Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots is the perfect dish to cozy up with on chilly evenings. Rich and hearty, this stew features succulent beef and tender vegetables simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth infused with the deep notes of Guinness beer. Each bite offers a delightful combination of savory flavors and comforting textures, making it a go-to comfort food for any occasion. The warmth that radiates from this dish wraps you in a hug of homey goodness, beckoning you back to the table time and time again.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots

Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its tantalizing flavors but also in how effortlessly it comes together. With just a bit of prep work, you can set your slow cooker to work while you go about your day. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll be greeted by an enticing aroma that fills your kitchen and has everyone gathering in anticipation. This is comfort food at its finest, and your family will be utterly delighted. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 30 minutes of prep, this stew practically makes itself in the slow cooker.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of tender beef, robust Guinness, and fresh veggies creates a song of savory flavors.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A bowl of this stew takes center stage; vibrant colors from the potatoes and carrots make it visually stunning.
Flexible Serving: Perfectly suitable for a comforting family dinner or an impressive dish for guests.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or low-carb diets, just make a few simple swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lbs. beef stew meat, well trimmed: Tender cuts like chuck work best. Trim off excess fat for a healthier dish.
2 tbsp. cooking oil: Choose canola or olive oil to get that beautiful browning on the beef.
½ cup all-purpose flour: This will help create a nice crust on the beef and thicken the stew. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.
2 tsp. salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors of the meat and vegetables.
½ tsp. pepper: Adds a gentle kick to the richness of the stew.
1 tsp. dried leaf oregano: A must-have for earthy and aromatic depth.
1 tsp. dried leaf thyme: Gives the stew a fresh, herby quality that pairs so well with beef.
1 tsp. onion powder: Contributes to a well-rounded flavor base.
6 oz. tomato paste: Provides a sweet, tangy flavor that thickens the broth.
15 oz. beef broth: Use low-sodium for more control over the saltiness.
3 cups baby red potatoes, quartered: Their creamy texture holds up wonderfully during long cooking.
3 cups carrots, sliced: Sweet and vibrant, they add both color and nutrients.
2 cups celery, sliced: Offers a crunch and aromatic flavor.
1 cup white onion, cut into large pieces: The onion adds sweetness and depth.
2 tsp. garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with a fragrant, earthy aroma.
11.2 oz. Guinness beer, 1 bottle (original or extra stout): Adds a rich, malty flavor that elevates the entire stew.
2 bay leaves: Infuse the stew with layers of flavor; don’t forget to remove them before serving!

How to Make Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots

Coat the Beef: In a large ziplock bag, add ½ cup all-purpose flour, 2 tsp. salt, ½ tsp. pepper, 1 tsp. dried leaf oregano, 1 tsp. dried leaf thyme, and 1 tsp. onion powder. Toss to mix well. Add the 2 lbs. beef stew meat and shake until the beef is well coated; this adds flavor and helps to thicken the stew.

Brown the Meat: In a large skillet set to medium-high heat, add 2 tbsp. cooking oil once hot. Add the flour-coated beef to the skillet, ensuring not to crowd the pan, and brown the meat on all sides until it’s nicely caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. This step develops a fantastic flavor base for your stew.

Combine Ingredients: Once browned, stir in 6 oz. tomato paste and 15 oz. beef broth, scraping up any brown bits on the bottom of the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer until a thick sauce forms, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Layer the Vegetables: To the base of your slow cooker, add 3 cups baby red potatoes (quartered), 3 cups sliced carrots, 2 cups sliced celery, 1 cup cut white onion, and 2 tsp. minced garlic. This colorful combination brings texture and nutrition to your stew.

Pour the Beef Mixture: Add the browned beef and sauce mixture over the veggies in the slow cooker. The aroma at this point will start to draw in everyone around.

Add the Beer and Season: Pour in 11.2 oz. Guinness beer and gently stir to combine. Nestle 2 bay leaves into the mixture—these will infuse the stew with their lovely flavor as it cooks.

Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Don’t open the lid during cooking; patience is key to a rich and delicious stew.

Final Touch: After 8 hours, remove the bay leaves from your stew. You can adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the rich, hearty stew into bowls, serve it hot, and enjoy this comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and wholesome goodness.

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For long-term storage, place the stew in freezer-safe containers and it can last for about three months. Reheat in a pot over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until piping hot. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but you can refresh it by adding a splash of beef broth to loosen it up.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overbrowning: When browning the beef, make sure to turn it regularly for an even color and to prevent it from burning.
Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Thicken it Up: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tbsp. cornstarch with 2 tbsp. water and stir it into the stew during the last hour of cooking.
Let It Sit: Stews often taste better the next day, so consider making it a day ahead for the flavors to deepen.

Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots is truly a satisfying dish that brings families together around the dinner table. The melding of flavors from the Guinness beer, beef, and wholesome veggies provides a rich experience in every bowl. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a gathering with friends, this stew will warm the hearts and bellies of everyone who tries it. Don’t hesitate to play with the ingredients, perhaps switch up the vegetables or experiment with different seasonings. Go ahead and find your perfect version of this comforting classic!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of meat?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses beef stew meat for its hearty texture, you can substitute it with lamb or pork, which will also work beautifully. Just ensure the cooking time remains the same.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Yes, feel free to swap the beef for a hearty mix of mushrooms, Lentils, or a variety of beans, and use vegetable broth instead! You can keep the Guinness for flavor, but there are also non-alcoholic stout options if you prefer.

How do I know when the stew is done?

You’ll know the stew is ready when the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through, typically after 8 hours on low. The beef should shred easily with a fork.

Can I add other seasonings to the stew?

Of course! Don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a few teaspoons of smoked paprika can add unique layers of flavor. Adjust according to your personal taste!

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Guinness Beef Stew | Slow Cooker Irish Comfort Food

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Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots

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Author: Danae
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 510 minutes
Total Time: 9 hours
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Irish

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Description

This Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots brings together tender beef and aromatic vegetables simmered to perfection. Ideal for a hearty dinner, this dish combines the rich taste of Guinness beer, perfectly cooked potatoes, and flavorful carrots in an easy prep method. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs. beef stew meat, well trimmed
2 tbsp. cooking oil
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
1 tsp. dried leaf oregano, not ground
1 tsp. dried leaf thyme, not ground
1 tsp. onion powder
6 oz. tomato paste
15 oz. beef broth
3 cups baby red potatoes, quartered
3 cups carrots, sliced
2 cups celery, sliced
1 cup white onion, cut into large pieces
2 tsp. garlic, minced
11.2 oz. guinness beer, 1 bottle
2 bay leaves

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Instructions

Add flour, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and onion powder to a large ziplock bag.
Add beef, shake to coat well.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Brown the coated beef on all sides, taking care not to burn it.
Add tomato paste and beef broth to the browned beef, stirring until a thick sauce forms.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Layer potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker.
Pour beef and sauce mixture over the vegetables.
Stir in Guinness beer and place bay leaves on top.
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours without lifting the lid.
Remove bay leaves before serving.
Serve and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add chopped fresh herbs like parsley before serving.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
This stew can be made a day in advance as the flavors deepen overnight.