Guinness Beef Stew: A St. Patrick’s Day Classic

St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate Irish heritage, and what better way to do so than with a rich and hearty Guinness Beef Stew? This traditional dish is beloved for its deep flavors, tender beef, and comforting warmth. Here at LB Specialty Beef, we believe that high-quality, locally raised beef makes all the difference in creating the most flavorful and satisfying stew for your holiday feast.

The History of Guinness Stew

Guinness Beef Stew has long been a staple in Irish cuisine, showcasing the country’s love for slow-cooked, rustic dishes. Historically, Irish stews were made with whatever ingredients were available, often including mutton, root vegetables, and simple seasonings. However, with the introduction of beef and the rise of Guinness as Ireland’s signature stout, this dish evolved into a rich, malty, and deeply flavorful stew that pairs perfectly with a pint of the famous dark beer.

This dish is a favorite for St. Patrick’s Day, bringing together traditional Irish flavors with the robust taste of Guinness to create a meal that’s both comforting and celebratory.

Guinness Beef Stew Recipe

Using LB Specialty Beef ensures this stew is packed with exceptional flavor and tenderness. Here’s our go-to recipe for a rich and hearty Guinness Beef Stew that’s perfect for the holiday—or any chilly evening.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat (LB Specialty Beef, cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or beef tallow

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 large carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 medium potatoes, diced

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 bottle (12 oz) Guinness Stout

• 4 cups beef broth

• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 2 bay leaves

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening, optional)

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil or beef tallow in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.

3. Deglaze with Guinness: Stir in the tomato paste, then pour in the Guinness Stout, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze.

4. Simmer the stew: Return the beef to the pot and add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, smoked paprika, bay leaves, and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 hours, until the beef is tender.

5. Thicken the stew (optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a bit of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew and let it cook for another 10 minutes.

6. Serve and enjoy: Remove the bay leaves, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with warm crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a truly comforting meal.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with LB Specialty Beef

This St. Patrick’s Day, bring the taste of Ireland to your table with a rich and satisfying Guinness Beef Stew. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or enjoying a cozy night in, using high-quality, locally raised beef makes all the difference in flavor and texture.

At LB Specialty Beef, we take pride in offering premium grass-finished and grain-finished beef, perfect for all your favorite recipes. Order your locally raised beef today and taste the difference!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at LB Specialty Beef!