Jump to Recipe Print RecipeWith the first chill of autumn settling in, there’s nothing quite like the embrace of a hearty meal that warms both the belly and the soul. My Beef and Guinness Stew is a go-to comfort food that’s perfect for those cozy evenings spent at home. This classic Irish dish transforms tender beef and vibrant root vegetables into a rich, savory concoction that delights in every bite. Not only is it a fantastic option for chilly days, but it’s also great for meal prepping—its flavors deepen wonderfully when allowed to sit overnight. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or simply craving a cozy night in, this stew will surely please everyone around the table. Ready to create your own cozy tradition? Let’s dive into the rich world of flavors! Why Is Beef and Guinness Stew Perfect? Comforting Warmth: This stew is like a warm hug in a bowl, making it ideal for chilly nights. Rich, Savory Depth: The combination of Guinness and tender beef creates a flavor profile that’s both deep and satisfying. Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer the stovetop, oven, or slow cooker, this recipe adapts to your cooking style perfectly. Meal Prep Friendly: Make it a day ahead for flavors that deepen and meld together beautifully—perfect for busy weeknights! Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in, the hearty servings will have everyone asking for seconds. Cooking this dish alongside options like Ground Beef Stroganoff or a comforting Slow Cooker Beef will make your meal the highlight of the evening! Beef and Guinness Stew Ingredients • To ensure your cozy meal is perfectly seasoned and rich, gather these must-have ingredients! For the Stew Olive Oil – Ideal for browning the beef and sautéing vegetables; can substitute with vegetable oil. Diced Beef (500g) – The main protein source; choose casserole or stewing steak, beef shin, or chuck. Plain Flour (2 tbsp) – Thickens the gravy and adds flavor; can be omitted for a gluten-free Beef and Guinness Stew. Sea Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste before serving. Large Onion (1, finely sliced) – Adds sweetness and depth to the dish. Celery (1 stick, finely diced) – Offers a foundational aromatic flavor. Carrots (3, peeled and chopped) – Contributes sweetness and texture to the stew. Parsnips (2, peeled and chopped) – Provides earthiness; can substitute with turnips if desired. Guinness (440ml) – Infuses the stew with a rich flavor; consider beef broth for a non-alcoholic version. Beef Stock (350ml) – Enhances the depth of flavor in your stew. Worcestershire Sauce (2 tbsp) – Adds a layer of umami richness. Soft Light Brown Sugar (½ tbsp) – Balances the bitterness of Guinness; maple syrup works well as a substitute. Bay Leaves (2) – Imparts aromatic depth; remember to remove them before serving. Fresh Thyme (3 sprigs) – Adds lovely herbal notes; dried thyme can be used instead. Mushrooms (100g, optional) – Adds earthiness and texture; feel free to omit if you prefer a simpler stew. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Beef and Guinness Stew Step 1: Brown the Beef In a heavy-based pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss the diced beef in flour seasoned with salt and pepper, then brown the beef in batches for about 5-7 minutes until golden all over. Remove the browned beef and set it aside on a plate while you prepare the vegetables, ensuring the pot is left with fond for flavor. Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Add the finely sliced onion and diced celery, sautéing for 5 minutes until they soften. Next, stir in the chopped carrots and parsnips, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to caramelize, before returning the browned beef to the pan. Step 3: Add Liquid and Flavorings Pour in the Guinness and beef stock, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavorful bits. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, soft light brown sugar, bay leaves, and fresh thyme. This mixture should bubble gently as it combines, infusing the stew with richness. Step 4: Simmer to Perfection Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low, allowing the stew to simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add mushrooms during the last hour if you’re using them. The beef will become tender, and the gravy will thicken beautifully, creating a hearty Beef and Guinness Stew that is bursting with flavor. Step 5: Final Adjustments Once the beef is tender and the gravy is thickened, taste the stew for seasoning. Adjust with additional salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving. Your comforting Beef and Guinness Stew is now ready to warm your heart on a chilly evening! What to Serve with Hearty Beef and Guinness Stew? With every comforting bite of this stew, you’ll want to elevate your meal with delightful accompaniments. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth, buttery texture of mashed potatoes perfectly balances the rich, savory gravy of the stew, making for a classic pairing. Golden Brown Soda Bread: The slightly sweet and hearty soda bread soaks up the flavorful broth beautifully, bringing an authentic Irish touch to your dining experience. Colcannon: This Irish dish of mashed potatoes and cabbage adds earthy flavors and a creamy texture, complementing the beef while bringing a pop of color to your plate. Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans offer a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the stew’s soft ingredients. The vibrant green also looks stunning on the table! Roasted Root Vegetables: A medley of carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes caramelized to perfection will mirror the stew’s flavors while adding a hint of sweetness and a beautiful array of colors. Guinness Brownies: For dessert, indulge in rich Guinness brownies that echo the depths of flavor found in the stew. This sweet finish keeps the Irish theme alive. Irish Coffee: A warm cup of Irish coffee is the perfect way to end the meal, with its rich flavor and hint of whiskey beautifully tying together the essence of the evening. Make Ahead Options These Beef and Guinness Stew options are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the stew up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the recipe instructions through Step 4 and then let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through (adding a splash of beef stock if it thickens too much). This way, the flavors deepen, making your comforting Beef and Guinness Stew even more delicious! Expert Tips for Beef and Guinness Stew Flavor Enhancer: Let it rest: For the deepest flavors, let your Beef and Guinness Stew sit overnight in the fridge before re-heating. The flavors meld wonderfully! Prevent Sticking: Use a lid: Keep a tight lid during simmering to retain moisture; check occasionally to ensure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pot. Care with Flour: Avoid burning: When tossing beef in flour, do this just before browning to prevent it from burning and creating a bitter taste in the stew. Check Doneness: Perfect tenderness: Cook until the beef is fork-tender—this might take 1 to 1.5 hours, but it ensures the best texture and flavor in your stew. Optional Additions: Mushroom magic: If using mushrooms, add them in the last hour of cooking for added earthiness without overcooking. Beef and Guinness Stew Variations Feel free to explore these delightful alternatives that can elevate your Beef and Guinness Stew experience! Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of plain flour for a thickened gravy without the gluten. Vegetable Medley: Add mushrooms and parsnips for an earthy flavor; both enhance the stew’s texture beautifully. Red Wine Twist: Swap half the Guinness with red wine for a depth of flavor that makes the dish even more luxurious. Spicy Kick: Incorporate a diced jalapeño or some crushed red pepper flakes to introduce a subtle heat that warms the soul. Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary alongside the thyme for a fragrant touch, giving the stew an aromatic surprise with each bite. Root Veggie Upgrade: Experiment with sweet potatoes or butternut squash instead of regular potatoes for a hint of sweetness and vibrant color. Savory Bacon: Sauté some chopped bacon along with the beef for an added layer of smoky flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the stew. When serving your Beef and Guinness Stew, consider pairing it with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or even a slice of crusty bread to soak up that wonderful gravy. Each variation not only personalizes your dish but also invites imagination into the kitchen, turning your hearty meal into a cozy family masterpiece! If you’re looking for more comforting options, check out the delightful Homemade Beef Stew or the flavorful Caribbean Chicken Rice! How to Store and Freeze Beef and Guinness Stew Fridge: Store your Beef and Guinness Stew in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s completely cooled before refrigerating to maintain its rich flavors. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the stew in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Label and date each container for easy identification later. Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge. This gentle method helps preserve the stew’s texture and flavors. Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may want to add a splash of beef stock or water to loosen the gravy if it thickens during storage. Beef and Guinness Stew Recipe FAQs What type of beef should I use for the stew? I recommend using diced beef such as casserole or stewing steak, beef shin, or chuck for the best results. These cuts become wonderfully tender during cooking, ensuring a rich and hearty flavor in your Beef and Guinness Stew. How should I store leftover Beef and Guinness Stew? Store your stew in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. It’s essential to let it cool completely before refrigerating to keep those delectable flavors intact. Can I freeze my Beef and Guinness Stew? Absolutely! Freeze the stew in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to label and date them. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge for the best flavor and texture! How can I adjust the stew for gluten-free needs? For a gluten-free version, you can simply omit the plain flour or use a gluten-free flour blend to toss the beef before browning. Additionally, ensure that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some varieties may contain wheat. What if my stew is too thick after cooking? If your Beef and Guinness Stew turns out thicker than you’d like, no worries! Just add a splash of beef stock or water, stirring gently over low heat until you reach your desired consistency. This helps to maintain the rich flavor while adjusting the texture. How can I enhance the flavors even more? Let your stew sit in the fridge overnight before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. When reheating, consider adding a little more Guinness or beef stock for a flavor boost! Cozy Up with Hearty Beef and Guinness Stew Tonight Enjoy a comforting Beef and Guinness Stew, perfect for chilly evenings and meal prepping. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: IrishCalories: 487 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Stew1 tablespoon Olive Oil can substitute with vegetable oil500 g Diced Beef choose casserole or stewing steak, beef shin, or chuck2 tablespoons Plain Flour can be omitted for gluten-freeto taste Sea Saltto taste Pepper1 Large Onion finely sliced1 stick Celery finely diced3 Carrots peeled and chopped2 Parsnips peeled and chopped440 ml Guinness consider beef broth for non-alcoholic version350 ml Beef Stock2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce½ tablespoon Soft Light Brown Sugar maple syrup can be used as substitute2 Bay Leaves remove before serving3 sprigs Fresh Thyme dried thyme can be used instead100 g Mushrooms optional Equipment heavy-based pan Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a heavy-based pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss the diced beef in flour seasoned with salt and pepper, then brown the beef in batches for about 5-7 minutes until golden all over. Remove the browned beef and set it aside on a plate while you prepare the vegetables, ensuring the pot is left with fond for flavor.Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Add the finely sliced onion and diced celery, sautéing for 5 minutes until they soften. Next, stir in the chopped carrots and parsnips, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to caramelize, before returning the browned beef to the pan.Pour in the Guinness and beef stock, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavorful bits. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, soft light brown sugar, bay leaves, and fresh thyme. This mixture should bubble gently as it combines, infusing the stew with richness.Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low, allowing the stew to simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add mushrooms during the last hour if you're using them. The beef will become tender, and the gravy will thicken beautifully, creating a hearty Beef and Guinness Stew that is bursting with flavor.Once the beef is tender and the gravy is thickened, taste the stew for seasoning. Adjust with additional salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving. Your comforting Beef and Guinness Stew is now ready to warm your heart on a chilly evening! Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 487kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 34gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 675mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 5mg NotesFor the deepest flavors, let your Beef and Guinness Stew sit overnight in the fridge before re-heating. Use a lid during simmering to retain moisture; check occasionally to ensure nothing is sticking to the pan. Cook until the beef is fork-tender, ensuring the best texture and flavor in your stew. 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