Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food
When the evening chill sets in and you crave something warm and comforting, few dishes can compete with a rich bowl of Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food. This delightful stew is a symphony of tender beef, smoky bacon, earthy vegetables, and a deep, hearty sauce infused with that iconic Guinness beer. Each spoonful envelopes you in warmth, making it the perfect dish for family gatherings or just a cozy night in.
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What makes this recipe so special is not just its incredible flavor but also its simplicity. With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll transform humble ingredients into a dish that truly feels like a warm hug. I first discovered this stew during a chilly fall evening, and ever since, it’s become a staple in my home. The aroma wafting through the kitchen while it cooks is enough to make your mouth water, setting the stage for something delicious ahead. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just 10 minutes of prep time! Let your slow cooker do the work.
- Incredible Flavor: Rich beef, smoky bacon, and the malty notes of Guinness create an unforgettable taste.
- Impressive Presentation: This stew looks as good as it tastes, perfect for impressing guests.
- Hearty Meal: Perfect for cold nights or feeding a crowd; it serves six generously.
- Versatile Pairing: Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For a nice sauté to start—the olive oil helps in browning the beef well, which locks in flavor.
- 2.5 lb beef chuck: Aim for boneless short rib or another slow-cooking beef; it’s perfect for tenderness.
- 3/4 tsp each salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances all the flavors in the stew.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a lovely aromatic base; use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- 2 onions, chopped: Any brown, white, or yellow onion works; they caramelize wonderfully.
- 6 oz diced bacon: Adds a smoky depth and richness that’s irresistible.
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour: To thicken the stew; for gluten-free chefs, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
- 440ml Guinness beer: The heart of the recipe! Choose a standard stout for that classic flavor.
- 4 tbsp tomato paste: Adds richness and tanginess; it deepens the overall flavor profile.
- 3 cups chicken stock or beef broth: This is the stew’s liquid gold that ties it all together.
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut: Sweet and soft after cooking, they brighten up the bowl.
- 2 large celery stalks, cut: They enhance the stew’s depth with subtle earthy notes.
- 2 bay leaves: Add these for aromatic flavor; remember to remove them before serving.
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme): Fresh herbs impart a distinctive taste; dried works too if you’re in a pinch.
How to Make Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food
Cut the Beef: Begin by cutting the beef chuck into 2-inch chunks and patting them dry. This step helps to achieve a nice sear later on. Sprinkle the pieces with salt and black pepper for initial seasoning.
Brown the Beef: In a heavy-based pot, heat the olive oil over high heat. Working in batches, add beef to the pot, allowing it to brown well on all sides. This caramelization brings out rich flavors, so don’t rush it! Once browned, remove the beef to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. If the pot looks dry, add a touch more olive oil. Now, toss in the minced garlic and chopped onions, cooking them for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. Next, add the diced bacon, cooking until it’s beautifully browned and fragrant.
Add the Vegetables: Stir in the carrot and celery, letting them cook for a few minutes until they’re slightly softened. This step builds a flavorful foundation for the stew.
Sprinkle in the Flour: Add the 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the pot, stirring well for about a minute. This ensures the flour cooks slightly, which is essential to avoid a raw flour taste in your stew.
Pour in the Liquids: Gradually whisk in the Guinness, letting it bubble and deglaze the pot while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Then add the chicken stock, tomato paste, bay leaves, and thyme. Give everything a good mix to combine.
Return the Meat: Place the browned beef back in the pot, including any juices that accumulated on the plate. The liquid should just cover the beef. Cover with a lid, then lower the heat for a gentle simmer.
Simmer Away: Let it cook for about 2 hours. Check to see if the beef is tender and falling apart at a touch. After 2 hours, remove the lid and allow the stew to simmer for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This lets the sauce thicken nicely.
Finish and Serve: If a bit of fat has risen to the top, don’t hesitate to skim it off for a lighter stew. Adjust the seasoning, removing the bay leaves and thyme before serving. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes for a truly comforting experience!
Storing & Reheating
If you have leftovers (which I doubt, as this stew tends to disappear quickly!), cool it completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a pot over low heat until warmed through, perhaps adding a splash of broth to refresh the sauce’s consistency.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- To avoid tough beef, make sure to brown it properly. If it’s overcrowded in the pot, it will steam instead of brown.
- For even better results, let the stew cool completely before refrigerating overnight. The flavors deepen and meld beautifully!
- Simmering with the lid off during the last half hour of cooking helps the sauce thicken to the perfect consistency.
- Want a little extra spice? Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking for a mild kick.
- Always taste before serving! A little extra salt or pepper can make a world of difference.
This Guinness Beef Stew is truly a dish that warms your heart and your belly. The way the flavors meld together creates a unique experience that is comforting and satisfying. Versatile enough for a Sunday dinner or a weeknight meal, it caters to all occasions and tastes.
As you gather around the table to share this hearty treat, I hope you take the time to enjoy each bite and maybe even share your own stories around the dish. Experiment with sides, or even drizzle over your favorite bread for a little something extra. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of beer instead of Guinness?
Absolutely! Any hearty stout or porter will work well, bringing similar rich flavors to the stew. However, if you prefer a lighter taste, a pale ale can also be used.
How do I make this stew gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, ensure that you use gluten-free beer and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. It will still turn out delicious!
What should I serve with Guinness Beef Stew?
This stew is best paired with creamy mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a fresh side salad. All options complement the rich stew nicely!
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes! This stew is perfect for meals in advance, as it actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
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📖 Recipe Card
Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 190 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: One Pot
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This Guinness Beef Stew is a cozy dish that combines tender beef with hearty vegetables and rich flavors. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for family meals or gatherings. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s a meal everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2.5 lb / 1.25 kg beef chuck, boneless short rib or any other slow cooking beef (no bone)
- 3/4 tsp each salt and black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 onions, chopped (brown, white or yellow)
- 6 oz / 180g bacon, speck or pancetta, diced
- 3 tbsp flour (all purpose/plain, note 3 for gf)
- 440ml / 14.9 oz guinness beer (note 1)
- 4 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups (750 ml) chicken stock/broth (or beef broth – note 4)
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1.25 cm / 1/2″ thick pieces
- 2 large celery stalks, cut into 2cm / 1″ pieces
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 sprigs thyme (or sub with 1 tsp dried thyme leaves)
Instructions
- Cut the beef into 5cm/2" chunks and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy pot over high heat. Brown the beef in batches. Transfer to a plate after browning.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add more oil if the pot looks dry.
- Cook garlic and onions for 3 minutes until softened, then add bacon.
- Cook until bacon is browned, then add chopped carrots and celery.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to eliminate raw taste.
- Add Guinness, chicken broth, and tomato paste. Mix well to dissolve flour. Include bay leaves and thyme.
- Return the beef to the pot along with its juices. Ensure the liquid level covers the beef.
- Cover the pot and reduce heat to a gentle bubble. Cook for 2 hours until the beef is tender.
- Remove lid and simmer for an additional 30-45 minutes until the beef falls apart and the sauce thickens.
- Skim off any fat from the surface if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste, then remove bay leaves and thyme.
- Serve hot with creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and ensure the Guinness is suitable.
The stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings—just ensure your pot has enough capacity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
