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 beef chuck, boneless short rib or any slow cooking beef; 3/4 tsp salt; 3/4 tsp black pepper; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 onions, chopped; 6 oz bacon, speck or pancetta, diced; 3 tbsp flour; 440ml guinness beer; 4 tbsp tomato paste; 3 cups chicken stock or beef broth; 3 carrots, peeled and cut; 2 large celery stalks, cut; 2 bay leaves; 3 sprigs thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme leaves

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The concept of Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food might evoke thoughts of rainy afternoons in an Irish pub, where the savory aroma fills the space and every spoonful warms your soul. It’s a dish that’s both hearty and comforting, combining tender beef with a rich, dark sauce that’s infused with the iconic flavors of Guinness beer. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way it effortlessly brings warmth to the table, making it perfect for cozy dinners, gatherings, or just when you’re craving something deliciously substantial.

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 tried making a beef stew with Guinness. It was a rainy weekend, and the idea of a slow-cooked meal filled with robust flavors felt like the perfect solution to my comfort food cravings. As I watched the stew simmer away, the fragrant notes of garlic, onions, and bacon intertwined with the earthy aroma of stout— a memory etched in my heart. This recipe is not only incredibly comforting but also easy to prepare, making it an excellent option for a busy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend feast. So, grab your slow cooker, and let’s whip up a batch that will make your home smell like heaven!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 10 minutes of prep and let your slow cooker do the work for about 3 hours!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of Guinness, bacon, and tender beef creates a depth of flavor that’s unmatched.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This stew is not just warm; it’s a visual delight with vibrant vegetables and rich, dark broth.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week—dine alone or share with friends!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets—just switch out the flour and broth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tbsp olive oil: This is for browning the beef and adding flavor. You can also use vegetable oil if preferred.
2.5 lb beef chuck or boneless short rib: These cuts are best for slow cooking as they become tender and flavorful. Feel free to substitute with brisket or similar beef cuts if necessary.
3/4 tsp salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds an aromatic touch that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
2 onions, chopped (brown, white, or yellow): Adds sweetness and depth to the stew. Choose whatever you have on hand.
6 oz bacon or pancetta, diced: This brings in a smoky richness and umami flavor to the mix.
3 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the stew, giving it a hearty consistency. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour.
440ml Guinness beer: The heart of this recipe, lending its distinctive flavor to the stew. Choose a stout with rich flavor for the best results.
4 tbsp tomato paste: Provides an extra layer of depth and acidity to balance the flavors.
3 cups chicken stock or beef broth: This is the stew’s flavorful base; use homemade or low-sodium versions for better control of salt.
3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1.25 cm pieces: Sweet and tender, they add a pop of color and sweetness.
2 celery stalks, cut into 2 cm pieces: Contributes freshness and a subtle crunch, enhancing the stew’s texture.
2 bay leaves: Infuses a lovely herbal note and complexity.
3 sprigs thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme): This earthy herb pairs beautifully with the meat and adds a comforting aroma.

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

Prepare the Beef: Start by cutting the beef into generous 2-inch chunks. Pat the pieces dry with a paper towel and sprinkle them with 3/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper. This helps to create a flavorful crust when you brown the meat.

Brown the Beef: In a heavy-based pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over high heat. Once hot, add the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the beef until it is browned all over; this will make all the difference in flavor. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and repeat until all pieces are well-seared.

Sauté Veggies: Lower the heat to medium. If your pot looks dry, add a touch more olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onions, cooking for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften. Then add 6 ounces of diced bacon, cooking until it’s browned and fragrant.

Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped carrots and celery, allowing them to mingle with the onions and bacon for a couple of minutes. This step builds the stew’s flavor foundation.

Stir in Flour: Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and stir for 1 minute. This ensures the flour cooks off a bit and helps thicken the stew.

Combine Ingredients: Carefully pour in the 440ml of Guinness beer, followed by 3 cups of chicken stock or beef broth and 4 tablespoons of tomato paste. Stir everything well to ensure the flour dissolves completely, then add the bay leaves and thyme.

Return the Beef: Place the browned beef back into the pot, including any juices that have accumulated. The liquid should cover the beef just barely.

Cook Slow: Cover your pot and lower the heat until it’s just bubbling gently. Let it cook for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. You want the beef to be tender at this point. After 2 hours, remove the lid and let it simmer for another 30 to 45 minutes. This will help the beef become fork-tender, and allow the sauce to reduce slightly.

Final Touches: If there’s excess fat on the surface, skim it off. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as necessary. Before serving, remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Serve your stew hot, ideally with a generous side of creamy mashed potatoes!

Storing & Reheating

Leftover Guinness beef stew can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, using a refrigerator-safe container. If you want to store it for longer, freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, place it on the stove over medium heat or in a microwave until heated through, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. While the flavors will be just as robust, the texture might change slightly, so adding a splash of broth can help refresh it!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your beef is well-seared; this adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
Resist opening the lid too often during cooking to prevent heat loss.
For extra depth, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce along with the broth.
Make this stew a day in advance to enhance the flavors—just store it in the refrigerator overnight!
If your stew is too thick, stir in a little more broth or water when reheating.

Slow-cooked meals like this Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food are perfect for any time you crave warmth and comfort. The combination of savory beef, vegetables, and a rich stout sauce creates a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. You can easily customize it to your taste and even make it a day ahead for enhanced flavors.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of beer?

Absolutely! While Guinness provides a rich flavor, any dark beer, like a stout or porter, can complement this stew beautifully. Just ensure it has a good, robust flavor to pair well with the beef.

How can I make this stew gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of this Irish comfort food, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, make sure to use gluten-free beer and broth.

What’s the best way to serve this stew?

This stew is absolutely perfect served over creamy mashed potatoes, but you can also pair it with crusty bread, rice, or even enjoy it straight from the bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs!

How do I know when the beef is tender?

Check your beef after about 2 hours of cooking. It should be fork-tender, meaning when you poke it, the meat should easily separate. If it’s still tough, cover it again and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes.