Guinness Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes

A rich and hearty Irish beef stew slow-cooked in Guinness beer, featuring tender beef, carrots, and onions, served over creamy mashed potatoes. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, making it a perfect St. Patrick’s Day meal or a cozy dinner for cold nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Irish Flavor – Guinness beer adds a deep, malty richness to the stew.
• Tender, Slow-Cooked Beef – The beef becomes incredibly soft and flavorful after simmering for hours.
• Perfect for Special Occasions – A great dish to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or impress guests.
• One-Pot Wonder – Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup easy.
• Pairs Perfectly with Mashed Potatoes – The creamy texture of mashed potatoes balances the hearty stew.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Stew:

• beef chuck, cut into cubes
• olive oil
• onion, chopped
• garlic, minced
• carrots, chopped
• tomato paste
• Guinness stout beer (12 oz bottle)
• beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• flour
• dried thyme
• bay leaves
• salt and pepper to taste
• fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• butter
• milk
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Sear the Beef

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
• Sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides, then set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until softened.
• Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute.

3. Add Flour and Guinness

• Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well.
• Pour in Guinness beer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

4. Simmer the Stew

• Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, and the seared beef.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

5. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

• While the stew is cooking, boil potatoes until tender, then drain.
• Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

6. Serve and Garnish

• Remove bay leaves from the stew, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve the stew over mashed potatoes and garnish with fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving

Variations

• Slow Cooker Method – Sear the beef first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
• Add More Veggies – Try adding potatoes, mushrooms, or peas for extra heartiness.
• Use a Different Beer – If you don’t have Guinness, use another dark stout beer for a similar depth of flavor.
• Thicker Stew – Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Lighter Option – Use lean stew beef and reduce butter in the mashed potatoes.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. You can also microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day. Simply reheat before serving.

What can I substitute for Guinness beer?

If you don’t want to use alcohol, substitute with extra beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.

Why is my beef tough?

Tough beef means it hasn’t cooked long enough. Slow cooking for at least 2-3 hours ensures tender meat.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, beef chuck works best, but you can also use stew meat, brisket, or short ribs.

What type of potatoes are best for mashed potatoes?

Russet potatoes create the fluffiest mashed potatoes, but Yukon Gold will give a creamier texture.

How can I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?

Use heavy cream instead of milk and whip them with a hand mixer for extra smoothness.

Can I add wine to the stew?

Yes, ¼ cup of red wine can enhance the flavor along with the Guinness.

Do I need to brown the beef first?

Browning the beef enhances the flavor but isn’t mandatory if you’re short on time.

Can I use an Instant Pot for this recipe?

Yes, pressure cook on high for 45 minutes and let it naturally release for 15 minutes.

What side dishes go well with Guinness beef stew?

Serve with Irish soda bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

Guinness Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate Irish comfort food, bringing together slow-cooked, tender beef, rich Guinness flavor, and creamy mashed potatoes. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving a warm, hearty meal, this stew is guaranteed to satisfy. Serve it hot, garnish with parsley, and enjoy the deep, comforting flavors of this traditional Irish dish!

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Guinness Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes

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A rich and hearty Irish beef stew, slow-cooked in Guinness beer, packed with tender beef, carrots, and onions, and served over creamy mashed potatoes. The ultimate St. Patrick’s Day comfort dish!

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Irish

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Stew:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 bottle (12 oz) Guinness stout beer
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

 

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

• Sear the Beef:

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides, then set aside.

• Sauté the Vegetables:

  • In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until softened.
  • Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

• Deglaze & Build the Stew:

  • Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well.
  • Pour in Guinness beer, scraping up any browned bits from the pot.
  • Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, and the seared beef.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

• Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

  • While the stew cooks, boil the potatoes until tender.
  • Drain, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.

 

• Finish & Serve:

  • Remove bay leaves from the stew and season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

• Sear the beef well for deeper flavor.
• For a thicker stew, let it simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
• Pairs perfectly with a pint of Guinness or a side of Irish soda bread!