Name: Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 8 h 30 min
Total time: 9 h
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 lbs. beef stew meat, well trimmed; 2 tbsp. cooking oil; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 tsp. salt; ½ tsp. pepper; 1 tsp. dried leaf oregano, not ground; 1 tsp. dried leaf thyme, not ground; 1 tsp. onion powder; 6 oz. tomato paste; 15 oz. beef broth; 3 cups baby red potatoes, quartered; 3 cups carrots, sliced; 2 cups celery, sliced; 1 cup white onion, (1 small onion); cut into large pieces; 2 tsp. garlic, minced; 11.2 oz. guinness beer, 1 bottle (original or extra stout); 2 bay leaves

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Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots is a hearty, comforting dish that warms the soul, especially on chilly days. Loaded with tender beef slowly cooked in a rich guinness stout-infused broth, every bite bursts with flavor. The addition of baby red potatoes and carrots adds a nutritious twist, creating a family-friendly meal that’s incredibly satisfying. You can savor the aromatic spices mingling with the vegetables, while the beef becomes fork-tender as it stews to perfection.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots

Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots

I still remember the first time I made this stew; the savory scent wafted through my home, captivating everyone who walked in. It’s easy to prep, requiring just 30 minutes of your time, yet the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to relax or tackle your errands while it cooks. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly recipe, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week ahead! Trust me, this is going to be one of your go-to recipes once you try it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep takes just 30 minutes, and the slow cooker does the rest.
Irresistible Flavor: The rich blend of spices and Guinness creates a stew that’s deeply satisfying.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the vegetables make this dish as beautiful as it is tasty.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for cozy family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep!
Diet-Friendly Options: Can be easily adapted for gluten-free diets by substituting the flour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lbs. beef stew meat: A well-trimmed cut ensures tenderness; chuck or round cuts work wonderfully.
2 tbsp. cooking oil: Olive oil or vegetable oil is great for browning the beef.
½ cup all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the stew and give the meat a delightful outer crust.
2 tsp. salt: Seasoning enhances the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
½ tsp. pepper: A hint of spice to elevate the overall taste without overpowering.
1 tsp. dried leaf oregano: Adds an earthy note; make sure to use whole leaves for best flavor.
1 tsp. dried leaf thyme: This aromatic herb contributes warmth to the stew.
1 tsp. onion powder: Infuses the broth with the sweet depth of onion flavor.
6 oz. tomato paste: Enriches the broth, offering a hearty base and balancing the flavors.
15 oz. beef broth: Enhances meatiness and adds depth; opt for low sodium for an adjustable flavor.
3 cups baby red potatoes, quartered: They’re creamy and add a nice texture; no need to peel!
3 cups carrots, sliced: Sweet and colorful, they cook perfectly alongside the beef.
2 cups celery, sliced: Adds crunch and a subtle flavor profile that brightens up the stew.
1 cup white onion, cut into large pieces: Creates sweetness in the broth; you could substitute with yellow onion if preferred.
2 tsp. garlic, minced: Fresh garlic elevates the flavor and aroma; freshly minced is best for intensity.
11.2 oz. Guinness beer: The beer contributes depth and magic to the stew, choose original or extra stout according to your preference.
2 bay leaves: Adds an aromatic background that complements the beef.

How to Make Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots

Prepare the Coating: In a large ziplock bag, add ½ cup all-purpose flour, 2 tsp. salt, ½ tsp. pepper, 1 tsp. dried leaf oregano, 1 tsp. dried leaf thyme, and 1 tsp. onion powder. Seal the bag and shake to combine the ingredients thoroughly.

Coat the Beef: Add 2 lbs. of beef stew meat to the seasoned flour mixture. Seal the bag again and shake until the beef is well coated; this creates a flavorful crust when browned.

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet set to medium-high heat, add 2 tbsp. cooking oil. Once hot, add the flour-coated beef in batches, browning on all sides—be mindful not to burn. This step adds depth to the flavors.

Prepare the Sauce: When the meat has browned nicely, stir in 6 oz. tomato paste and 15 oz. beef broth, scraping up any delicious bits stuck to the skillet. Stir until a thick sauce forms then remove from heat.

Layer the Veggies: In your slow cooker, toss in 3 cups baby red potatoes (quartered), 3 cups carrots (sliced), 2 cups celery (sliced), 1 cup white onion (cut into large pieces), and 2 tsp. minced garlic.

Combine It All: Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is distributed evenly.

Add the Guinness: Gently stir in 11.2 oz. Guinness beer, and place 2 bay leaves on top. This rich beer enhances the flavor profile, so don’t skip this step!

Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours without opening the lid during cooking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the beef to become wonderfully tender.

Finish & Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls, and enjoy the hearty goodness with crusty bread or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. You may notice a slight change in texture, but a quick stir will refresh it before serving.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure the oil is hot before adding the beef to get a nice sear, enhancing the overall flavor.
Avoid overcooking the beef; if you’re using a different cut, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Taste and adjust seasonings towards the end of cooking; this is a great time to intensify flavors!
Don’t be shy with veggies—feel free to add other favorites like parsnips or peas for variety.

Every kitchen can benefit from a good slow cooker recipe, and this stew is no exception. The rich flavors, tender ingredients, and cozy warmth create the ideal dish for any dinner table or gathering. I genuinely encourage you to make this stew your own; consider experimenting with herbs or spices to tailor it to your specific tastes.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of beer?

Absolutely! While Guinness adds a rich and robust flavor, you can substitute it with any other stout or dark beer. If you prefer a lighter flavor, a lager or a non-alcoholic beer could work as well!

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, this stew can be prepped a day in advance. Simply follow the instructions but stop before the cooking step. Store the prepared ingredients in the slow cooker insert in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, opt for gluten-free flour and ensure that your beef broth and Guinness are gluten-free varieties. There are many quality gluten-free beers available now that would work perfectly.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile; feel free to throw in other hearty vegetables like parsnips, green beans, or even mushrooms to add depth and variety to the dish. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly.