Guinness Beef Stew: A Hearty, Comforting Dish for a Cold Winter’s Night

Imagine a cold winter’s night, and you’re craving something warm and comforting to fill your belly. Look no further than a rich, flavorful Guinness beef stew, made with tender chunks of beef, fresh vegetables, and a deep, velvety Guinness stout broth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Guinness beef stew recipe is a classic, hearty dish that’s perfect for a cold winter’s night. It’s easy to make, and the flavors are deep and satisfying.

The Guinness stout adds a rich, slightly bitter flavor that complements the beef and vegetables perfectly.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or over egg noodles.

It’s also a great dish to make ahead of time, as the flavors only get better with time.

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make this recipe from scratch.

2 pounds beef stew meat cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes, this is the foundation of the dish, and you want to make sure you’re using a high quality cut of meat.

1 large onion chopped, this adds a sweet, caramelized flavor to the dish.

3 cloves garlic minced, because everything is better with garlic, right?

2 medium carrots peeled and chopped, these add a nice pop of color and sweetness to the dish.

2 medium potatoes peeled and chopped, these are a classic addition to beef stew, and they help to thicken the broth.

1 cup Guinness stout this is the magic ingredient that gives the dish its rich, velvety flavor.

2 cups beef broth this helps to thin out the Guinness and add more flavor to the dish.

1 tablespoon tomato paste this adds a deep, intense flavor to the dish.

1 teaspoon dried thyme this is a classic herb that pairs perfectly with beef and Guinness.

1/2 teaspoon salt this helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper this adds a nice kick to the dish.

2 tablespoons all purpose flour this helps to thicken the broth and create a nice, velvety texture.

2 tablespoons butter this is used to brown the beef and add more flavor to the dish.

Why These Ingredients

Beef Stew Meat

The type of beef you use is crucial in a dish like this. You want to use a cut that’s tender and has a good balance of fat and lean meat.

Chuck roast or round are good options, as they’re relatively inexpensive and have a great texture.

When you’re cutting the beef, make sure to cut it into uniform cubes so that it cooks evenly. You don’t want any pieces that are too big or too small, as this can affect the overall texture of the dish.

Guinness Stout

Guinness is a type of dry stout that’s made from roasted barley, hops, and beer. It has a rich, velvety texture and a deep, slightly bitter flavor that’s perfect for beef stew.

When you’re using Guinness in a recipe, make sure to use the real deal. There are a lot of imitation stouts out there, but they just don’t have the same flavor and texture as Guinness.

Beef Broth

Beef broth is a classic addition to beef stew, and it helps to add more flavor and moisture to the dish. You can use store bought broth or make your own by simmering beef bones in water.

When you’re making your own broth, make sure to use high quality ingredients and to simmer the bones for at least an hour to get all the flavors out.

Instructions

Let’s walk through every step in detail so your recipe turns out perfectly.

Step 1: Brown the Beef heat the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the beef and cook until it’s browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Soften the Onions reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook until the onion is softened and caramelized, about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Garlic and Carrots add the minced garlic and chopped carrots to the pot. Cook for 1 2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the carrots are slightly tender.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes and Guinness add the chopped potatoes, Guinness stout, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer the Stew reduce the heat to low and simmer the stew, covered, for 2 3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Step 6: Thicken the Broth mix the flour and butter in a small bowl to make a paste. Stir the paste into the stew and continue to simmer for another 10 15 minutes, or until the broth has thickened.

How To Serve

serve the stew over mashed potatoes, with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the rich, velvety broth.

serve the stew with a side of sautéed spinach or kale, which will add a nice burst of nutrients and flavor to the dish.

serve the stew in a bread bowl, which will help to soak up all the flavorful broth.

serve the stew with a side of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, which will add a nice crunch and flavor to the dish.

How To Keep Leftovers

Room Temperature

You can store the stew at room temperature for up to 2 hours, but it’s not recommended to store it for longer than that. The stew will start to spoil and may become a food safety risk.

When you’re storing the stew at room temperature, make sure to keep it in a covered container and to stir it occasionally to prevent the broth from separating.

Refrigerator

You can store the stew in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to cool the stew to room temperature before refrigerating it, and to store it in a covered container.

When you’re reheating the stew, make sure to heat it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Freezer

You can store the stew in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool the stew to room temperature before freezing it, and to store it in a covered, airtight container.

When you’re reheating the stew, make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Top Tips

Use High Quality Ingredients

The quality of your ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the stew. Make sure to use high quality beef, fresh vegetables, and a good Guinness stout.

When you’re shopping for ingredients, take the time to read labels and look for products that are low in added salts, sugars, and preservatives.

Don’t Overcook the Beef

Overcooking the beef can make it tough and dry. Make sure to cook the beef until it’s just tender, and then remove it from the heat.

When you’re cooking the beef, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. The internal temperature should be at least 145°F (63°C) for medium rare, 160°F (71°C) for medium, and 170°F (77°C) for well done.

Let the Stew Rest

Letting the stew rest for 10 15 minutes before serving will help the flavors to meld together and the broth to thicken. This will also help the beef to stay tender and juicy.

When you’re letting the stew rest, make sure to keep it covered and to stir it occasionally to prevent the broth from separating.

Final Thoughts

This Guinness beef stew is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a cold winter’s night. The rich, velvety broth and tender chunks of beef are sure to become a favorite in your household.

With its deep, satisfying flavors and easy to follow instructions, this recipe is a must try for anyone who loves a good stew.