This hearty Guinness beef stew is packed with tender beef, rich veggies, and a touch of dark beer for flavor. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside out!
I love letting it simmer for a while. The smell fills the kitchen and makes me feel cozy. It’s perfect with some crusty bread on the side—who can resist that? 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is ideal for stews because it becomes tender when cooked slowly. You can substitute with brisket or round if needed, but chuck gives the best flavor.
Guinness Stout: This dark beer adds a rich flavor. If you prefer, you can use any dark beer or even beef broth to keep it alcohol-free, though the taste might differ a bit.
Vegetables: The mix of carrots and celery brings a nice depth. If you want to switch things up, try adding parsnips or turnips for extra flavor.
Thyme: Fresh thyme is great, but dried thyme works too. Use about one-third as much dried if you don’t have fresh on hand.
How Can I Ensure My Beef is Tender?
The key to tender beef in your stew is low and slow cooking. After you brown the beef, allow it to simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours on low heat. Here are some tips:
- Keep the lid on! This traps moisture and helps the meat cook evenly.
- Check occasionally and stir gently to prevent sticking.
- If the stew looks too thick, add a bit more beef broth or water. Don’t rush it—tender beef takes time!
What’s the Best Way to Thicken My Stew?
If you want a thicker, heartier stew, there are a couple of methods:
- Let it simmer longer with the lid off until it reduces to your desired consistency.
- Mix a little cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, then add it to the simmering stew and let it cook for a few more minutes until it thickens.
Whichever method you choose, keep an eye on it so it doesn’t become too thick!
How to Make Delicious Guinness Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 12-oz bottle of Guinness stout
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 lb small potatoes, peeled and halved or quartered if large
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- For Serving:
- Mashed potatoes, for serving (optional)
Time Needed:
This hearty stew requires about 15 minutes for prep time and 1.5 to 2 hours of cooking time on the stove. So, you’re looking at around 2 hours and 15 minutes total to make this comforting dish. It’s worth every minute as the flavors develop beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by seasoning the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. This step adds flavor right from the beginning.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan—browning each side for about 3-4 minutes. Once all the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pot. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook while stirring occasionally until the vegetables begin to soften, which takes about 5 minutes.
4. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
5. Mix in Tomato Paste:
Add in the tomato paste and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes. This helps deepen the flavors.
6. Coat with Flour:
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring well to coat everything. Cook for another minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
7. Add Liquids:
Gradually pour in the beef broth while scraping up any browned bits from the pot’s bottom. Then, pour in the Guinness stout and stir to combine.
8. Combine Everything:
Return the browned beef back into the pot. Add the bay leaves, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
9. Simmer:
Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beef is tender. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor!
10. Add Potatoes:
About 30 minutes before serving, add the potatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer until the potatoes become tender.
11. Final Touches:
Remove the bay leaves and check the seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper to taste if necessary.
12. Serve:
Serve the Guinness Beef Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley. For an extra comforting touch, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy every bite of this delicious stew!
This rich, flavorful dish brings warmth into your home, making it a perfect choice for chilly evenings. Enjoy your cooking adventure and the wonderful smells that will fill your kitchen!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Stew?
Yes! While beef chuck is ideal due to its tenderness when cooked slowly, you can also use cuts like brisket or round. Just keep in mind that cooking time may vary slightly depending on the cut you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Guinness?
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, you can replace Guinness with beef broth for a similar depth of flavor. Dark beers like stout or porter will work as well if you’re looking to maintain that rich taste.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Let any leftover stew cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating on the stove or microwave!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This stew can be made a day in advance, and in fact, the flavors often improve after sitting overnight. Just reheat gently on the stove and check for seasoning before serving.