Guinness Beef Stew with Cheesy Dumplings

Guinness Beef Stew Tasty Dinner Ideas with Cheesy Dumplings

By Amara Vitalis June 26, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Guinness Beef Stew with Cheesy Dumplings

Fancy some seriously good comfort food beef recipes ? Honestly, who doesn't love a hearty stew? I had a craving the other day, and this Guinness Beef Stew with Cheesy Dumplings was born.

It's a total winner.

A Bit About This Tasty Dinner Idea

This beef stew ain't your average stew, okay? It's a modern twist on a classic. Beef stew has been warming bellies for centuries.

My take is easy, it doesn't take forever to make, and makes six servings. Perfect for a family or a couple of hungry souls.

Why You'll Love This Stew

This isn’t just about the amazing taste, you know? It’s packed with protein, thanks to all that yummy beef. Plus, it's the perfect dish for a cold evening, or when you need some serious Hearty Beef Dinner Ideas .

The cheesy dumplings put it over the top.

Ready to dive into the ingredients?

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

So, you wanna make Guinness Beef Stew with Cheesy Dumplings, eh? Great choice! Honestly, this comfort food beef recipes is a winner every time.

It’s like a hug in a bowl, perfect for those dreary days when you just want to curl up on the sofa.

Before we dive headfirst, let's gather our troops the ingredients and equipment!

Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Deliciousness

Alright, here's the lowdown on what you'll need. Don't panic, it’s not as scary as it looks. Remember, this easy beef stew recipe only uses everyday ingredients.

Beef Stew Heroes:
- Beef chuck: 2 lbs (900g) , cubed. Look for well marbled beef for maximum flavor, you know?
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Onion: 1 large , chopped. Brown or white will do.
- Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped. Adds a touch of sweetness, innit?
- Celery: 2 stalks , chopped. Classic stew vibes.
- Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. Don't skimp on this, it's flavour city!
- Tomato paste: 1 tbsp . A tiny bit makes a big difference.
- Flour: 2 tbsp all-purpose. This thickens things up nicely.
- Guinness stout: 1 (14.9 oz/440ml) can . This is the star, but if you're not feeling it, use another dark beer or beef broth.
- Beef broth: 4 cups (950ml) . Low sodium is always a good shout.
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp . For that umami kick.
- Thyme and Rosemary: 1 tsp dried of each. These herbs are magic together.
- Bay leaves: 2 . Don’t forget to remove them before serving.
- Baby potatoes: 1 lb (450g) , halved or quartered.
- Frozen peas: 1 cup (236ml) . Chuck 'em in at the end.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. Be generous, yeah?
Cheesy Dumpling Squad:
- Flour: 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose.
- Baking powder: 2 tsp . Makes them fluffy.
- Salt: ½ tsp . Gotta have it!
- Butter: 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted, cold and cubed. Important! Keeps them tender.
- Milk: ¾ cup (177ml) whole milk.
- Cheddar cheese: ½ cup (50g) shredded. The sharper, the better, IMHO.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce (Literally!)

Thyme and rosemary are a classic beef dinner recipes combo. It's like they were made for each other. A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds depth.

If you’re out of Guinness, try a dark porter or even a touch of balsamic vinegar. Honest, it works!.

Equipment Needed: Keepin' It Simple

Dutch oven (or any big, heavy pot). I use my trusty Le Creuset, proper boujee, innit?
Large mixing bowl for the dumplings.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Wooden spoon or spatula.

That’s all you need. No fancy gadgets required. Now you're ready to create some tasty dinner ideas . Let's get cooking!

Cooking Method: Braising Your Way to Beef Bliss

So, you're thinking of making a beef dinner recipe ? Awesome! Let's talk braising. Honestly, braising sounds fancy, but it's basically just giving your beef a long, slow bath in deliciousness.

It’s the secret to melt-in-your mouth tender meat, perfect for those comfort food beef recipes .

Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Mate!

First things first, let's get organized. This isn't MasterChef, but a little prep goes a long way. Chop your onion, carrots, and celery.

Mince that garlic. Cube your beef. Having everything ready saves time. Plus, it prevents that "Oh my gosh, I forgot the garlic!" moment mid-cooking.

Safety is paramount - use a sharp knife. A dull knife is more dangerous!

step-by-step: Braising Like a Boss

Here's how it's done:

Season your beef chunks generously with salt and pepper.
Sear the beef in batches in a Dutch oven with 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium high heat. Brown on all sides.
Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and tomato paste. Cook for about 7 minutes .
Stir in 2 tbsp flour. Pour in Guinness, scraping up browned bits. Add 4 cups beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
Return beef to pot. Simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 hours , or until beef is tender.

Pro Tips: Braising Brainwaves

Here's the truth browning your beef really matters. Don't skip it! It gives the stew a much deeper flavour.

Also, don't rush the braising process. Low and slow is the way to go.

Another tip: Don't use watery, low-quality beef broth. It will dilute the flavours. And avoid overcrowding the pan when searing.

Otherwise, the beef will steam instead of brown. For an easy beef stew recipe , you can even make the stew a day ahead! The flavors meld together beautifully overnight.

It also makes meal prep with ground beef stew easier.

Honestly, a perfectly braised beef stew is a triumph. It’s one of those tasty dinner ideas that just hits the spot. So, get braising and enjoy!

Recipe Notes for the Best Damn Guinness Beef Stew Ever!

So you're ready to tackle this epic Guinness Beef Stew, eh? Awesome! Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things.

I’ve made this recipe about a million times. Honestly, it always gets rave reviews. But I've learned a few tricks along the way.

These little gems are the difference between "meh" and "OMG where did you get this recipe?!" for this Comfort Food Beef Recipes option.

Serving it Up Like a Pro: Tasty Dinner Ideas

Presentation matters, right? To make the stew look extra fancy, sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley on top. A dollop of sour cream is never wrong.

Seriously, it cuts through the richness perfectly. A side of crusty bread? Essential. You need something to soak up all that amazing gravy.

For a drink, I usually go for a Guinness Beef Stew with ... well, more Guinness. Or a nice, hearty red wine.

Either works a treat.

Storing the Goods: Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This stew is even better the next day, honestly. Pop it in an airtight container and it’ll happily chill in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing is an option too! Let it cool completely, then portion it out into freezer safe bags. It'll keep for up to 3 months.

When reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge first. Then, just heat it up on the stovetop until it's bubbling hot.

Make sure that the stew is at least at 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consuming to avoid any issues.

Remix Time: Variations on a Theme with Healthy Dinner Ground Beef

Want to switch things up? No worries. If you're going veggie, swap the beef for some chunky mushrooms. Portobellos are fantastic. Add a can of lentils for extra protein.

Feeling spicy? Throw in a chopped chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Bam! Instant heat. If you're coeliac or just avoiding gluten, use gluten-free flour for the dumplings. Easy peasy!

Nutrition lowdown: Feel Good What To Do With Ground Beef

Okay, let's be real. This stew isn't exactly health food. It’s definitely Hearty Beef Dinner Ideas . But it's packed with protein and veggies.

You know? So it's not all bad. It has a reasonable amount of calories too. Roughly around 650 calories per serving, it won’t damage your Meal Prep With Ground Beef plan.

Just don't eat the whole pot in one sitting!

So there you have it! All my secrets for making this stew a total triumph. Now go forth and get cooking! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

I bet this Easy Beef Stew Recipe becomes a regular in your house. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best cut of beef to use for this Guinness Beef Stew?

Beef chuck is your best bet for this stew. It's a tougher cut, but with a good braise (that's slow cooking in liquid, Mary Berry would approve!) it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. The marbling in chuck also renders down, adding richness to the stew.

Can I make this beef stew recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, many beef dinner recipes like this one taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just cool the stew completely, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and then reheat thoroughly before adding the dumplings.

You might need to add a splash of broth to loosen it up when reheating.

My stew seems a bit thin. How can I thicken it up?

No worries, that's an easy fix! You can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering stew. Alternatively, you can remove a cup of the stew liquid, mix it with a tablespoon of flour, and then stir it back in.

Let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened, but be careful not to let it burn!

I don’t have Guinness. What can I substitute in this beef dinner recipe?

Not a problem! If you don't have Guinness, you can use another dark beer like a porter or stout. Alternatively, you can substitute with an equal amount of beef broth and add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to give it that rich, dark flavor that Guinness provides.

Think of it as a culinary "fake it 'til you make it" moment!

Can I freeze leftover Guinness Beef Stew?

You sure can! Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or bags. The stew itself freezes well for up to 2-3 months. However, the dumplings might become a little soggy after thawing, so it's best to freeze the stew separately and make a fresh batch of dumplings when you're ready to enjoy it.

Nobody wants a soggy bottom, right?

Is this recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

This Guinness Beef Stew provides protein and fiber, but it's also relatively high in calories and fat. You can reduce the fat content by trimming excess fat from the beef before cooking and using a leaner cut.

To increase the nutritional value, consider adding more vegetables like mushrooms, parsnips, or sweet potatoes. Remember to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet!