Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe for Cozy Nights

Guinness Beef Stew Crockpot Style

Hola! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls in love with the deep, rich flavors of Ireland, you’re about to find out. Growing up under the Orlando sun, my heart was full of Mexican kitchens, but every now and then I crave something hearty, soul-warming, and perfect for chilly evenings. That’s where this Irish Guinness Stew comes in. Slow cooked to perfection with tender beef, creamy potatoes, and a velvety stout broth, this dish brings the best of Ireland right to your table. Whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day or just a weeknight craving, this Guinness Beef Stew Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time8 hours
Total Time8 hours 30 minutes
Servings8
DifficultyEasy
CuisineIrish
Best SeasonFall and Winter

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and hearty flavor: The Guinness stout adds a deep, malty richness that makes every bite satisfying and warming.
  • Perfect for slow cooking: Set it and forget it. The Crock Pot Irish Stew transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal with zero fuss.
  • Feeds a crowd: With 8 servings, it’s great for family dinners, meal prep, or gatherings.
  • Versatile and customizable: Swap Guinness for red wine, change up the veggies, or even try lamb for a traditional Irish stew recipe Guinness-style.
  • Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick weeknight dinners.
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Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew


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  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

Rich, hearty, and slow-cooked, this Guinness Beef Stew is packed with tender beef, vegetables, and the deep flavor of Irish stout. Perfect for cozy nights or St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs. beef stew meat, well trimmed
  • 2 Tbsp. cooking oil
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. pepper
  • 1 tsp. dried leaf oregano
  • 1 tsp. dried leaf thyme
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • 6 oz. tomato paste
  • 15 oz. beef broth
  • 3 cups baby red potatoes, quartered
  • 3 cups carrots, sliced
  • 2 cups celery, sliced
  • 1 small white onion, cut into large pieces
  • 2 tsp. garlic, minced
  • 11.2 oz. Guinness beer (original or extra stout)
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions

1. In a large ziplock bag, combine flour, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and onion powder. Add beef and shake until evenly coated.

2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high and brown beef on all sides.

3. Stir in tomato paste and beef broth, scraping browned bits into a thick sauce.

4. Place potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker.

5. Add beef and sauce mixture over vegetables.

6. Stir in Guinness beer and add bay leaves.

7. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours without opening the lid.

8. Remove bay leaves, season to taste, and serve hot.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use Guinness Extra Stout.

Substitute red wine for Guinness if desired.

Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

Stir in frozen peas during the last 15 minutes for added color.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 149
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 1007mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. beef stew meat, well trimmed
  • 2 Tbsp. cooking oil
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. pepper
  • 1 tsp. dried leaf oregano
  • 1 tsp. dried leaf thyme
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • 6 oz. tomato paste
  • 15 oz. beef broth
  • 3 cups baby red potatoes, quartered
  • 3 cups carrots, sliced
  • 2 cups celery, sliced
  • 1 small white onion, cut into large pieces
  • 2 tsp. garlic, minced
  • 11.2 oz. Guinness beer (original or extra stout)
  • 2 bay leaves

Ingredient Tips Table

IngredientTip
Beef stew meatChoose well-trimmed pieces for less fat and cleaner flavor.
FlourCoating beef first gives you a thick, velvety stew base.
Guinness beerUse original or extra stout for depth, but any dark beer works.
VegetablesKeep chunks larger so they don’t get mushy after 8 hours.
Tomato pasteAdds richness and balances the bitterness of stout.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Coat the beef: In a large ziplock bag, combine flour, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and onion powder. Add beef and shake until evenly coated.
  2. Brown the meat: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Brown beef on all sides without burning. This step locks in flavor.
  3. Create the sauce: Stir in tomato paste and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. A thick, flavorful sauce will form.
  4. Layer the veggies: Place potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into your slow cooker.
  5. Add the beef and sauce: Pour the browned beef and sauce mixture over the vegetables.
  6. Add Guinness and bay leaves: Stir in Guinness beer and place bay leaves on top.
  7. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours without lifting the lid.
  8. Finish and serve: Remove bay leaves, taste for seasoning, and serve hot with bread or over mashed potatoes.

Helpful Tips

  • Don’t skip browning: It builds flavor you won’t get from just slow cooking.
  • Use baby potatoes: They hold shape better after long cooking times.
  • Stir once halfway: If possible, stir gently around the 4-hour mark to ensure even cooking.
  • Thicken if needed: If stew seems too thin, mix cornstarch with water and stir in during the last 30 minutes.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

  • Choose the right beer: Guinness Extra Stout delivers robust flavor, but Guinness Draught is smoother and less bitter.
  • Don’t overfill your slow cooker: Leave at least one inch of space at the top for steam circulation.
  • Cut vegetables uniformly: This ensures even cooking and better presentation.
  • Taste before serving: Stew flavors deepen as it cooks, so adjust salt and pepper only at the end.

Craving more flavors? Try our Shredded Chicken and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes next.

Recipe Variations

  • Lamb Irish Stew: Replace beef with cubed lamb for a traditional Irish touch. The slow cooking makes lamb tender and flavorful.
  • Wine-Braised Stew: Swap Guinness for red wine if you prefer a fruity, robust stew base.
  • Mushroom Lover’s Stew: Add baby bella mushrooms during the last two hours of cooking for extra umami depth.
  • Spicy Guinness Stew: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.

Make Ahead & Freezer Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Guinness Beef Stew in deep bowls with fresh parsley sprinkled on top. Pair with crusty bread for dipping, or ladle it over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Pairing Ideas

This Crock Pot Guinness Stew pairs beautifully with a pint of Guinness, of course. For wine lovers, try a Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. Side dishes like Irish soda bread or a simple green salad balance out the richness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store cooled leftovers in the fridge in airtight containers. To reheat, use the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if too thick. For quicker reheating, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use lamb instead of beef? Yes, lamb works perfectly. Cube it before cooking and follow the recipe the same way.

Can I cook on high instead of low? Cooking on low for 8 hours yields the most tender results, but you can cook on high for 4 to 5 hours if short on time.

What if I don’t have Guinness? Any dark stout or even red wine can be used instead.

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free flour for dredging and ensure your stout is certified gluten-free.

How do I thicken my stew? Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir in during the last 30 minutes.

Does it taste bitter with Guinness? Not at all. The long cooking time mellows the stout into a rich, slightly sweet broth.

Can I add peas? Absolutely. Stir in frozen peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking for color and freshness.

Nutrition Info

Serving Size1 bowl
Calories149
Protein4g
Carbohydrates24g
Fat4g
Fiber4g
Sugar7g

Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Conclusion

Warm, hearty, and deeply flavorful, this Guinness Beef Stew Recipe is everything you want on a cool evening. Grab your slow cooker, pour yourself a pint, and let the magic of Ireland simmer away in your kitchen.

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