When it comes to rich, soul-warming comfort food, Beef and Guinness Stew takes the crown. This Irish classic is packed with tender chunks of beef, smoky bacon, hearty vegetables, and a deep, malty Guinness-infused broth. It’s slow-cooked to perfection, creating a bold, savory dish that’s best served over creamy mashed potatoes. If you’re craving something cozy, this one’s for you!
Why You’ll Love This Stew
- Incredible Flavor: The Guinness beer adds a deep, caramelized richness that makes this stew unforgettable.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef: Slow-cooked chuck roast becomes unbelievably tender.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum taste!
Beef and Guinness Stew
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- ½ pack of bacon, diced
- 2½ lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.9-oz) can Guinness Draught beer
- 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 3 carrots, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 ribs celery, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cups (24 oz) chicken stock (or as needed)
- 1 tsp sugar
- Dash of cayenne pepper
For Serving:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Bacon & Beef
- In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Toss beef with salt and black pepper. In the same skillet with bacon grease, brown the beef in batches until all sides have a nice sear. Transfer to a stew pot.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, sauté the onions for 5 minutes until golden. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Pour in a splash of Guinness to deglaze the pan, scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom.
3. Build the Stew Base
- Add onions, garlic, and bacon to the stew pot with the beef.
- Stir in the Guinness beer, tomato paste, thyme, carrots, celery, chicken stock, sugar, and cayenne pepper.
4. Simmer to Perfection
- Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the lid, increase heat to medium-high, and let it cook uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to thicken the sauce.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Spoon the stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The rich gravy will soak right in, making each bite pure comfort-food bliss.
Tips for the Best Beef and Guinness Stew
✅ Use a good cut of beef – Chuck roast is ideal because it gets tender when slow-cooked.
✅ Don’t rush the browning process – A good sear locks in flavor.
✅ Guinness is key – It gives the stew its signature deep, malty richness.
Pairing Suggestions
🍺 Drink: A pint of Guinness, of course!
🍞 Side: Warm crusty bread or Irish soda bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
If you love comfort food, this Beef and Guinness Stew is a must-try. The rich flavors, fall-apart beef, and silky smooth gravy make it the perfect meal for a cozy night in. Try it today and let the magic happen in your kitchen!
Would you add anything to this stew? Let me know in the comments! 👇
