Modern London Beef and Guinness Stew
A hearty, slow-simmered stew with tender beef, Guinness stout, and seasonal vegetables, reimagined for a contemporary London table. This british-inspired one pot ready in about 175 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes stewing beef, olive oil, large, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes stewing beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced onion
- 2, sliced carrots
- 2 stalks, sliced celery
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Guinness stout
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2, peeled and cut into chunks potatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Step 1: Season beef cubes with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches for 5 minutes per batch until browned on all sides, then set aside.
- Step 2: Add diced onion to the pot and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1/4 cup flour and cook for 1 minute, then stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 cup Guinness stout and 2 cups beef broth, scraping the bottom to release browned bits. Return beef to the pot with bay leaf, dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender.
- Step 6: Add sliced carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender. Stir in frozen peas and cook for 5 more minutes until heated through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Modern London Beef and Guinness Stew take to make?
Total time is about 175 minutes (20 min prep + 155 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 Modern London Beef and Guinness Stew?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Modern London Beef and Guinness Stew?
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 Modern London Beef and Guinness Stew 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 Modern London Beef and Guinness Stew?
British one pot 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better one pot dishes though.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.