⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 2.5 hours

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Irish Beef & Guinness Stew on a cold evening. This dish is rich, deeply flavorful, and incredibly comforting. The secret? Guinness beer! It adds a robust, slightly malty depth to the broth, complementing the tender beef and hearty root vegetables. Serve it with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for the full Irish experience!

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📸 *A rustic bowl of dark, rich beef stew with chunks of tender meat, carrots, and potatoes, garnished with fresh parsley.*

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

Irish stew has been a staple of the country’s cuisine for centuries. Traditionally made with lamb, this version features beef braised low and slow in Guinness, which creates an incredibly rich and silky sauce. The slow cooking process ensures that the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the vegetables soak up all the incredible flavors.

One of the best parts about this dish is its simplicity—a handful of ingredients, one pot, and a little patience result in a stew that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. It’s perfect for meal prep, as the flavors get even better the next day!

Pair this stew with soda bread or mashed potatoes for an authentic Irish feast. And of course, don’t forget a pint of Guinness on the side! 🍻

Ingredients

🍽️ Servings: 6 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: ~450

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 bottle (12 oz) Guinness stout beer
4 cups beef broth
2 large carrots, peeled & chopped
2 large potatoes, peeled & diced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for balance)
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Steps

Step 1

Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss the beef cubes with salt, pepper, and flour, then sear them in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2

Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.

Step 3

Deglaze with Guinness: Pour in the Guinness beer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 3 minutes to cook off some alcohol.

Step 4

Simmer: Return the beef to the pot, then add beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

Step 5

Add the vegetables: Stir in the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender.

Step 6

Final taste test: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Step 7

Serve & enjoy: Ladle into bowls and serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes!

Make it your own!

🥩 Swap the Meat: Traditional Irish stew uses lamb instead of beef—try it for an even more authentic taste!
🍺 No Guinness? Use another dark stout or substitute with extra beef broth.
🥕 Veggie Boost: Add parsnips or mushrooms for even more depth of flavor.
🌶 Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.