three months. Cool it thoroughly before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture retention.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of beef broth or water if it’s too thick. Avoid microwaving straight from frozen for even warming and the best flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of beer instead of Guinness?

While Guinness provides a distinct malty bitterness that defines the dish, you can experiment with other stouts or dark ales. Just keep in mind that lighter beers won’t offer the same depth of flavor.

What cut of beef is best for this stew?

Beef chuck is ideal because its marbling breaks down during slow cooking, making the meat tender and flavorful. Avoid lean cuts as they may become dry or tough.

How thick should the stew be when serving?

The stew should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still saucy. It will thicken further as it cools, so feel free to serve it a little looser and let it rest.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Potatoes, parsnips, or celery roots complement the traditional ingredients nicely. Just add them early enough to cook through during the simmering.

Is this stew gluten-free?

The flour used as a thickener contains gluten, but you can substitute it with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.

Final Thoughts

This Beef and Guinness Stew Recipe is a fantastic way to bring comforting, hearty Irish flavors into your home kitchen. It’s a recipe that rewards your patience with rich, tender beef and a luscious sauce that feels like a warm embrace. Trust me, once you make it, it will become one of your go-to dishes for cozy evenings and special family meals. So grab that bottle of Guinness and get cooking—you’ll be savoring every single spoonful in no time!