Name: Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 carrots, peeled and chopped; 3 celery stalks, chopped; 1 yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 (11.2-ounce) bottle Guinness stout; 2 cups beef broth; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1 pound baby potatoes, halved; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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If you’re on the hunt for a bowl of pure comfort, let me introduce you to my irresistible Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew. This is one of those recipes that warms you to your bones, filling your kitchen with rich aromas and your heart with just the right amount of nostalgia. Chunks of tender beef, hearty potatoes, robust veggies, and that unmistakable malty depth from Guinness stout come together in this Irish classic, all with barely any hands-on effort. Whether it’s a chilly Sunday or you just want a meal that delivers big on flavor, this stew truly delivers!

Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew is chosen to bring out maximum flavor, color, and texture — nothing more, nothing less. Even the simplest components play a key part, so don’t skip a thing if you want that perfect balance!

Beef chuck (2 pounds, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes): The well-marbled cut melts into tender, pull-apart bites after hours of slow cooking.
All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Gives the beef a gentle sear and later helps thicken the stew.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances and enhances every savory note.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle, lingering heat in each spoonful.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used for searing beef and veggies, adding depth from the very start.
Carrots (4, peeled and chopped): They bring sweetness, color, and classic stew goodness.
Celery (3 stalks, chopped): Adds aromatic backbone and a gentle crunch.
Yellow onion (1, diced): Releases sweetness and flavor as it melts into the stew.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For a punch of aromatic depth you’ll notice in every bite.
Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Lends color, umami, and a subtle tang to the sauce.
Guinness stout (1 [11.2-ounce] bottle): The true star! Adds deep, malty richness and a hint of bitterness to balance the dish.
Beef broth (2 cups): Builds body and keeps everything tender and juicy.
Worcestershire sauce (2 teaspoons): Injects savory, dark flavor with a bit of zip.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Classic earthy herb that complements the beef beautifully.
Bay leaf (1): Infuses the stew with subtle layers of flavor as it simmers away.
Baby potatoes (1 pound, halved): They soak up all the juices and stay satisfyingly firm.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): For a pop of fresh color and herbal finish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew

Step 1: Coat and Sear the Beef

Start by tossing your beef cubes in the flour, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated. Heat up the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and, working in batches, sear those cubes just until they’re deep brown on all sides. This little extra step kicks flavor up several notches and gives the stew such satisfying depth!

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Tomato Paste

In the same skillet, toss in your carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and a dollop of tomato paste. Sauté everything together for 2 or 3 minutes, scraping up any delicious browned bits left from the beef. You’re building a gorgeous flavor base here, worth every minute.

Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned beef and sautéed vegetables into your slow cooker. Next, pour in the Guinness, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in the thyme and tuck in the bay leaf. Finally, nestle your halved baby potatoes right on top for even cooking.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Pop on the lid and set your slow cooker to low for 8–9 hours (or high for 4–5 hours). As it simmers gently, you’ll start noticing the most mouthwatering aromas filling your kitchen. Resist the urge to lift the lid — all that heat and flavor needs to stay inside!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

When your Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew is done, fish out the bay leaf and give everything a good stir. Adjust the seasoning if needed, then ladle the piping-hot stew into bowls. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a restaurant-worthy touch, and dig in while it’s steaming!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew

Garnishes

A flourish of chopped fresh parsley is my favorite, but you could get creative with a crack of black pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, or even a few toasted breadcrumbs. The herbaceous lift from parsley really brightens up the rich, slow-cooked flavors.

Side Dishes

Trust me: a hunk of crusty bread is practically non-negotiable with Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew. Use it to mop every bit of savory broth from your bowl. Mashed potatoes or a scoop of buttered colcannon make lovely serving companions too, balancing out the hearty stew beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to level up even more, try serving the stew in little bread bowls for a rustic, festive feel. You could also go for individual ramekins with a puff pastry topper, or ladle it over creamy mashed potatoes for a pub-style Irish feast at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew keeps like a dream! Transfer any cooled stew to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better and richer with time.

Freezing

This stew is truly freezer-friendly. Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months — perfect for those nights you want a comforting dinner on demand.

Reheating

Defrost overnight in the fridge if frozen, then reheat the stew gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You can also rewarm individual bowls in the microwave. If it thickens up too much, just add a splash of beef stock or water to loosen.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While Guinness creates that characteristic deep, slightly bitter backbone, other stouts or dark beers will also work well. Just avoid overly sweet or heavily flavored varieties for the best results in this Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew.

Do I have to sear the beef first?

Searing is not mandatory, but it makes a huge difference by developing rich flavor and a gorgeous color on the beef. That said, if you’re pressed for time, you can skip it — but your stew may be a little less complex. Try it once and you’ll taste why it’s worth it!

What’s the best cut of beef for this stew?

Beef chuck is my top pick for Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew. It stands up to low and slow cooking, transforming from tough to meltingly tender. Other cuts like brisket or bottom round also work nicely if you can’t find chuck.

How can I thicken my stew if it’s too runny?

If you prefer a thicker broth, simply remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of slow cooking to let things evaporate a little. Alternatively, stir in a slurry made with a tablespoon of cornstarch and a splash of cold water toward the end, then cook until it reaches your desired consistency.

Does this recipe work in an Instant Pot?

Yes, with a few tweaks! You can sauté the beef and vegetables right in the Instant Pot using the Sauté function, then add the rest of the ingredients. Use the Meat/Stew setting and cook for about 35–40 minutes with a natural release for similar, fall-apart tenderness.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew at home, let this be the year you treat yourself to true comfort in a bowl. It’s hearty, deeply flavorful, and so incredibly easy to pull together. I hope this becomes a treasured recipe in your own kitchen, shared with friends and loved ones on cozy evenings for years to come!

Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. Tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich Guinness stout broth with vegetables, herbs, and savory seasonings, creating a deliciously satisfying stew.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef:

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Stew:

4 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 (11.2-ounce) bottle Guinness stout
2 cups beef broth
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 pound baby potatoes, halved
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Toss the beef with flour, salt, and pepper until coated. Sear in batches until browned.
Cook the Vegetables: Saute carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and tomato paste until aromatic.
Combine Ingredients: Transfer beef and vegetables to the slow cooker. Add Guinness, broth, Worcestershire, thyme, and bay leaf. Top with potatoes.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 4–5 hours until beef is tender.
Serve: Discard bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and garnish with parsley before serving.