Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Hearty Guinness Beef Stew in Dutch Oven or Slow Cooker Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 54 reviews

A rich and hearty Guinness beef stew featuring tender chunks of beef chuck simmered with potatoes, carrots, onions, mushrooms, and a deep, flavorful stout gravy. This comforting Irish dish can be made effortlessly in a Dutch oven on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, making it perfect for cozy dinners any time of year.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes (Dutch oven) or 8 hours 20 minutes (slow cooker)
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Beef and Seasonings

  • 2½ lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Vegetables

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 carrots, sliced
  • 3 large potatoes, diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms (optional)

Liquids and Flavorings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 bottle (11–12 oz) Guinness stout beer
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 bay leaves

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef chuck dry and season it evenly with salt and black pepper. Toss the seasoned beef in all-purpose flour until each piece is well coated to help thicken the stew later.
  2. Brown the Beef: For the Dutch oven method, heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches, ensuring a nice crust forms on each piece. Remove and set aside. For the slow cooker, browning in a skillet with olive oil is recommended for best flavor before transferring to the slow cooker.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot or skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
  4. Add Tomato Paste: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor.
  5. Deglaze with Guinness: Pour in the Guinness stout beer, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any flavorful browned bits, which add richness to the stew.
  6. Add Remaining Liquids and Herbs: Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, fresh thyme, and bay leaves, combining all ingredients thoroughly.
  7. Simmer the Stew: Return the browned beef to the pot and bring everything to a simmer. For the Dutch oven, cover and cook on low heat for 2 hours. For the slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until beef is tender.
  8. Add Vegetables: For Dutch oven method, add carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms after the initial 2 hours. Cover and simmer an additional 45–60 minutes until vegetables and beef are tender. For slow cooker method, add the vegetables in before cooking.
  9. Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves from the stew. Garnish generously with fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot with crusty bread or Irish soda bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Beef chuck is preferred for its tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.
  • The stew naturally thickens during cooking; to create extra thickness, mash a few pieces of potato into the broth.
  • Flavors meld and improve significantly after a day, making this stew ideal for leftovers.
  • Serve the stew with crusty or Irish soda bread to soak up the rich gravy.
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours (Dutch oven) or 8 hours (slow cooker)
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Irish
  • Diet: Dairy-Free

Find it online: https://dishestocook.com/hearty-guinness-beef-stew-in-dutch-oven-or-slow-cooker-recipe/