This Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew is rich, hearty, and infused with the deep, malty flavors of Guinness Extra Stout. Tender chunks of beef, hearty root vegetables, and a savory broth make this the ultimate comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The slow cooking process ensures fall-apart tender beef and vegetables that are infused with layers of flavor. The Guinness adds a depth and richness to the broth that pairs perfectly with the earthiness of potatoes, carrots, and parsnips.

Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew

Few dishes bring as much comfort on a cold day as a slow-cooked beef stew. This recipe takes that comfort to new heights by incorporating the bold, slightly bitter notes of Guinness Extra Stout, which meld beautifully with the natural sweetness of root vegetables.

Using a slow cooker makes this dish almost effortless, allowing you to prep everything in the morning and come home to a warm, satisfying meal. The gentle cooking process allows each ingredient to fully develop its flavor.

Beef stew meat becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow, absorbing the savory broth and beer.

Potatoes add bulk and a soft, creamy texture that balances the richness of the meat.

Carrots and parsnips bring sweetness and color, making the stew visually inviting as well as flavorful.

The onions and garlic form the aromatic backbone of the dish, adding complexity and depth.

A small amount of tomato paste gives the broth body and a subtle tang.

Beef broth enhances the savory quality, while the Guinness lends a distinctive, malty undertone.

Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker is worth the extra step—it caramelizes the exterior, locking in flavor.

Cooking in a slow cooker also means the vegetables hold their shape better, avoiding the mushiness that can happen with stovetop stews.

The result is a stew that’s thick, flavorful, and perfect for serving with crusty bread.

Leftovers taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld in the refrigerator.

This stew also freezes well, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this stew delivers on taste and comfort.

The aroma while it’s cooking is irresistible—rich, savory, and mouthwatering.

It’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again when the weather turns chilly.

Servings

6 servings

Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 4 hours 15 minutes (high)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ lb lean beef stew meat
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 4 large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and largely diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 large parsnips, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
• ½ large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 11.2 fl oz bottle Guinness Extra Stout (about 1 cup + foam)
• Coarse salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Turn the slow cooker on.
2. In a large bowl, toss beef with salt, pepper, and flour until coated.
3. Brown beef in the hot pan, about 8 minutes, turning to sear all sides.
4. While beef is browning, add potatoes, carrots, parsnips, onion, garlic, and tomato paste to the slow cooker. Stir to coat.
5. Add browned beef, beef broth, and Guinness to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
6. Cover and cook for 3–4 hours on high or 8–10 hours on low, until beef is tender.
7. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Tips

• For a thicker stew, mash a few potato pieces into the broth before serving.
• Use a good-quality beef broth for the best flavor.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day.