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, boneless short rib or any other slow cooking beef; 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); 440ml / 14.9 oz guinness beer; 4 tbsp tomato paste; 3 cups (750 ml) chicken stock/broth (or beef broth); 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)

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When the chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food to lift your spirits. This hearty dish combines tender chunks of beef with a rich, flavorful sauce infused with the iconic stout beer, creating an unforgettable taste sensation. The slow cooker does all the hard work, letting those ingredients mingle beautifully while filling your home with a mouthwatering aroma that beckons everyone to the table.

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 remember the first time I tried this dish at a cosy Irish pub. The complex flavors, the tender meat, and that deep, hearty sauce captured my heart immediately. When I made it at home for the first time, I was mesmerized by how simple it was to whip up this comforting meal, even on the busiest of days. If you are craving that pub experience but want to enjoy it from the comfort of your kitchen, then this recipe is your answer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep it in just 10 minutes and let the slow cooker do the rest!
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience with rich, savory undertones.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The glossy sauce and vibrant vegetables make for a beautiful presentation.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for cozy family dinners, or entertaining friends on chilly evenings.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by swapping in gluten-free flour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tbsp olive oil: A staple for sautéing, it adds flavor and helps brown the beef.
2.5 lb beef chuck: Ideal for slow cooking, it becomes incredibly tender.
3/4 tsp salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, ensuring a balanced flavor.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a gorgeous aroma and depth of flavor.
2 onions, chopped: They provide sweetness and a hearty base for the stew.
6 oz bacon, diced: Introduces saltiness and an umami kick to the dish.
3 tbsp all-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent for the sauce.
440ml Guinness beer: The star of the dish, bringing complexity and richness.
4 tbsp tomato paste: Adds body and a slight sweetness, enhancing the sauce.
3 cups chicken stock: For a flavorful liquid base; beef stock can also be used.
3 carrots, peeled and cut into pieces: Provides sweetness and vibrant color.
2 large celery stalks, cut into pieces: Contributes freshness and texture.
2 bay leaves: Infuse an earthy flavor into the stew.
3 sprigs thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme): Adds a lovely herbal note to complement the richness.

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

Cut the Beef: Cut the beef chuck into 5cm (2-inch) chunks. Pat the pieces dry, then sprinkle with 3/4 tsp salt and black pepper to season generously.

Brown the Beef: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-based pot over high heat. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown well on all sides, then remove onto a plate. This step builds flavor, so don’t rush it!

Sauté the Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium. If the pot looks dry, add a splash more olive oil. Cook 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 chopped onions in the pot for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Cook the Bacon: Add 6 oz diced bacon to the pot. Sauté until the bacon is browned, letting it render its fat, which will enhance the stew’s flavor.

Add the Vegetables: Stir in the carrot and celery pieces, cooking for a few minutes. This adds a lovely crunch and brightness.

Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle 3 tbsp all-purpose flour over the mixture, stirring for 1 minute. This helps to cook off the raw flour taste and slightly thickens the mix.

Pour in the Liquids: Carefully pour in 440ml Guinness beer, followed by 3 cups chicken stock (or beef broth if you prefer). Add 4 tbsp tomato paste, mixing well to ensure the flour is fully dissolved.

Introduce Herbs: Toss in 2 bay leaves and 3 sprigs of thyme (or use 1 tsp dried thyme). These herbs will infuse the stew with great flavor as it cooks.

Combine the Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot, scraping the juices from the plate into the pot to maximize flavor. The liquid should just cover the meat and veggies.

Cook it Low and Slow: Cover the pot and lower the heat so it bubbles gently. Let it simmer for about 2 hours, until the beef is tender. Afterward, remove the lid and continue simmering for an additional 30 to 45 minutes to thicken the sauce. The beef should practically fall apart when you touch it.

Final Touches: If there is excess fat on the surface of your stew, skim it off. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove bay leaves and thyme before serving.

Serve Up: Ladle generous portions over creamy mashed potatoes for a truly comforting meal!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover Guinness Beef Stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze it; just be sure to transfer it to a freezer-safe container, where it will last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stove over low heat until hot, which may take around 10-15 minutes. The texture may change slightly, so a dash of water or broth can help refresh it.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the pot when browning the beef to ensure a nice sear.
Make sure the beef is well-seasoned with salt and pepper before cooking for the best flavor.
Feel free to add different vegetables like potatoes or peas to customize your stew.
If you prefer an even thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer with the lid off after the initial cooking time.
For a unique twist, you can add a tablespoon or two of Worcestershire sauce for added depth.

This delicious Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food combines the best elements of rich flavors, tender textures, and comforting warmth. The slow cooker simplifies preparation, making this dish a perfect choice for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. I encourage you to enjoy it with friends or family, and don’t hesitate to experiment with ingredient variations.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Guinness beef stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead of time allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in an even tastier dish. Just store it in the fridge overnight and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Is this stew gluten-free?

To make this Guinness beef stew gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use a gluten-free beer or omit the beer altogether while replacing it with broth.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! While beef is traditional, you can use lamb or even chicken if you’re looking for something different. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as chicken cooks faster than beef.

What should I serve with the stew?

This stew is fantastic served over creamy mashed potatoes, but other great options include crusty bread for dipping, rice, or even a simple green salad to lighten the meal. Enjoy it, whichever way you prefer!