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When it comes to hearty, satisfying meals, few dishes can match the warmth and rich flavors of Irish beef and Guinness stew. A staple in Irish kitchens and pubs, this dish combines tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and a depth of flavor that only Guinness can provide.

Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving a comforting bowl of stew, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

closeup of a bowl of irish beef and guinness stew, with a silver spoon lifting out a bite

Table of Contents

What Is Irish Beef Stew?

Irish beef stew is a traditional dish that’s been a part of Irish cuisine for generations. At its core, it’s a simple recipe: beef, vegetables, broth, and herbs simmered together to create a filling, flavorful meal.

What sets Irish beef stew apart is its use of local ingredients and its focus on slow cooking, which tenderizes the beef and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Adding Guinness to the mix takes this classic dish to the next level. Known as Ireland’s iconic stout, Guinness beer brings a malty sweetness and a subtle bitterness that enhances the stew’s flavor profile.

The alcohol cooks off during the simmering process, leaving behind a robust, earthy undertone that complements the savory beef and vegetables. It’s the secret ingredient that transforms a good stew into an unforgettable one.

Tips for Making the Perfect Irish Beef and Guinness Stew

To ensure your Irish Guinness beef stew is as delicious as it can be, follow these simple cooking tips:

Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Opt for chuck roast or stew meat, as these cuts are marbled with fat, making them ideal for slow cooking. The long simmering process will break down the connective tissues, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth beef.
Sear the Beef First: Don’t skip this step! Browning the beef in a hot pan before adding it to the stew enhances its flavor and adds a depth of color to the dish.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme will bring a vibrant aroma and flavor to your stew. Add it early in the cooking process for maximum impact.
Don’t Rush the Process: Low and slow is the way to go. Give the stew at least 2 hours to simmer so the flavors can fully develop and the beef becomes tender.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: As the stew cooks, taste it periodically and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch of salt or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the flavor.

pot of irish beef and guinness stew simmering on the stove

Serving Suggestions

Irish Guinness beef stew is a meal in itself, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your dining experience. Here are some ideas:

Crusty Bread: Serve with warm soda bread or a hearty artisan loaf to soak up the rich, flavorful broth.
Mashed Potatoes: A creamy mound of mashed potatoes makes a perfect bed for your stew.
Green Salad: Balance the richness of the stew with a light, refreshing side salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette.

Recipe Variations

This classic recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

Vegetarian Version: Swap out the beef for hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Add More Veggies: Include peas, parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for added texture and flavor.
Spicy Twist: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick.
Leave out the Potatoes: While not completely traditional, you can leave the potatoes out of the stew and instead make them into mashed potatoes to be served with the stew (my favorite!).

Storage Tips

Irish beef and Guinness stew tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop. Here’s how to store it properly:

Refrigerate: Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, portion the stew into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat Gently: Warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Classic Irish Beef and Guinness Stew

Recipe by Jessie

Course: MainDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hours

minutes

Warm, hearty, and bursting with rich flavors, this Irish and Guinness Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food. Tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and the iconic malty sweetness of Guinness come together in a luxurious, savory broth.

Ingredients

2 lbs chuck roast or beef stew meat, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
3 Tbsp flour
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into thick slices
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 Tbsp tomato paste
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 can (440 or 500 ml) Guinness beer (preferably draught)
3.5 c beef broth
2 bay leaves
3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 tsp paprika
salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Dredge the beef cubes lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, to caramelize it.
Deglaze the pot by pouring in the Guinness beer, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Return the seared beef to the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, and paprika. Stir to combine.
Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
After 2 hours, check the beef for tenderness. If it’s not fork-tender, let it simmer for an additional 20–30 minutes.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce, as needed.
Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve with warm soda bread or crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

Tips for Success
Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few potato chunks into the broth or mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering stew.
Customizing the Vegetables: Add parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms for extra variety.
Low and Slow Cooking: For deeper flavors, let the stew simmer longer on very low heat, or use a slow cooker set on low for 6–8 hours.

Closing Thoughts

Irish Guinness beef stew is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl. The rich, malty flavors of Guinness, combined with tender beef and hearty vegetables, make this dish a must-try for anyone who loves a warm, satisfying meal.

Whether you’re preparing it for a festive occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress.

Before you leave, make sure to check out our some of our other classic comfort recipes!

irish beef and guinness stew, in a bowl, fresh bread and a glass of guinness in the background

irish beef and guinness stew in a rustic brown ceramic bowl, with a wedge of artisan bread

irish beef and guinness stew and mashed potatoes, cozy dining table setting

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Irish Beef and Guinness Stew: A Comforting Classic with a Flavorful Twist

What Is Irish Beef Stew?

Tips for Making the Perfect Irish Beef and Guinness Stew

Serving Suggestions

Recipe Variations

Storage Tips