This Guinness Beef Stew recipe is a delightful blend of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth made with beef and stout. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day! This classic Irish stew is easy to prepare in just one pot, requiring minimal effort. Serve it with fluffy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a dinner that will surely impress your guests!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward and requires only a bit of chopping, mixing, and simmering. After that, the oven takes over, allowing you to focus on other tasks while it cooks.
Budget-Friendly: Using beef chuck, an affordable cut of meat, makes this dish perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. It feels impressive but remains low effort and cost-effective.
One-Pot Meal: Enjoy the convenience of a one-pot dinner! All the searing, sautéing, and braising happens in a single Dutch oven or braiser, making cleanup a breeze. Guinness beef stew is the ideal no-fuss meal!
INGREDIENTS
- 4 strips of bacon, diced
- 3.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 1/4 head of cabbage, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups Guinness stout*
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs of thyme
- 1 lb baby gold potatoes, halved
- 2 cups frozen peas (optional)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Render the Bacon: In a Dutch oven, add the diced bacon and set the heat to medium-low. Cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and has released its fat. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a small bowl.
- Sear the Beef: Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and sear the beef in the Dutch oven until browned on all sides. You may need to do this in batches. Once seared, remove the beef from the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion, chopped celery, cabbage, and carrots to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Then, stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until it darkens in color. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to combine.
- Add Liquids and Herbs: Pour the Guinness into the pot, using a silicone spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the beef broth and brewed coffee, stirring well to combine. Return the beef and bacon to the pot, along with the halved potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Braise: Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
- Finish and Serve: Once done, remove the pot from the oven, stir in the frozen peas (if using), and let it rest covered for 15 minutes before serving.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH GUINNESS BEEF STEW
If you’re planning a dinner party or just want to enjoy a nice meal, here are some of my favorite dishes to serve alongside Guinness Beef Stew:
LEAFY SALAD
Starting with a big, fresh salad is always a great idea! One of my favorites is the Kale Caesar Salad, which pairs perfectly with Guinness Beef Stew, thanks to its homemade Caesar dressing. Another excellent choice is an Italian Chopped Salad for a burst of flavors.
MASHED POTATOES
What’s better than tender beef served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes? For a classic option, try Crème Fraîche Mashed Potatoes. If you’re feeling adventurous, Caramelized Onion and Bacon Mashed Potatoes will be a showstopper! Horseradish Mashed Potatoes are also a fantastic option that complements the richness of the beef stew.
DINNER ROLLS
Warm dinner rolls are irresistible! There’s nothing quite like sopping up the delicious juices from the stew with a piece of fresh bread.
DESSERT
No dinner party is complete without dessert! Some of my favorite low-effort, high-reward desserts include Almond Ricotta Cake, Skillet Apple Crisp, and Texas Sheet Cake. These treats are sure to impress your guests and round out the meal perfectly!
