Crockpot Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
This hearty Guinness Beef Stew transforms humble ingredients into a rich, deeply flavored comfort dish that’s perfect for cold weather dining. The combination of tender beef, root vegetables, and Ireland’s famous stout creates an extraordinary depth of flavor while your slow cooker does all the work.
The key to this recipe’s success lies in properly browning the meat and layering the ingredients, allowing the flavors to develop slowly. While traditional Irish stew uses lamb, this beef version has become equally beloved, especially when prepared with Guinness for its rich, malty undertones that perfectly complement the meat.
Tasty Irish Guinness Beef Stew
For the Meat Preparation
- 2.5 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
For the Stew Base
- 1 bottle (11.2 oz) Guinness Extra Stout
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
Vegetables
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
- 4 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large yellow onion, cut into chunks
- 2 parsnips, cut into 1-inch pieces (optional for sweetness)
Detailed Instructions
- Prepare the Meat
- Pat beef chunks completely dry with paper towels
- Combine flour, salt, pepper, thyme, and onion powder in a large bowl
- Toss beef in seasoned flour mixture until evenly coated
- Shake off excess flour and set meat aside
- Brown the Meat
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering
- Work in 3-4 batches, placing meat carefully in pan without overcrowding
- Brown each batch 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown
- Transfer browned meat to a plate
- Prepare the Base
- In the same skillet, add Guinness
- Scrape bottom of pan with wooden spoon to release browned bits
- Add tomato paste and stir until combined
- Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly
- Layer in Slow Cooker
- Place chopped vegetables in bottom of slow cooker
- Layer browned meat on top
- Pour in Guinness mixture
- Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and bay leaves
- Do not stir
- Cooking Process
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8-9 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours
- Meat should be fork-tender when done
- In final 30 minutes, add cornstarch slurry if desired
- Remove bay leaves before serving
Top Tips
- Choose marbled beef chuck for the best results
- Never skip the browning step
- Don’t cut vegetables too small
- Keep lid closed during cooking
- Allow meat to come to room temperature before browning
- Season generously at the start
Variations
Traditional Irish
- Replace beef with lamb
- Add turnips instead of parsnips
- Use Irish butter for browning
Winter Comfort
- Add mushrooms
- Include sweet potatoes
- Add fresh rosemary
Low Carb
- Replace potatoes with turnips
- Add extra celery
- Include cauliflower
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 425 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbs | 32g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Iron | 15% DV |
| Potassium | 25% DV |
FAQ
Can I make this without alcohol?
Replace Guinness with additional beef broth and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for depth.
Can I prep this the night before?
Yes, brown meat and prep vegetables, store separately in refrigerator. Layer in slow cooker next morning.
Why isn’t my sauce thickening?
Remove lid for last 30 minutes of cooking or add cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons each of cornstarch and cold water).
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months in airtight container. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.
Before You Go
This Guinness beef stew recipe is one of my favourite, its great for when it is cold during the winter and is one of those meals that will fill your belly up not leaving you hungry
Enjoy!
