Slow Cooked Guinness Beef Stew with Mustard Herb Dumplings

The Ultimate Slow Cooked Guinness Beef Stew Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a hearty Slow Cooked Guinness Beef Stew. This rich, flavorful dish is perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings. The deep, malty taste of Guinness pairs perfectly with tender, slow-cooked beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth. And to top it off, we add mustard and herb dumplings that are golden brown and crispy on the outside, yet soft and fluffy inside. This slow cooker recipe ensures maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Deep Flavor – The slow cooking process allows the beef to absorb the robust flavors of Guinness and aromatics.
• Tender, Juicy Meat – Cooking on low heat for hours ensures melt-in-your-mouth beef.
• Easy and Hands-Off Cooking – Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.
• Crispy Yet Fluffy Dumplings – A game-changer in texture and taste.

Slow Cooked Guinness Beef Stew with Mustard Herb Dumplings

Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 1.5 lbs braising beef, cubed (fat trimmed)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups Guinness beer
• 1 ¼ cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 5 medium carrots, peeled and halved
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 6 mushrooms, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil, for frying

For the Mustard & Herb Dumplings:

• 1 ¼ cups self-rising flour
• ½ cup shredded suet (or cold grated butter)
• 3 tsp mustard powder
• Handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 5-7 tbsp water (adjust as needed)

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add cubed beef, season with salt and pepper, and sear until browned on all sides.
3. Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

4. In the same pan, add onions and celery and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
5. Stir in garlic and flour, cooking for another minute.
6. Slowly pour in Guinness beer and beef broth, stirring constantly.
7. Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves.
8. Bring to a light boil, then transfer everything into a slow cooker.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Stew

9. Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook for 7 hours without removing the lid.
10. After 7 hours, switch the slow cooker to HIGH.
11. Stir in carrots and mushrooms and continue cooking for another 1 hour.

Step 4: Make the Dumplings

12. While the stew is cooking, combine self-rising flour, suet, mustard powder, parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
13. Gradually add water, mixing until a soft dough forms.
14. Shape the dough into 8 equal balls.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

15. Remove bay leaves from the stew.
16. Place the dumpling balls on top of the stew.
17. Cover and cook for another 1 hour on HIGH.

Step 6: Crisp the Dumplings (Optional but Recommended!)

18. Preheat the oven broiler.
19. Transfer the slow cooker pot (if oven-safe) or just the dumplings to the oven.
20. Broil for 5-10 minutes until the dumplings turn golden brown and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for extra freshness.
• Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the rich gravy.
• Pair with a cold pint of Guinness for the ultimate Irish experience.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooked Guinness Beef Stew

✔ Use the Right Cut of Beef – Braising beef, chuck roast, or stewing beef works best. ✔ Don’t Skip the Searing – Browning the beef first locks in flavor. ✔ Resist the Urge to Lift the Lid – Opening the slow cooker releases heat and affects the cooking process. ✔ Customize the Dumplings – Add cheddar cheese or extra herbs for a flavor boost. ✔ Make it Ahead – This stew tastes even better the next day, so make extra!

This Slow Cooked Guinness Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort dish that brings warmth and deep flavors with every bite. The rich Guinness-infused broth, melt-in-your-mouth beef, and crispy mustard herb dumplings create an unforgettable meal. With a slow cooker, this dish is effortless yet impressive, perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.

Try this recipe today and experience hearty Irish cuisine at its finest!