Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Stout Recipe

Introduction

This Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Stout is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Tender beef, root vegetables, and rich Guinness create a flavorful stew that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients

• 1 pound stewing beef (London Broil works well)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• 4 or 5 small red potatoes, cut into pieces
• 1 medium red onion, cut into pieces
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery ribs, sliced
• 1 large parsnip, peeled and sliced
• 4 cups beef stock
• 1 bottle Guinness Stout
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a medium frying pan over low heat and sear the stew beef on both sides until lightly browned. Place the seared beef at the bottom of the crock pot.
2. Step 2: Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and thyme evenly over the beef. Layer the potatoes, carrots, celery, parsnip, and onion on top of the meat.
3. Step 3: Pour the beef stock and Guinness Stout over the meat and vegetables. Cover with the crock pot lid and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or until the beef is tender.
4. Step 4: Stir in the cornstarch to thicken the stew. Allow it to rest for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. Keep warm on low heat if needed.

Tips & Variations

• For deeper flavor, marinate the beef in Guinness and herbs overnight before cooking.
• You can substitute parsnip with turnips or leave it out if unavailable.
• Adding a bay leaf during cooking enhances the aroma.
• Use a slow cooker liner to make cleanup easier.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. The stew thickens as it cools; add a splash of beef stock or water when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this stew without a crock pot?

Yes, you can simmer it in a heavy pot on the stove over low heat for about 2 to 3 hours until the beef is tender. Adjust liquid as needed.

Is Guinness Stout necessary for this recipe?

Guinness adds a unique depth and richness, but you can substitute with another dark beer or extra beef stock if preferred.

Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Stout Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 76 reviews

This hearty Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Stout combines tender seared beef with a medley of fresh vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich beef stock and Guinness stout broth. The addition of cornstarch thickens the stew to a comforting, satisfying consistency, making it a perfect dish for cozy dinners and celebrations.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Irish

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Seasonings

• 1 pound stewing beef (London Broil recommended)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon thyme

Vegetables

• 4 or 5 small red potatoes, cut into pieces
• 1 medium red onion, cut into pieces
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery ribs, sliced
• 1 large parsnip, peeled and sliced

Liquids and Thickening

• 4 cups beef stock
• 1 bottle Guinness Stout (approximately 12 oz)
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

1. Sear the Beef: Heat a medium frying pan over low heat and sear both sides of the stew beef until lightly browned. This enhances the flavor and texture of the meat. Once seared, transfer the beef to the bottom of the crock pot.
2. Add Seasonings and Vegetables: Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and thyme evenly over the beef. Then layer the vegetables on top, starting with the cut red potatoes, followed by carrots, celery, parsnip, and finally the red onion pieces.
3. Pour in Liquids and Cook: Pour the beef stock and the entire bottle of Guinness stout over the meat and vegetables, fully submerging the ingredients. Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on the high setting for 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
4. Thicken the Stew: After the cooking time, stir in the cornstarch to the stew to thicken the broth. Let it rest in the crock pot for about 20 to 30 minutes, allowing it to thicken properly. If needed, lower the heat to keep the stew warm before serving.

Notes

• Searing the beef before slow cooking seals in juices and enhances flavor.
• Adjust salt and seasoning after cooking to taste.
• The Guinness stout adds a distinct, rich bitterness that balances the sweetness of the root vegetables.
• If a thicker stew is preferred, cornstarch can be adjusted accordingly.
• Can be served with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Keywords: Irish beef stew, Guinness stout stew, slow cooker beef stew, hearty Irish recipe, comfort food, root vegetable stew