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Cozy Guinness Beef Stew Recipe Easy Perfect Root Vegetable Dinner

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A rich and hearty beef stew simmered with Guinness stout and root vegetables, perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
  • 1 ½ cups Guinness stout beer (or beef broth with a splash of Worcestershire sauce for non-alcoholic)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 large celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch/gluten-free blend for gluten-free)
  • 45 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Optional: 1 cup pearl onions

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Toss the beef in the all-purpose flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper until evenly coated. (10 minutes)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches to brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove browned beef to a plate and set aside. (15 minutes)
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add diced onion and celery with a pinch of salt to the pot. Cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. (6 minutes)
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. (2 minutes)
  5. Pour in Guinness stout, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift browned bits. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly. (4 minutes)
  6. Return browned beef to the pot. Add beef broth, carrots, parsnips, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until beef is fork-tender. (90–120 minutes)
  7. About 30 minutes before the stew finishes cooking, add pearl onions if using. (30 minutes)
  8. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If stew is too thick, stir in warm beef broth or water; if too thin, simmer uncovered a few more minutes. (5 minutes)

Notes

Patience is key for tender beef; do not rush browning. Use fresh herbs for best flavor. Adjust liquid levels during simmering to avoid dryness or soupy stew. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free blend. The stew tastes better the next day after flavors meld. Optional pearl onions add sweetness and texture. A splash of brown sugar or balsamic vinegar can balance bitterness from Guinness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Guinness beef stew, root vegetable stew, Irish stew, comfort food, slow simmer beef stew, easy beef stew, weeknight dinner