Name: Tender Beef Guinness Stew Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2.5 lb beef chuck, boneless short rib or similar slow cooking beef, cut into 5cm chunks; 3/4 tsp salt; 3/4 tsp black pepper; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 onions, chopped (brown, white or yellow); 6 oz bacon, speck or pancetta, diced; 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1.25 cm thick pieces; 2 large celery stalks, cut into 2 cm pieces; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour as substitute for gluten free); 440 ml Guinness beer; 3 cups (750 ml) chicken stock or beef broth; 4 tbsp tomato paste; 2 bay leaves; 3 sprigs thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme leaves

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of rich, hearty stew to make you feel snug and satisfied, especially when it’s brimming with tender, slow-cooked beef and that unmistakable depth from Guinness. This Tender Beef Guinness Stew Recipe is exactly that—a true Irish classic that I can’t wait for you to try.

A close-up view of a thick stew inside a black slow cooker shows multiple layers of brown and orange chunks. The stew contains juicy pieces of browned meat, bright orange carrot slices, and pale yellow potato cubes in a rich brown sauce. There are green herb sprigs and whole bay leaves floating on top, adding texture and freshness. A metal spoon is partially submerged in the stew. Surrounding the slow cooker, there are fresh whole vegetables, including an onion and carrots, plus a bottle of dark Guinness beer on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Tender Beef Guinness Stew Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Tender Beef Guinness Stew Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Tender Beef Guinness Stew Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this stew—it filled my kitchen with those deep malty aromas from the Guinness, and after a few hours of slow cooking, every bite was just melt-in-your-mouth perfection. It quickly became one of my go-to comfort meals that I love sharing with friends and family.

Rich, Authentic Flavor: Guinness beer adds that iconic Irish depth and complexity you won’t find in any other stew.
Perfectly Tender Beef: Slow-cooked chunks of beef become incredibly soft and flavorful, making each bite delightful.
Balanced Aromatics and Veggies: Garlic, onions, bacon, carrots, and celery build layers of savory goodness.
Great for Cozy Dinners: Hearty and filling, this stew pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive in, let’s chat about a few of the star ingredients. When you’re picking your beef, go for something like chuck or boneless short ribs—the kind that gets wonderfully tender the longer it cooks. And yes, Guinness is the secret hero here, providing that signature flavor you just can’t replicate with anything else.

Flat lay of fresh raw beef chuck cut into chunky cubes, three whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, two whole peeled yellow onions, diced fresh streaky bacon, a small mound of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dark Guinness beer, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl containing clear golden chicken broth, three peeled whole carrots cut into thick rounds, two fresh celery stalks cut into chunks, two fresh green bay leaves, and three sprigs of fresh thyme, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Beef chuck or similar slow cooking beef: Perfect for melting tender after slow cooking.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the beef’s natural flavors.
Garlic cloves: Adds aromatic depth and a subtle kick.
Onions: Brown, white, or yellow all work to build a savory base.
Bacon, speck, or pancetta: Brings smoky richness to the stew.
Carrots: Offer a slight sweetness and color contrast.
Celery stalks: Adds a fresh, earthy note that balances the richness.
Olive oil: Used to brown the beef and cook the aromatics.
All-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative): Thickens the sauce without overpowering it.
Guinness beer: The star flavor, deeply malty and slightly bitter.
Chicken stock or beef broth: Forms the flavorful cooking liquid.
Tomato paste: Boosts umami and adds subtle sweetness to the sauce.
Bay leaves: Impart a delicate herbal aroma.
Thyme: Adds earthy notes that complement the beef perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The classic Tender Beef Guinness Stew Recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to tailor it to your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Whether you want to lighten it up, add seasonal veggies, or experiment with cooking methods, there's plenty of room to make this hearty Irish stew your own cozy masterpiece.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap beef for hearty mushrooms like portobello or shiitake and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. While you lose the rich beef flavor, the Guinness and tomato paste create a deliciously savory sauce that still warms the soul.
Slow Cooker Friendly: I love using my slow cooker on busy days! Just reduce the stock by 1 cup as recommended, and after simmering the beer and broth mixture on the stove briefly, transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours, then reduce sauce if needed. It's perfect for hands-off cooking and still delivers tender beef every time.
Pressure Cooker Shortcut: For a quicker option, use your pressure cooker on high for 40 minutes. It’s surprisingly effective with the large 5cm beef chunks and yields fall-apart tender beef, all in less time without sacrificing flavor.
Seasonal Veggie Swap: Feel free to add parsnips, turnips, or even diced potatoes along with the carrots and celery for more root vegetable goodness, especially in colder months.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tender Beef Guinness Stew Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a rich, dark brown stew with thick sauce. Inside the stew are large chunks of tender meat, some shredded, along with orange carrot slices and green celery pieces. The stew sits on a bed of creamy, smooth mashed potatoes that are pale off-white in color. A silver spoon rests on the right side of the bowl, scooping up some shredded meat and sauce. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a piece of dark blue fabric partially underneath. The stew is garnished with small green herb pieces scattered around the top photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Beef

Start by cutting your beef chuck into generous 5cm chunks. Pat each piece dry with paper towels—this helps the beef brown properly. Then sprinkle all over with the ¾ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Seasoning the beef at this stage sets the flavor base for the whole stew.

Step 2: Brown the Beef Thoroughly

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy-based pot over high heat. Add the beef in batches so the pieces aren’t crowded—this is key to achieving a lovely brown crust. Brown the chunks on all sides; you want that rich caramelized flavor developing here. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside. Repeat until all beef is browned.

Step 3: Build Flavor with Aromatics and Bacon

Turn your heat down to medium. If your pot looks dry, add a splash more olive oil. Add the minced garlic and chopped onions, cooking for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Next, stir in the diced bacon (or pancetta/speck) and cook until it’s nicely browned and its fat has rendered. This layer adds wonderful depth and a touch of smokiness.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Flour

Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking briefly just to start softening them. Then sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of flour evenly over the veggies and stir continuously for about 1 minute. This cooks out the raw flour taste and helps thicken your stew sauce later.

Step 5: Pour in Guinness, Stock, and Tomato Paste

Now it’s time for the star ingredient—pour in the full 440 ml of Guinness beer and add the 3 cups (750 ml) of chicken stock (or beef broth if you prefer). Add the 4 tablespoons of tomato paste and stir everything thoroughly to dissolve the flour and combine flavors. Toss in the bay leaves and thyme sprigs, which will infuse the stew with their lovely herbal notes.

Step 6: Return the Beef and Simmer Gently

Place the browned beef chunks back into the pot along with any juices that have collected on the plate. The liquid should just cover the beef. Cover your pot with a lid and reduce the heat so the stew bubbles gently—not a roaring boil—to maintain tenderness. Simmer slowly for 2 hours. By now, the beef should be deliciously tender.

Step 7: Reduce Sauce and Finish Cooking

Remove the lid and continue to simmer uncovered for another 30 to 45 minutes. This reduction thickens the sauce beautifully and allows the beef to nearly fall apart at a touch. It’s soothing and satisfying to watch the rich sauce transform here.

Step 8: Final Touches and Serve

Skim any excess fat off the surface if you like for a lighter touch. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve steaming hot with creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comforting Irish meal. Enjoy every hearty, flavorful bite!

Top Tip

These tips are little nuggets of wisdom I’ve gathered while making this Tender Beef Guinness Stew Recipe, and they really help in achieving that perfect tender, flavorful stew every time.

Patience is Key: Slow cooking the beef at a gentle simmer for the full 2 hours plus the extra time to reduce the sauce ensures the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and the flavors deepen beautifully.
Flour Timing Matters: Adding the flour to the vegetables instead of dusting the beef before browning prevents any burnt flour taste in the stew, keeping the sauce rich and smooth.
Don’t Skip Browning: Taking the time to brown the beef in batches seals in flavor and adds a lovely caramelized depth to the finished stew.
Liquid Level Check: Make sure the liquid just covers the beef when you combine everything. Too much liquid can dilute the flavor, while too little can cause scorching or drying out.

How to Serve Tender Beef Guinness Stew Recipe

The image shows a black frying pan on a stove with several pieces of raw red meat cooking in bubbling oil. The meat pieces are cut into small, irregular cubes with visible white fat lines. The surface beneath the pan is a white marbled texture. The pan handle is partially visible on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley really brightens up the deep flavors of this stew. A few sprigs of thyme on top can also add a lovely herbal aroma just before serving. For an added touch, a dollop of creamy horseradish sauce on the side pairs beautifully with the beef.

Side Dishes

This hearty stew is a classic when served over creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the rich Guinness sauce perfectly. You can also enjoy it with buttered soda bread or crusty artisan bread for sopping up every last bit of that luscious gravy. For a lighter side, steamed green beans or roasted root vegetables balance the meal wonderfully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover stew into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen even more after resting overnight.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overheat and dry out the beef. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of beer if I don’t have Guinness?

While Guinness gives this stew its signature Irish flavor and depth, you can substitute with another dark stout if needed. The taste will vary slightly but will still provide a rich, malty backdrop for the beef.

How do I make this stew gluten-free?

Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce. Also, ensure your chicken or beef broth and tomato paste are gluten-free. The stew will still be wonderfully flavorful!

Can I prepare this stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning your beef and cooking the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker with the liquids and herbs. Cook on low for about 8 hours. Remember to reduce the broth by 1 cup to avoid a watery stew.

Why shouldn’t I dust the beef with flour before browning?

Dusting the beef with flour before browning can cause the flour to burn in the hot oil, resulting in a bitter taste that permeates the entire stew. Adding flour to the vegetables after browning is a better way to thicken your sauce.

Final Thoughts

Making this Tender Beef Guinness Stew Recipe is like inviting a warm Irish hug to your dinner table. The slow-cooked beef, infused with Guinness and herbs, creates a dish that’s deeply satisfying and comforting—perfect for cozy evenings or sharing with loved ones. Take your time, savor the process, and enjoy every hearty spoonful!