Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots is the answer to your craving for a hearty, comforting meal that requires minimal effort on your part. This dish melds tender beef, rich vegetables, and deep flavors with the touch of Guinness beer, resulting in a stew that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day or a weeknight dinner that makes everyone feel at home. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to smell the delightful aromas filling your kitchen without the fuss of constant monitoring.

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

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly rainy week, one where I wanted nothing more than to cozy up with something delicious. The thought of slow-cooking a rich beef stew made me feel nostalgic and excited. I just knew this Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew would be an instant favorite in our household. It’s perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s such a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 30 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it for 8 hours of slow cooking.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of Guinness, beef, and fresh veggies creates a savory, comforting taste that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the carrots and potatoes against the rich brown of the stew create a visually delightful dish.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for chilly nights, cozy family gatherings, or a delicious meal prep option for the week.
Budget-Friendly: Using simple, hearty ingredients makes this recipe easy on the wallet without skimping on flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lbs. beef stew meat, well trimmed: Choose a well-marbled cut for the best tenderness. If you’re in a pinch, chuck roast works as a great substitute.
2 tbsp. cooking oil: Olive oil or vegetable oil is ideal for browning the beef, enhancing flavor while preventing sticking.
½ cup all-purpose flour: This helps thicken the stew and gives the beef a lovely coating for browning.
2 tsp. salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors in the stew.
½ tsp. pepper: A dash of black pepper adds a subtle kick to the dish.
1 tsp. dried leaf oregano, not ground: Oregano brings an aromatic, earthy touch to the stew.
1 tsp. dried leaf thyme, not ground: Thyme gives a warm, subtle flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
1 tsp. onion powder: For an extra depth of flavor; feel free to substitute with fresh onions if you prefer.
6 oz. tomato paste: This addition enriches the stew with a rich tomato flavor and a beautiful color.
15 oz. beef broth: Use low-sodium or homemade broth for a controlled salt level, enhancing the stew’s overall flavor.
3 cups baby red potatoes, quartered: These potatoes are creamy and hold their shape well during the long cooking time.
3 cups carrots, sliced: Carrots add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the stew.
2 cups celery, sliced: Adds a nice crunch and flavor; you can also use parsnips or turnips as an alternative.
1 cup white onion, cut into large pieces: Onion offers a base flavor; for milder taste, you can choose shallots instead.
2 tsp. garlic, minced: Fresh garlic creates an aromatic profile that can’t be beaten.
11.2 oz. Guinness beer, 1 bottle (original or extra stout): The beer adds depth and a slight bitterness that balances the stew perfectly.
2 bay leaves: These are key for infusing a warm, herbal flavor during cooking.

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

Prepare Beef: In a large ziplock bag, combine 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. Add 2 lbs. beef stew meat to the bag, sealing it tightly. Shake until the beef is well coated with the flour mixture.

Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tbsp. cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add the flour-coated beef and brown it on all sides for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t burn. This step locks in the flavors, creating a delicious crust on the meat.

Combine Ingredients: When the beef is beautifully browned, add 6 oz. tomato paste and 15 oz. beef broth to the skillet. Stir everything together until a thick sauce forms, scraping up any wonderful bits stuck to the pan. This is where the flavor really starts to come together.

Layer Veggies: In your slow cooker, add 3 cups baby red potatoes, quartered, 3 cups carrots, sliced, 2 cups celery, sliced, and 1 cup white onion cut into large pieces. Sprinkle 2 tsp. garlic over the vegetables for an aromatic kick.

Add Beef Mixture: Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the veggies in the slow cooker. This ensures all those delicious flavors meld together during cooking.

Pour in Guinness: Carefully stir in 11.2 oz. of Guinness beer, allowing it to blend with the other ingredients. Topping it off, add 2 bay leaves for an earthy note that ties all the flavors together.

Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours, resisting the temptation to lift the lid. The patiently cooked stew will become tender and juicy, full of rich flavors.

Final Touch: After cooking, remove the bay leaves. The stew will be thick, flavorful, and begging to be enjoyed, perhaps with a slice of crusty bread.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, transfer it to a freezer-safe container; it can stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat it in a pot over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Note that the texture may thicken upon storing, so you might want to add a splash of broth when reheating for a nice consistency.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Always ensure your beef is trimmed properly to avoid chewy bites; look for well-marbled cuts for optimal tenderness.
Make sure to allow the oil to heat fully before adding the beef; this ensures a beautiful, even browning.
Don’t skip the browning step! It adds incredible flavor and depth to your stew.
If using frozen vegetables, keep in mind they may release excess water; adjust cooking time or skip the initial cooking of the broth.
Feel free to adjust the veggie quantities based on your preference. Mushrooms or parsnips can also work wonderfully!
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika during the cooking process.

Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots is a delightful dish that you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it a go-to choice that never disappoints. Don’t hesitate to play around with the ingredients and make it your own! As the stew cooks, your kitchen will fill with a tantalizing aroma that’s sure to make everyone eagerly await mealtime.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of beer?

Absolutely! While Guinness gives this stew a distinct flavor, feel free to use any stout or even a dark ale for a different taste experience. Just ensure it’s a beer you enjoy drinking.

Can I freeze the stew after cooking?

Yes, you can freeze Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When reheating, remember to add a splash of broth for optimal creaminess.

How can I enhance the flavor of the stew?

For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding a splash more of Guinness right before serving or a dollop of balsamic vinegar to brighten up the richness. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also be sprinkled just before serving.

Can I make this stew without alcohol?

Absolutely! If you’re avoiding alcohol, substitute the Guinness with beef broth or a mixture of broth and a splash of vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.

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Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots

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

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Description

This Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots offers a delightful mix of tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich sauce. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a go-to for anyone looking for hearty comfort food.

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, (1 small onion); cut into large pieces
2 tsp. garlic, minced
11.2 oz. guinness beer, 1 bottle (original or extra stout)
2 bay leaves

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Instructions

In a large ziplock bag, combine the flour, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and onion powder.
Add beef to the bag and shake until well coated with the mixture.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the beef to the skillet and brown on all sides without burning.
Once browned, mix in the tomato paste and beef broth until a thick sauce forms, scraping up any bits from the pan; set aside off the heat.
Place potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker.
Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the vegetables in the slow cooker.
Stir in the Guinness beer and place bay leaves on top.
Cover slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours, avoiding opening the lid during cooking.
Remove bay leaves before serving.
Serve and relish the stew!

Notes

For added depth, consider searing the beef for a few minutes longer to enhance the flavor.
This stew can be frozen for up to three months; just reheat and enjoy!
Substituting different vegetables can customize the recipe to your liking.