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 / 1.25 kg beef chuck; 3/4 tsp salt; 3/4 tsp black pepper; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 onions, chopped; 6 oz / 180g bacon, diced; 3 tbsp flour; 440ml / 14.9 oz 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

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There’s something truly special about a warm bowl of Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food on a chilly evening. With its rich and hearty flavor, this dish embodies the essence of Irish comfort food. Each tender chunk of beef marries perfectly with the deep, malty notes of Guinness, creating a symphony of taste that warms you from the inside out. Whether it’s a quiet dinner at home or a gathering with dear friends, this stew is an enduring favorite that simply can’t be beat.

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
Recipe FAQs
Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food

Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food

I first discovered this comforting dish on a cold, rainy day while visiting a charming little pub tucked away in a Dublin alley. The aroma of simmering beef and stout wafting through the air was nothing short of intoxicating. The first spoonful transported me to culinary heaven, and I knew I had to recreate that experience at home. Lucky for you, making this masterpiece in your own kitchen is easier than you might think. So grab your slow cooker and let’s embark on this delicious journey together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This recipe only requires 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of Guinness, tender beef, and fragrant vegetables creates a stew that’s bursting with flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The rich, dark color of the stew, dotted with vibrant carrots and fresh herbs, is as delightful to look at as it is to taste.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a cozy dinner, serve it at gatherings, or pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Diet-Friendly Options: Gluten-free and dairy-free versions can be easily adapted without compromising on taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tbsp olive oil: This adds richness and helps to brown the beef, enhancing the flavor.
2.5 lb beef chuck or boneless short rib: These cuts are ideal for slow cooking, yielding tender, fall-apart meat.
3/4 tsp salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef before browning and enhancing the overall flavor.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a fragrant layer of taste that permeates the whole stew.
2 onions, chopped (brown, white, or yellow): A savory base to build the hearty flavor of the dish.
6 oz bacon, diced: The smoky flavor of bacon elevates the depth of the stew.
3 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the sauce, giving it a luscious texture.
440ml Guinness beer: This iconic stout adds unparalleled flavor and richness to the dish.
4 tbsp tomato paste: Brings a slight sweetness and depth, balancing the bitterness of the beer.
3 cups chicken stock or beef broth: The liquid base that brings everything together; choose beef broth for a more intense flavor.
3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1.25 cm pieces: Their sweetness complements the savory elements beautifully.
2 large celery stalks, cut into 2cm pieces: Adds texture and a touch of earthiness.
2 bay leaves: Enhances the aromatic qualities, providing a subtle complexity.
3 sprigs thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme leaves): Offers a warm herbal note that ties the stew together.

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

Cut the beef: Start by cutting the beef into 5cm (2-inch) chunks. Pat them dry with paper towels, then sprinkle generously with salt and black pepper. This step is crucial as it ensures that the beef browns beautifully, adding a rich depth of flavor.

Brown the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy-based pot over high heat. In batches, add the seasoned beef and brown it well on all sides, which should take about 4-5 minutes per batch. This caramelization is key to developing those deep, savory flavors. Once browned, place the beef on a plate and set it aside.

Cook the aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium in the same pot. If it appears dry, add a touch more olive oil. Now, add the minced garlic and chopped onions, cooking them for about 3 minutes until they start softening. The aroma should be divine at this point!

Add the bacon: Toss in the diced bacon, allowing it to sizzle and brown. This adds a savory smokiness that’s simply irresistible. Cook until the bacon is crispy, then stir in the carrot and celery, letting them cook for a couple more minutes.

Incorporate the flour: Sprinkle in the 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for about 1 minute. This cooks off the flour, preventing any raw taste in your finished stew.

Pour in the liquids: Now it’s time to pour in the 440ml of Guinness beer along with 3 cups of chicken stock or beef broth. Add in the 4 tablespoons of tomato paste, mixing everything together to ensure the flour dissolves completely. Then, toss in the bay leaves and thyme.

Combine and simmer: Return the browned beef along with any juices back into the pot. The liquid should just cover the beef – if not, add more broth. Cover and lower the heat so it bubbles gently. Let it simmer for 2 hours, during which your kitchen will start to smell absolutely heavenly.

Finish cooking: After 2 hours, check the beef. It should be quite tender. Remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered for another 30-45 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly. The beef should easily fall apart at a touch—this is what we want!

Adjust and serve: Skim off any excess fat from the surface if you prefer; this can be a personal choice. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as desired. Before serving, make sure to remove the bay leaves and thyme stems. Serve your hearty stew piping hot with a side of creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal!

Storing & Reheating

To store your leftover Guinness Beef Stew, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours, then refrigerated for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. If the texture changes a bit after freezing, refresh it by adding a splash of broth while reheating.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the pot when browning the beef; this prevents steaming and ensures a great crust.
Browning the bacon thoroughly adds depth; don’t rush this step!
Consider serving with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
If you want a thicker stew, allow it to simmer longer uncovered, which helps to thicken the sauce naturally.
Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables like parsnips or mushrooms for even more flavor.
This stew can be made a day ahead; the flavors intensify as it sits in the fridge!

There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a thick, hearty bowl of Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food. This recipe brings together rich flavors, tender meat, and comforting vegetables into one dish that’s perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s remarkably easy and incredibly rewarding. Your family and friends will adore it, and who wouldn’t want to share a warming taste of Ireland?

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of beer?

Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can try a stout or porter similar in style to Guinness. Each beer will add its unique touch, so experiment to find your favorite.

Can I make this stew in the oven instead?

Yes! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this stew on the stovetop or in the oven. Follow the browning and vegetable steps in a Dutch oven, then add the liquids and cover. Simmer on low heat for about 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.

Can I substitute the beef with something else?

Certainly! Other cuts such as brisket or shank can work well too. For a lighter option, you might even try using stew meat or chicken thighs, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative and use a gluten-free beer. Check labels for any undisclosed gluten. Enjoy without worry!

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