Seriously Good Guinness Beef Stew

This hearty, one-pot Guinness beef stew features fall-apart tender beef, a rich and savory gravy, and perfectly cooked vegetables. It’s the ultimate cold-weather comfort dish with bold flavors and a classic Irish twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, deep flavor from Guinness beer and tomato paste

• Melt-in-your-mouth beef from slow simmering

• Balanced with perfectly cooked carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery

• Only 30 minutes of active prep time — the rest is hands-off

• Great for making ahead or serving at gatherings

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil (more as needed)

• 2 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, well-marbled, cut into 1-inch cubes

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup flour

• 5 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 (11.5-ounce) bottle Guinness Stout beer

• 4 cups beef stock (plus more if needed)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 4 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 2 medium onions, peeled and chopped into large chunks

• 1 pound carrots (5 to 6), peeled and chopped into large chunks

• 4 celery ribs, chopped into large chunks

• 8 ounces small waxy potatoes (about 20 whole)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (148°C).

2. Pat beef cubes dry and season with salt and pepper.

3. Lightly coat beef cubes in flour, shaking off excess.

4. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches, turning until browned on all sides. Set aside.

5. Lower heat to medium-low. Add garlic and tomato paste. Stir constantly for 1 minute.

6. Pour in Guinness, scraping up browned bits from the pot.

7. Add beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Stir to combine.

8. Return beef and any juices to the pot. Cover and transfer to the oven. Bake for 1 hour.

9. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet. Brown onions, carrots, and celery for ~10 minutes.

10. After the first hour of cooking, stir in browned vegetables and add the potatoes.

11. Return to oven, partially covered, and bake for another 45–60 minutes until beef is tender and veggies are cooked through. Add more stock if needed.

12. Remove thyme stems, skim excess fat, and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Yields: 6 servings

• Prep time: 30 minutes

• Cook time: 2 hours

• Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

• Replace Guinness with dry red wine, strong brewed coffee, or extra beef stock

• Add mushrooms or parsnips with the vegetables for more earthiness

• Use a gluten-free flour blend to coat the beef

• For stovetop only cooking, simmer gently for 2 hours after step 8

• Garnish with chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a fresh touch

Storage / Reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

• Can be frozen for up to 3 months

• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of stock or water if needed

• Tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop further

FAQs

1. Can I make this stew without Guinness?

Yes. Substitute with dry red wine, brewed coffee, or more beef stock for a different flavor profile.

2. Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. After browning the beef and sautéing the garlic/tomato paste, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 4–5 hours.

3. How do I thicken the stew if needed?

Simmer uncovered on the stove after baking, or mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with cold water and stir in.

4. What type of potatoes should I use?

Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or baby potatoes hold their shape well during cooking.

5. Can I make it a day ahead?

Yes. In fact, the stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

6. Can I skip browning the beef?

Technically yes, but browning adds depth and richness to the stew. Highly recommended.

7. Can I use different cuts of beef?

Chuck roast is ideal, but brisket or bottom round also work — just ensure they’re well-marbled.

8. How spicy is this recipe?

Not spicy at all, but you can add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if desired.

9. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes. Cool completely before transferring to freezer containers. Reheat gently before serving.

10. What should I serve with Guinness beef stew?

Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles all pair beautifully.

Conclusion

Seriously Good Guinness Beef Stew lives up to its name — deeply savory, rich in flavor, and packed with tender chunks of beef and hearty vegetables. It’s a cozy, satisfying meal you’ll want to revisit all season long. Whether you use Guinness, red wine, or coffee, this stew is destined to become a go-to comfort classic in your kitchen.

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