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

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

Slow-cooked, hearty, and utterly delicious, this Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots is sure to warm your soul. Picture yourself on a chilly evening, curling up with a bowl of tender beef, vibrant veggies, and rich broth—the kind of meal that wraps you in comfort. There’s something magical about letting the slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day, knowing you’ll return to a home filled with heartwarming aromas that promise a satisfying feast.

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

What makes this stew especially delightful is the depth of flavor from the Guinness beer, which melds beautifully with the beef and veggies. Each bite delivers a robust, savory taste that rivals any takeout or pre-packaged meal. It’s budget-friendly too, making it a perfect option for family dinners or cozy gatherings. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience you’ll want to share with family and friends. So, let’s dive right into this satisfying recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite at your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep takes just 30 minutes before the slow cooker works its magic for 8 hours.
Irresistible Flavor: Expect tender beef, soft veggies, and a rich broth that’s bursting with flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful veggies make for a visually stunning meal that’s impressive enough for guests.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it on a weeknight, serve it at a gathering, or savor as leftovers for lunch.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily modify this recipe to accommodate dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lbs. beef stew meat (well trimmed): A robust cut like chuck works best, becoming tender and juicy during cooking.
2 tbsp. cooking oil: Olive oil or vegetable oil helps sear the meat, enhancing its flavor.
½ cup all-purpose flour: Coats the beef, adding both flavor and thickness to the stew.
2 tsp. salt: Essential for seasoning the meat and vegetables without overpowering the dish.
½ tsp. pepper: Adds a subtle kick of spice to enhance the overall flavor.
1 tsp. dried leaf oregano (not ground): Infuses a warm, earthy note that complements the Guinness.
1 tsp. dried leaf thyme (not ground): Offers a fragrant touch that lifts the other flavors.
1 tsp. onion powder: Adds depth and sweetness to the stew.
6 oz. tomato paste: Provides body and richness to the broth.
15 oz. beef broth: Forms the base of the stew, enriching the overall flavor.
3 cups baby red potatoes (quartered): These hold their shape well and add heartiness to the stew.
3 cups carrots (sliced): Sweet and colorful, they offer a lovely contrast to the beef.
2 cups celery (sliced): Enhances the broth’s flavor and adds crunch.
1 cup white onion (cut into large pieces): Soaks up the stew’s flavors and mellows when cooked.
2 tsp. garlic (minced): Brings a savory aroma and flavor that complements the beef.
11.2 oz. Guinness beer (original or extra stout): Infuses deep, malty flavors that elevate the dish.
2 bay leaves: Adds a layer of aromatic depth to the stew.

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

Coat the Beef: 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. Add the 2 lbs. beef stew meat to the bag and shake until the beef is well coated, ensuring that every piece is covered in the flour mixture for extra flavor.

Sear the Beef: Set a large skillet to medium-high heat and add 2 tbsp. cooking oil once it’s hot. Add the flour-coated beef to the skillet, browning the meat on all sides without letting it burn. This step adds a rich, caramelized flavor that’s key to a good stew.

Build the Sauce: After the meat has browned, add 6 oz. tomato paste and 15 oz. beef broth to the skillet. Stir well until a thick sauce forms, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan for added flavor. Once mixed, remove from heat and set aside.

Add Vegetables: In your trusty 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. garlic (minced). Give it a gentle stir to combine and create a cozy vegetable bed for the beef.

Combine Everything: Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the veggies, allowing that rich flavor to seep down. Then, stir in 11.2 oz. Guinness beer and place 2 bay leaves on top for aromatic enhancement.

Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours without opening the lid during cooking. This slow and steady heat makes the beef super tender and allows the flavors to meld beautifully, filling your home with an irresistible aroma.

Serve & Enjoy: After 8 hours, remove the bay leaves and check if the beef is tender. Serve the stew hot, savored with warm crusty bread, and enjoy the heartfelt satisfaction that comes from a homemade meal.

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftover stew, allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, transfer it to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until hot or in the microwave for about 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through. Be aware that some texture may change during freezing, but a splash of broth or water will help refresh it to its original glory.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure your beef is well spaced in the skillet while searing; this helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
Veggie Varieties: Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables like parsnips or peas, which enhance the stew’s complexity.
Don’t Skip Browning: Searing the beef is essential as it develops deep flavors you’ll miss if you skip this step.
Guinness Alternatives: If you don’t have Guinness, any dark beer or even beef broth can work in a pinch, but they won’t deliver that same rich flavor.

Slow-cooked meals like this Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots have a way of bringing us together. The warmth of your kitchen and the inviting aroma can turn any ordinary night into a cozy occasion. Plus, the benefits of preparing this dish are endless—easy prep, fantastic flavors, and the trust that your slow cooker will do the hard work while you enjoy your day.

Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and let your creativity shine. Discover combinations that resonate with your taste, and make this stew your own. And most importantly, gather around the table with family and friends to enjoy the warmth that comes not just from food, but from shared moments.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for this stew?

Absolutely! While beef is traditional, you can swap it out for lamb or even chicken. Just be mindful of adjusting cooking times; chicken typically cooks faster than beef, so reduce the cooking time accordingly.

How can I thicken my stew further?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking and let it thicken up.

Is this stew gluten-free?

To make this stew gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch when coating the meat. Ensure your beef broth and Guinness are also gluten-free.

How do I adjust the spice levels in the stew?

For a bit more heat, consider adding chopped green chilies or a dash of red pepper flakes when mixing in the vegetables. You can also experiment with spices like smoked paprika for a delightful twist!

More Main Dishes Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 510 minutes
Total Time: 9 hours
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Irish

Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots boasts rich flavors and a comforting aroma. It’s simple to prepare, combines tender beef and hearty veggies, and is perfect for any cozy dinner. Enjoy a warm meal that’s full of flavor!

Ingredients

Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large ziplock bag, combine the flour, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and onion powder.
Add the beef to the bag and shake until it's well coated with the mixture.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the cooking oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the coated beef and brown it on all sides, taking care not to let it burn.
After browning the meat, stir in the tomato paste and beef broth, mixing until a thick sauce forms, scraping any bits from the bottom; then set aside off heat.
In the slow cooker, place the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the vegetables.
Add the Guinness beer and place the bay leaves on top.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours without opening the lid.
Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and serve.

Notes

For extra flavor, feel free to add your favorite herbs like rosemary or parsley.
You can substitute the Guinness beer with a non-alcoholic version or beef broth if preferred.
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping.