Name: Hearty Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 lb. stew meat, cubed into 1" pieces; Salt & pepper, to taste; 3/4 tsp. dried thyme; Fresh chopped parsley, optional for garnish; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into thick 1" sections; 2 stalks celery, roughly chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large bite size chunks; 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided; 5 c. beef broth, low sodium

If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a cozy hug, you’ll adore this Hearty Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Recipe. Tender beef, rich broth, and classic veggies make it an all-time favorite for cold days.

The image shows a close-up of a bowl of stew with chunks of brown beef, bright orange carrots, and large, uneven pieces of pale yellow potato, all cooked in a brown broth. There are small white onions and sprigs of fresh green thyme placed on top for garnish. The bowl is white with a raised ornate pattern around the edges, and the stew looks rich and thick with a glossy surface. The background is a white marbled texture. 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 Hearty Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hearty Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hearty Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember making this Irish beef stew on a chilly afternoon and how the whole house smelled like heaven. It’s the kind of recipe you want to share with friends and savor slowly with a crusty slice of bread.

Rich, deep flavors: Slow cooking seals in the juices and creates a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Simple ingredients: Common pantry staples come alive together in one pot.
Versatile and hearty: Perfect for dinner any night, yet special enough for weekend gatherings.
Easy prep: Just sear, sauté, and slow cook — minimal hands-on time for maximum comfort.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference. I always pick a good quality stew meat with visible marbling and fresh veggies for vibrancy. Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll be using and why these components matter.

Flat lay of fresh cubed raw beef stew meat, a whole yellow onion, two peeled medium carrots cut into thick sections, two celery stalks roughly chopped, three peeled Russet potatoes cut into large chunks, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, coarse sea salt and cracked black pepper in small white ceramic bowls, dried thyme in a small white bowl, fresh sprigs of parsley, extra virgin olive oil in a small white ceramic bowl, all arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions 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

Stew meat: Cubed beef chuck works best for slow cooking, becoming tender and flavorful.
Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the beef’s natural taste.
Dried thyme: A subtle herbal note that complements the richness.
Fresh chopped parsley: Adds a burst of color and freshness at the end.
Yellow onion: Provides a savory base and slight sweetness when cooked down.
Carrots: Give natural sweetness and texture to balance the stew.
Celery: Adds aromatic depth and a gentle crunch.
Garlic: Essential for that warm, fragrant punch.
Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture holds up beautifully, soaking up all the flavors.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used for searing and sautéing to build flavor layers.
Low sodium beef broth: Forms the rich, hearty liquid base without being overly salty.

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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

One of the best things about this Hearty Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste or whatever you have in the pantry. Whether you want to add a little twist or need a dietary swap, this stew welcomes you to get creative!

Guinness Upgrade: If you love the classic depth the beer adds, try pouring in a full cup of Guinness instead of some of the beef broth for a richer, more traditional flavor. It adds that unmistakable Irish character that makes this stew a celebration in every bite.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add a splash of soy sauce or tamari to deepen the umami flavors. You'll still get that full, comforting stew experience.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in some parsnips, turnips, or even a handful of frozen peas near the end of cooking for extra color and nutrients. Just chop them similarly to the carrots to keep textures uniform.
Thick & Cozy: For a thicker gravy, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking on HIGH. The liquid will reduce slightly, giving you a perfectly luscious sauce to soak up with crusty bread.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Recipe

A close-up of a black cooking pan filled with large pieces of meat being cooked, showing a mix of red raw parts and brown cooked parts. The meat chunks are irregular in shape, some with visible fat, and are sizzling in light oil, producing steam that rises gently. The pan is on a black stovetop with some light reflections on the smooth surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sear the Beef to Lock in Flavor

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While it warms up, season your 2 pounds of cubed stew meat generously with salt and pepper. Add the beef in batches so the pieces aren’t crowded—this gives you that beautiful caramelized crust that’s key to rich flavor. Sear each side for about 10 minutes total until all sides are golden brown. You’ll notice a delicious, slightly smoky aroma filling your kitchen—promise that means flavor is on its way! Transfer the browned beef into your slow cooker as you go.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies

Using the same skillet, pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté these for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and start to sweeten. When the veggies look glossy and tender, add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute—this short time will release its fragrance without burning. The smell at this point is incredible and tells you everything is coming together.

Step 3: Deglaze and Combine

Pour a small splash of your low-sodium beef broth into the hot skillet and scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon. This deglazing step lifts all those tasty browned bits stuck to the pan and infuses the vegetables with extra depth. Pour this delicious mix right on top of the beef in the slow cooker, layering flavors perfectly.

Step 4: Add Potatoes, Broth, and Seasonings

Next, add the chunked Russet potatoes, the remaining 5 cups of low-sodium beef broth, and ¾ teaspoon of dried thyme. Give everything a gentle stir to combine without breaking up the potatoes or beef pieces—you want those hearty textures intact. This is starting to look like the comforting stew you’ve been dreaming of!

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to HIGH for 4 hours, or if you have more time, choose LOW for 8 hours. This slow and low cooking is what tenderizes the beef until it’s juicy and melt-in-your-mouth soft, while allowing the veggies to soak up all those wonderful savory flavors. Your kitchen will fill with the cozy scent of Irish tradition.

Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy

When the stew is ready, give it a final gentle stir and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over each serving for a bright, herbaceous pop of color and flavor. Now, ladle into bowls and enjoy the warm, hearty comfort of your homemade Irish beef stew. Perfect on a chilly evening, especially paired with crusty bread!

Top Tip

Getting the best out of your Hearty Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Recipe comes down to a few key tricks that really elevate the flavors and texture. These tips can turn a good stew into an unforgettable comfort food experience.

Sear the Meat Thoroughly: Taking the time to brown your beef cubes on all sides seals in the juices and adds a deep, savory base flavor that makes a huge difference once slow cooked.
Don’t Skip Deglazing: After sautéing your veggies, use a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pan and scoop up all those caramelized bits. This little step injects rich umami right into your stew.
Use Large, Hearty Chunks: Cutting your beef, potatoes, and carrots into large pieces helps maintain texture and prevents them from turning mushy during the slow cooking process. It makes every bite satisfying.
Be Patient with Slow Cooking: Resist the urge to rush. Whether you cook it on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours, this time allows flavors to fully meld and the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.

How to Serve Hearty Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a bowl with beef stew, placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. The bowl is white with ridges on the rim and filled with rich brown beef chunks and bright orange carrot slices, as well as large yellow potato pieces. The stew is covered in a thick reddish-brown sauce, and there are a few green onion pieces on top. A silver spoon rests on the side inside the bowl, with a blue cloth blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley brightens up the rich, deep flavors of the stew with a little pop of color and freshness. You can also offer crusty bread or flaky puff pastry on the side for scooping up every last bit.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery mashed rutabaga for a classic twist. Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts add a nice crisp contrast, balancing the hearty richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your second meal even more delicious.

Freezing

To freeze, cool the stew completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings, covering the bowl to retain moisture and heating in short bursts to avoid overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute Guinness in this Irish Beef Stew?

Absolutely! While the recipe uses beef broth for slow cooking, adding a splash of Guinness or a good dry stout can enhance the flavor if desired. Just balance it with the broth to keep the stew tender and rich.

What cut of beef is best for this stew?

Stew meat typically comes from tougher, flavorful cuts like chuck or brisket. These cuts break down beautifully during slow cooking, becoming tender and juicy—perfect for this Hearty Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Recipe.

How thick should I cut the vegetables?

Aim for large, 1-inch chunks of carrots, celery, and potatoes. This size ensures they hold their shape and provide hearty texture after slow cooking.

Can I use a stovetop pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can simmer the stew gently in a heavy pot on low heat for about 2 to 3 hours, until the beef is tender. Just be sure to stir occasionally and add more broth if needed to prevent sticking or burning.

Final Thoughts

Making this Hearty Irish Beef Stew with Guinness Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, comforting hug after a chilly day. The slow-cooked beef, tender vegetables, and all those cozy flavors meld into a dish that feels like a little celebration of home cooking. I hope this recipe finds a happy place on your dinner table and becomes a go-to whenever you want something nourishing and satisfying. Happy cooking and sláinte!