Steak and Guinness Stew with Irish Roots

Steak and Guinness Stew with Irish Roots is a deeply comforting, rich, and hearty dish that brings the flavors of Ireland straight to your kitchen. Made with tender chunks of beef, root vegetables, and a bold Guinness stout-based gravy, this traditional Irish-inspired stew is perfect for chilly evenings, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, or anytime you want a warm, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stew is packed with depth and bold, savory flavors, thanks to a slow simmer with dark Guinness beer and aromatic herbs. The beef becomes meltingly tender, while the vegetables soak up the rich broth. It’s rustic, filling, and perfect when paired with crusty Irish soda bread or creamy mashed potatoes. Bonus: it’s a one-pot dish that gets better the next day.

ingredients

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

• Stew beef or chuck roast (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil or butter
• Yellow onion
• Garlic cloves
• Carrots
• Parsnips or potatoes
• Tomato paste
• Guinness stout beer
• Beef broth
• Fresh thyme
• Bay leaves
• Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

1. In a large bowl, toss beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté chopped onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add Guinness beer to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Return the beef to the pot. Add chopped carrots, parsnips or potatoes, beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2–2½ hours, or until beef is tender and broth is rich and thickened.
8. Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Servings and timing

Serves: 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 2.5 hours
Total time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Variations

• Add mushrooms or celery for more vegetable variety.
• Use lamb instead of beef for an Irish twist.
• Add pearl onions or green peas in the last 20 minutes of cooking.
• Make it spicy with a dash of smoked paprika or chili flakes.
• Omit the Guinness and use more broth if you prefer an alcohol-free version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
This stew freezes well—store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What kind of beef is best for Guinness stew?

Chuck roast or stew beef works best because it becomes tender after slow simmering.

Do I have to use Guinness beer?

Guinness gives the stew a deep, malty flavor, but you can use another dark stout or omit it and add more broth.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes—sear the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5.

Is this stew gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour for dredging and ensure your broth and beer (if using) are gluten-free.

What should I serve with this stew?

It pairs perfectly with Irish soda bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely—celery, peas, leeks, or mushrooms all work beautifully.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Try using mushrooms and lentils in place of beef, and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

What’s the best pot to cook this in?

A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or large soup pot is ideal for even cooking.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Reheat before serving.

Does the alcohol cook off?

Most of the alcohol cooks off during the simmering process, leaving behind deep flavor but no strong alcohol taste.

Conclusion

Steak and Guinness Stew with Irish Roots is a rich, soul-warming meal that captures the essence of traditional Irish cooking. Whether you’re honoring your heritage, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, or simply craving a cozy bowl of stew, this dish delivers deep flavor, tender meat, and comforting satisfaction. Serve it with warm bread or mashed potatoes and enjoy the taste of Irish tradition at your table.

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