Ultimate Guinness Beef Stew

Warm up your kitchen with this Ultimate Guinness Beef Stew, a hearty, rich dish packed with tender beef, bacon, vegetables, and a deep, flavorful Guinness stout base. Perfect for cozy nights, this stew combines traditional comfort food with a sophisticated twist, creating a meal that’s both filling and memorable. It’s ideal for a family dinner, special gatherings, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, deep flavors from Guinness and coffee
• Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef chuck
• Includes hearty vegetables for a complete meal
• Slow-cooked for maximum flavor with minimal hands-on time
• Perfect for sharing with family or meal prepping

Ingredients

For the Main Stew

• Diced bacon strips (4) – Adds smokiness and renders flavorful fat
• Beef chuck (3.5 lb, cut in 2-inch chunks) – Becomes tender and flavorful when braised
• Guinness stout (2 cups) – Imparts depth and malty richness
• Beef stock (2 1/2 cups) – Adds savory liquid base
• Strong brewed coffee (1 cup) – Enhances umami and deepens flavor
• Bay leaves (2) – Aromatic for savory undertones
• Thyme sprigs (2) – Adds herbal fragrance
• Kosher salt (1 tbsp, or to taste) – Seasoning
• Freshly cracked black pepper (1 tbsp, or as needed) – Balances flavors

Vegetables and Aromatics

• Large yellow onion (1, diced) – Sweetness and depth
• Carrots (3, chopped) – Natural sweetness and texture
• Celery ribs (3, chopped) – Adds aromatic base
• Cabbage (1/4 head, chopped) – Adds body and subtle flavor
• Garlic cloves (4, minced) – Enhances aroma and savory taste
• Tomato paste (2 tbsp) – Adds richness and color
• All-purpose flour (1/4 cup) – Thickens the stew
• Baby golden potatoes (1 lb, halved) – Adds heartiness

To Finish

• Frozen peas (2 cups, optional) – Adds freshness and color

How to Make Ultimate Guinness Beef Stew

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Add diced bacon to a large Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Cook until browned and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Season beef chunks with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and sear the beef in batches, 4-5 minutes per batch, until deeply browned. Remove beef and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, celery, cabbage, and carrots to the pot. Cook 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir in tomato paste for 2-3 minutes until darkened. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir well.

Step 4: Deglaze and Combine Ingredients

Pour in Guinness stout, scraping up browned bits. Add beef stock and coffee. Return seared beef and bacon to the pot. Stir in potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Braise the Stew

Cover with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 3–3 1/2 hours, or until beef is very tender.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Stir in frozen peas if using, and let stew rest covered for 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning or add a splash of coffee for extra depth.

Tips for Success

• Sear beef in batches to prevent steaming and ensure browning
• Scrape up browned bits for maximum flavor
• Allow stew to rest before serving to let flavors meld
• Add peas or extra vegetables at the end to maintain texture

Equipment Needed

• Large Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Recipe Variations

• Extra Vegetables: Add parsnips or turnips for added texture
• Spicier Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes
• Wine Braise: Replace part of the Guinness with a dry red wine for a twist
• Slow Cooker Version: Follow steps to sear meat and vegetables, then transfer to slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over buttered noodles. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a beautiful presentation.

FAQs

Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, flavors develop even more after sitting overnight.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Can I use a different beer?
Yes, other dark beers like porter or stout work well.

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
Use a heavy oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid.

Can I omit the coffee?
Yes, but it adds depth; use additional beef stock if omitting.

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Final Thoughts

This Ultimate Guinness Beef Stew is a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce. It’s perfect for cozy evenings, special occasions, or meal prep. Savor each hearty bite and enjoy a classic stew elevated with Guinness and aromatic ingredients.