Okay, flavor adventurers, gather ’round because I’m about to share my ULTIMATE comfort food creation with you! It’s my Guinness Beef Stew, and trust me, this ain’t your grandma’s stew (unless your grandma is a total rockstar in the kitchen!).
I remember the first time I tasted a truly amazing Guinness Beef Stew. I was in a tiny pub in Dublin, the rain was pouring, and the smell of roasted barley and savory beef was swirling in the air. One bite, and I was hooked! It was rich, hearty, and had this incredible depth of flavor that I couldn’t get enough of.
But back in my own kitchen, after a bunch of recipe fails and flavor experiments, I finally cracked the code to the most flavorful Guinness Beef Stew. I knew I’d nailed it when my neighbor, who is a super picky eater, practically licked his bowl clean and begged for the recipe.
This Guinness Beef Stew is Cuba Queen approved – bold, satisfying, and guaranteed to make your taste buds sing! It’s a celebration in a bowl, perfect for a chilly evening, a casual get-together, or when you simply crave something incredibly delicious. I’m beyond stoked to share this Guinness Beef Stew recipe with you!
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:
This Guinness Beef Stew ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! We’re talking flavor powerhouses that combine to create an unforgettable culinary experience.
- 2 lbs Beef Chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes: Don’t skimp on the quality here. Look for well-marbled chuck for the most tender results.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: This helps to brown the beef beautifully.
- 1 large Onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory base to the stew.
- 2 Carrots, peeled and chopped: Provides sweetness and texture.
- 2 Celery Stalks, chopped: Adds depth and aromatic flavor.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste: For richness and depth of flavor.
- 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour: Helps to thicken the stew.
- 1 bottle (14.9 oz) Guinness Stout: The star of the show! This adds a distinctive roasted flavor and dark color.
- 4 cups Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level.
- 2 Bay Leaves: Adds a subtle but essential aroma.
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme: For an earthy, herbaceous note.
- 1 lb Potatoes, peeled and cubed: I prefer Yukon Gold for their creamy texture.
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Season generously!

The secret to epic Guinness Beef Stew is using HIGH-QUALITY beef broth. It makes a HUGE difference.
You’ll find the best Guinness for this Guinness Beef Stew at your local liquor store. No surprise there, but make sure it’s fresh!
Splurge on the fresh herbs for this one Guinness Beef Stew ingredient – trust me. The aroma alone is worth it.
I always prep my veggies ahead of time for this Guinness Beef Stew. It makes the cooking process so much smoother. Plus, proper prep minimizes potential errors.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s dive into the magic of creating this incredible Guinness Beef Stew! Don’t stress – your Guinness Beef Stew is going to be incredible. I’ve tested this recipe countless times so you can count on the process.
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Working in batches, sear the beef on all sides until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside. This step is crucial for developing a rich, deep flavor, so don’t skip it!
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, and cook for another minute until fragrant. This is where your kitchen starts to smell amazing!
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will help thicken the stew. Pro tip for Guinness Beef Stew perfection: make sure the flour is fully incorporated to avoid any lumps.
- Deglaze with Guinness: Gradually pour in the Guinness stout, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the Guinness simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly. This step infuses the stew with that distinctive Guinness flavor.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, add the bay leaves and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 2-3 hours, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes!
- Add Potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes to the stew and continue to cook for another 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Here’s where most people mess up their Guinness Beef Stew – they don’t let it simmer long enough! Trust me, patience is key. In my kitchen, this Guinness Beef Stew takes exactly 2.5 hours to reach perfection.
While your Guinness Beef Stew is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! The rich color and hearty ingredients are totally drool-worthy.
If your Guinness Beef Stew seems too thin, whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water, and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Your Guinness Beef Stew should look rich, thick, and inviting. The beef should be fall-apart tender.
PRESENTATION:
Presentation is KEY when it comes to making this already mouthwatering Guinness Beef Stew truly unforgettable! We eat with our eyes first, right?
People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Guinness Beef Stew at casual dinner parties! It’s unexpected and always a hit.
This Guinness Beef Stew absolutely slays at dinner parties! Ladle the Guinness Beef Stew into bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley.
Serve with a hunk of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious gravy. Soda bread, in particular, is a fantastic accompaniment. For a bolder pairing, try serving it alongside colcannon (Irish mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale).
This hearty Guinness Beef Stew is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, chilly winter evenings, or any time you need a comforting and satisfying meal. I’ve even served it at cozy birthday celebrations!
Capture that gorgeous, steam-rising shot for your feed! A rustic wooden background or a vibrant checkered cloth will add to the visual appeal.
Transform leftover Guinness Beef Stew into hearty shepherd’s pies by topping it with mashed potatoes and baking until golden brown. You can also freeze the stew in individual portions for quick and easy meals later. For more bold flavor adventures, check out my recipe for Black Bean Butternut Squash Stew.
I even tried a spicier version of this stew by adding a chopped jalapeño pepper. It was a flavor EXPLOSION.
FAQs:
Here are some of the most common questions I get about my beloved Guinness Beef Stew. Consider this your go-to guide for achieving Guinness Beef Stew perfection!
Q: Can I make this Guinness Beef Stew spicier?
A: Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño pepper to the stew while it’s simmering for a touch of heat.
Q: What if I don’t have Guinness? Can I substitute another stout?
A: While Guinness provides a unique flavor, you can use another stout beer as a substitute. Look for a dark, roasted stout for the best results.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as instructed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the potatoes during the last hour of cooking. I am a big fan of this recipe from The Magical Slow Cooker, Irish Beef and Guinness Stew {Crockpot}.
Q: How do I know when my Guinness Beef Stew is perfectly done?
A: The beef should be fall-apart tender, and the potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork. The stew should also be thick and rich in color.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
A: Of course! Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes.
Q: Can I freeze this Guinness Beef Stew?
A: Yes! Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover Guinness Beef Stew?
A: Reheat the stew in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in individual portions. Add a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen it up.
My Guinness Beef Stew testing sessions led to so many variations – it’s a flavor adventure. I promise my Mexican Beef Chile Verde recipe will be your next favorite!
Remember, flavor adventurers: don’t be afraid to experiment! This Guinness Beef Stew is just a starting point – make it your own!
CONCLUSION:
This Guinness Beef Stew isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration of bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. It represents everything Cuba Queen stands for.
Here are my Guinness Beef Stew Power Tips to elevate your stew to legendary status:
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Searing the beef properly creates a rich, deep flavor that is essential to the stew.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Patience is key! The longer the stew simmers, the more tender the beef will become, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
- Taste and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to season generously with salt and pepper. Taste the stew throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed.
I’ve tested some killer Guinness Beef Stew variations like a mushroom Guinness Beef Stew (so earthy!), a spicy Guinness Beef Stew (hello, jalapeños!), and a sweet potato Guinness Beef Stew (a total comfort food bomb!). The classic version is always the biggest hit though! This Irish beef stew reminds me of another flavor explosion that is really popular, Irish Beef and Guinness Stew – RecipeTin Eats.
I have no doubt that this Guinness Beef Stew will become your signature dish. The recipe from Baked by Rachel is also a winner, Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe.

I’m confident that you can create a batch of Guinness Beef Stew so good, it makes your neighbors line up at your door. So go forth, flavor adventurers, and create some unforgettable Guinness Beef Stew memories! Share your results with me – I can’t wait to see your creations!
Guinness Beef Stew
This hearty Guinness Beef Stew is packed with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, malty broth. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s the ultimate comfort food for a chilly evening.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Total Time: 170 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cook
- Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 bottle (14.9 oz) Guinness Draught
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, then set aside.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Gradually pour in Guinness and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Return the beef to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-2.5 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
- Add potatoes to the stew and cook for another 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Serve with crusty bread or Irish soda bread for dipping in the delicious broth.

