Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe

Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. Tender chunks of beef, smoky bacon, robust vegetables, and the deep, malty warmth of Guinness come together in a rich, velvety sauce that feels like a big hug in a bowl. There’s nothing tricky here—just classic flavors that meld beautifully right in your slow cooker, filling your home with the most mouthwatering aroma. Perfect for those days when you crave something satisfying but barely have time to lift a finger.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unbelievably Easy: Toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning and forget it. Dinner will be ready and waiting after a busy day.
• Maximum Flavor, Minimum Effort: Guinness and bittersweet chocolate add depth and richness that makes every bite exceptional, with no fancy techniques required.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: This stew is exactly what you want on a chilly evening—warming, filling, and full of familiar, cozy flavors.
• Leftovers Shine: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they taste even better the next day!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Boneless Beef Chuck: The perfect cut for long, slow cooking—turns meltingly tender and soaks up all the flavors.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef before browning. Don’t be shy; seasoning here makes a real difference.
• Bacon: Adds irresistible smokiness and richness. Fry it until crisp for plenty of flavor.
• Beef Broth: Forms the backbone of the stew’s savory sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Packs an umami punch and helps to thicken the stew slightly.
• Onions & Garlic: Bring sweetness and depth. Don’t skip these—they’re the foundation of flavor.
• Carrots & Celery: Classic stew veggies that soften beautifully and add natural sweetness.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy, buttery, and they soak up all that lovely sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: For subtle tang and complexity.
• Sugar: Just a bit to balance the acidity—don’t worry, it won’t make the stew sweet.
• Ground Pepper, Dried Thyme, Bay Leaf: Traditional herbs and spices to infuse the broth.
• Dark Beer (Guinness recommended): The secret to rich, malty depth. Guinness truly makes this stew, but another stout will work in a pinch.
• Bittersweet Chocolate: This is a game-changer! Just a small amount ties everything together and adds a silky, savory layer.
• Flour: Used at the end to thicken the stew for the perfect consistency.

Tip: Chop your veggies the night before and keep them in a water bath in the fridge for a lightning-fast morning start.

Variations

• Swap the Beer: No Guinness? Any good stout or dark beer will add great flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, use extra beef broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
• Vegetable Upgrade: Toss in parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms along with the other vegetables for extra heartiness.
• Protein Switch: Try lamb shoulder for a different twist, or use chicken thighs for a lighter, yet still flavorful, stew.
• Herb Lovers: Fresh rosemary or parsley stirred in at the end brightens the stew beautifully.

How to Make Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew

Step 1: Prep the Beef

Cut the beef chuck into big, hearty chunks (about 1½ inches). Generously season with salt and pepper—this step is essential for bringing out the best flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a Dutch oven or large skillet, fry the bacon until it’s crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside—but keep that rich bacon fat in the pan for the next step.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Sear the beef in batches in the reserved bacon fat. Browning is worth every extra minute! It brings incredible flavor to the finished stew. Add the browned beef straight to the slow cooker insert as you go.

Step 4: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Whisk together beef broth and tomato paste until smooth, then pour it over the beef in the slow cooker. Add the sautéed bacon bits, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, Worcestershire, sugar, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf.

Step 5: Add Beer and Chocolate

Pour in the Guinness (or other stout) and sprinkle in the chopped bittersweet chocolate. Give the contents a gentle stir.

Step 6: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker, set it on LOW, and let it work its magic for 8 hours. The flavors will meld, and the beef will get fall-apart tender.

Step 7: Thicken the Stew

When cooking is done, remove one cup of the cooking liquid. Whisk it together with flour to make a smooth slurry, then stir it back into the stew. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes until thickened.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf. Give everything a final stir and taste for seasoning before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Rush the Browning: That dark crust from browning the beef is liquid gold for stew flavor. It’s 100% worth the extra dirty pan.
• Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: They hold their shape and have a wonderfully creamy texture in the finished stew.
• Add the Flour Slurry at the End: This prevents lumps and ensures the stew thickens evenly.
• Prep Ahead: Chop all the veggies and cut the meat the night before—game changer for busy mornings.

How to Serve

Ladle the Guinness Beef Stew into big bowls and top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for color. If you like, pair with warm, crusty bread to mop up every last drop. For a classic Irish meal, serve alongside a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. This stew is also absolutely divine served over steamed rice.

Tip: Serve with a pint of Guinness or another dark beer for the ultimate cozy experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled stew in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so leftovers taste even better!

Freezing

Freeze in sealed freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Do I really need to add chocolate to the stew?
Absolutely! The small amount of bittersweet chocolate doesn’t make the stew taste like dessert—it simply enriches the sauce, adding depth and a velvety finish. If you’re skeptical, try it just once; you’ll see what a difference it makes.

Can I make this without a slow cooker?
You can make this stew in a Dutch oven on the stovetop or in the oven at low heat (around 300°F/150°C) for about 3 hours, until the beef is tender. Just keep an eye on the liquid level and stir every so often.

Can I prep this the night before?
Definitely! Chop your vegetables, cut your beef, and fry your bacon in advance. Store everything in the refrigerator. In the morning, just brown the beef, toss everything in the slow cooker, and you’re set!

What if I don’t like thyme or want to try different herbs?
Feel free to reduce or skip thyme if you don’t love it. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary, a handful of parsley at the end, or experiment with a bay leaf and a pinch of marjoram for a different herby note.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a soul-warming dinner that gives you more time to relax and less time in the kitchen, this Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew is one you’ll make again and again. It’s all about lush flavors, tender meat, and the kind of comfort that only a big bowl of stew can bring. Don’t wait for a special occasion—gather your ingredients, toss them in, and come home to a meal that’s rich, filling, and sure to impress. Enjoy every spoonful!

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