Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew

This rich and hearty Guinness Beef Stew is perfect for cold days when you want something comforting yet flavorful. Slow-cooking the beef ensures it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the Guinness beer adds a deep, malty richness to the broth, balancing perfectly with the sweet carrots and onions. The result is a savory and slightly tangy stew that’s ideal to serve with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes. The best part? It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that fills your kitchen with delicious aromas all day long.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 bottle (11.2 oz) Guinness beer
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons flour (optional for thickening)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear the cubes on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add them to the slow cooker along with the carrots, celery, and potatoes.
3. Add the Liquids and Flavoring: Pour in the beef broth and Guinness beer. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.
4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
5. Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the flour with a small amount of water to form a slurry. Stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve: Discard the bay leaves and serve the stew warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy your flavorful Guinness beef stew with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes!