Hearty Guinness Beef and Bacon Stew with Root Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and flavorful stew combining tender beef chunks, smoky bacon, Guinness beer, and hearty root vegetables slow-cooked to perfection. This irish-inspired st. patrick’s day ready in about 175 minutes pairs diced bacon slices, teaspoons, divided salt, teaspoon, divided black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Irish cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 1/2 pounds beef chuck cubes with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, then toss with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour until lightly coated.
  2. Step 2: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook 4 diced bacon slices over medium heat for 5 minutes until crispy; remove bacon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in pot.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the pot and heat over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply caramelized; transfer browned beef to a plate.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 large chopped onion, 3 chopped carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot; sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 2 cups Guinness beer and 2 cups beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits.
  7. Step 7: Return beef and bacon to the pot. Add 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, 1 bay leaf, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  8. Step 8: Bring stew to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours until beef is tender and sauce thickens.
  9. Step 9: Remove bay leaf before serving. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hearty Guinness Beef and Bacon Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 175 minutes (25 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Hearty Guinness Beef and Bacon Stew with Root Vegetables?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep diced bacon slices from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hearty Guinness Beef and Bacon Stew with Root Vegetables?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hearty Guinness Beef and Bacon Stew with Root Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Hearty Guinness Beef and Bacon Stew with Root Vegetables?

Irish st. patrick’s day like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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