Slow Cooker Irish Stew
This Slow Cooker Irish Stew with Guinness is perfect whether you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day or just craving hearty comfort food! Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and plenty of herbs and spices are simmered in a rich broth -- it's sure to become a family favorite! Plus, thanks to the crockpot, it's super easy to make!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 lbs. beef stew meat or chuck roast cut into 2" pieces
- 1 tsp sea salt + more to taste
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper +more to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced the best garlic chopper
- 3 cups beef broth or beef stock
- 1 14.9 oz. can Guinness beer or any dark, stout beer
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sweet or smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1" pieces
- 1 1/2 lbs. baby potatoes, cut into 1" pieces (red potatoes or Yukon Golds work great) optional, See Note 1
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley optional, for garnish
- 2 tbsp corn starch + 1/2 cup cold beef broth/stock optional, for thickening
Instructions
- Prep: Sprinkle the beef cubes all over with salt and pepper.
- Sear: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. When oil is hot, add beef cubes and sear on all sides (about 2-3 minutes on each side). You should see a nice, deep brown color on the beef.
- Transfer: Transfer meat to the slow cooker--make sure you scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan and add those, too!. Then, add remaining ingredients: onion, garlic, 3 cups of beef broth, Guinness (or other beer), sugar, paprika, thyme, carrots and potatoes (if using). Give everything a big stir! [Note: reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of beef broth to thicken the stew later].
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or 4-5 hours on high or until meat is tender.
- Thicken (Optional): Whisk 2 tbsp corn starch with the remaining 1/2 cup of COLD (or room temperature) beef broth. Pour mixture into the slow cooker and stir. Allow the stew a few more minutes to thicken.
- Finish: Remove thyme sprigs (if using). Taste, and season with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve with Irish Soda Bread.
Notes
Note 1: Some people prefer to leave the potatoes out and serve this Guinness stew over mashed potatoes. If you wish to do this, add a couple more carrots in place of the potatoes.
Nutrition is only an estimate based on the Very Well Fit Nutrition Calculator
Nutrition
Calories: 507kcalCarbohydrates: 19.7gProtein: 64gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5.2gCholesterol: 177mgSodium: 360mgPotassium: 1286mgFiber: 3.5gSugar: 3.6gCalcium: 47mgIron: 41mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!