Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food. The chuck beef roast becomes tender as it slowly cooks, infusing the dish with a deep, savory richness. The addition of Guinness adds a layer of complexity and warmth that elevates the flavor profile of the stew. The vegetables cook to perfection, softening in the rich broth while maintaining their texture. With minimal prep and the help of a slow cooker, this stew is a great way to have a satisfying, flavorful meal waiting for you at the end of a busy day. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons butter
2 pounds (900 g) well-marbled chuck beef roast, cut into 2-inch pieces
Kosher salt, to taste
2 cups chopped onion (about 1 large onion)
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cups (700 ml) beef broth
2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
3 to 4 parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 pound (280g) celery root, potatoes, or very young turnips, peeled and cut into chunks
2 teaspoons dried thyme
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

Brown the beef: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks with kosher salt and brown them in batches, making sure to sear all sides for about 4-5 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and celery, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute.
Transfer to the slow cooker: Add the sautéed vegetables, along with the beef broth, carrots, parsnips, and celery root (or potatoes/turnips) to the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the dried thyme.
Cook in the slow cooker: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.
Finish and serve: Once the stew is done cooking, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Serve: Enjoy the stew on its own or with crusty bread for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7-8 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Add garlic: For extra flavor, sauté a few cloves of garlic along with the onion and celery.
Potatoes or turnips: You can use potatoes or young turnips as the base root vegetable, but celery root (celeriac) adds a unique flavor.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh chilies for a spicy twist.
Vegetarian version: To make this stew vegetarian, substitute the beef with chunks of hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or butternut squash. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This stew freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little extra broth or water if it thickens too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round, but chuck roast is preferred for its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked.

2. Can I make this stew on the stovetop instead of the slow cooker?

Yes, you can. After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, add the ingredients to a large pot and simmer for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together.

3. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add other root vegetables like parsnips, rutabaga, or even sweet potatoes. Just ensure that all vegetables are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.

4. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Fresh vegetables are recommended for the best texture, but if using frozen vegetables, add them in the last hour of cooking to avoid overcooking them.

5. Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, this stew can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop better the next day!

6. How can I thicken the stew?

If you’d like a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables with a fork or potato masher and stir them back into the broth.

7. Can I add potatoes to the stew?

Yes, you can add potatoes or any other root vegetables to this stew. They will absorb the flavors of the broth and become tender as the stew cooks.

8. How do I know when the beef is tender?

The beef is done when it easily shreds with a fork. If it’s still tough, let it cook for another hour or so.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to holiday meals. With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and the rich flavor of Guinness , this stew is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort and makes for delicious leftovers. Simply set it in the slow cooker, let it cook low and slow, and enjoy a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s ready when you are.

Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew is a rich, hearty dish that combines tender beef with savory vegetables and the deep flavor of Guinness . This easy-to-make stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days. The slow cooking process infuses the beef and vegetables with rich, complex flavors, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal. Ideal for family dinners or meal prepping, this stew is sure to become a go-to recipe.

Instructions

Brown the beef: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Season beef with kosher salt and brown in batches for 4-5 minutes per batch. Transfer beef to slow cooker.
Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, cook chopped onion and celery for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional minute.
Transfer to slow cooker: Add sautéed vegetables, beef broth, carrots, parsnips, and celery root (or potatoes/turnips) to slow cooker. Sprinkle in dried thyme.
Cook in the slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
Finish and serve: Adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serve: Serve the stew with crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

Add garlic: Sauté garlic with onion and celery for more flavor.
Potatoes or turnips: Use potatoes or young turnips for the base root vegetable, but celery root adds a unique taste.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or fresh chilies for a spicy twist.
Vegetarian version: Replace beef with mushrooms, eggplant, or butternut squash and use vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian stew.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7-8 hours (slow cooker)
Category: Side Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Irish