• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Nicky's Kitchen Sanctuary logo

  • > Start Here
  • The Recipes
    • Browse all categories
    • Asian
    • Dinner
    • Pasta
    • Roast Dinner
    • Curries
    • Sides
    • Soups
    • Big Batch
    • Quick Dinner Recipes
    • Skinny Recipes
    • Street Food
    • Lunch
    • Gluten Free
    • Vegetarian
    • Cakes & Treats
    • BBQ
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Drinks
    • Appetizers
    • Sauces and Dips
  • My New Book
  • Blogger Resources
    • Living The Blog
    • How to start a food blog
    • Income Reports
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
  • Sign-Up
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • > Start Here
  • All Recipes
  • Never miss a recipe!
  • 20 Minute Meals
  • Appetizers & Party Food
  • Asian
  • Curries
  • Dinner
  • One Pot
  • Pasta
  • Roast Dinner
  • Sides
  • Slow Cooked
  • Soups
  • Street Food
  • Terms and Conditions
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home > Slow Cooked

    Beef and Guinness Stew with Crispy Onions

    Published: Sep 21, 2018 · Modified: Jul 27, 2021 by Nicky Corbishley

    Go to Recipe Print Recipe
    Bowl of beef and Guiness Stew with mashed potatoes and green cabbage

    Stick-to-your-ribs comfort food for a cold, rainy day, this slow cooked Beef and Guinness Stew with Crispy Onions is perfect!
    Bowl of beef and Guinness Stew with mashed potatoes and green cabbage
    This recipe was sponsored by CrockPot.

    Fluffy jumpers, thick socks, a blanket on the sofa, listening to the rain at night when you're tucked up cosy in bed, and slow-cooked, make-your-kitchen-smell-amazing dinners.

    Yeah, I'm so ready for Autumn.

    To be fair, I could eat a casserole in the middle of Summer (have you seen my summer casserole? yes, it really is a thing), but this hearty Guinness casserole, with thick, rich gravy and fall apart beef, all serve up with mashed potatoes and buttered greens is definitely winter food.

    Crockpot with beef stew. Onions, Guinness and cabbage on the table.

    Oh, and not forgetting the topping of crispy onions:

    Plate of crispy fried onions

    It doesn't need them, but whenever I make them, I always vow that I'll make them for every casserole and soup forevermore.

    They're a simple mix of thinly sliced onions, plain (all purpose) flour, salt, pepper, garlic salt and paprika which are fried in hot oil.

    Onions in a bowl with flour, salt, pepper and paprika

    Coming back to the stew itself. This is a big batch recipe - for 8 people.

    It freezes well, so you can eat some and freeze a batch for quick midweek meal.

    First toss the beef in flour and seasoning, sear on the sear setting. Then add the onions:

    Crockpot filled with seared beef and onions

    Next add mushrooms and carrots:

    Seared beef, onions carrots and mushrooms in a crockpot

    Then add garlic, Guinness, stock, tomato puree/paste, bay leaves, dark brown sugar, salt and pepper and place a lid on and cook for 4-7 hours (depending on setting). Easy as that!

    Crockpot filled with Beef and Guinness stew, just about to be slow cooked.

    So let's talk Crockpot. Specifically this CrockPot.

    Crockpot filled with beef and Guinness stew

    I bloomin love it! Here are a few reasons why:

    • There's a sear function that allows you to sear your meat and any other ingredients right in the Crockpot. No need to dirty another pan or transfer big piles of seared food to the slow-cooker (which inevitably ends up mostly on my work surface). And it works really well (I seared a whole lotta meat in one go with no problems). That hands-down 100% sold it to me. It could have had no other functions, and I'd have been happy.
    • It's got a digital timer, telling you how long is left. It's a simple thing, but too many slow cookers don't have it.
    • The bowl is dishwasher safe. Yaasssss!
    • It's got a keep-warm mode - so once your food is ready, you can keep it warm without the fear of everything turn to mush or drying out.
    • It's got other fandangly features that I haven't yet tried, but made me go 'What?? no way'. Like the steam feature, the roasting feature and the baking feature. I'm looking forward to trying them out.

    Bowl of beef and Guinness stew with mashed potato, greens and crispy onions.

    Can I make it gluten free?

    Yes, replace the Guinness with gluten free pale ale (Brewdog do one) or gluten free golden ale.

    Replace the plain (all-purpose) flour with gluten free flour blend.

    Ensure the stock and tomato puree/paste is a gluten free version too.

    Can I make it alcohol free?

    Yes, replace the Guinness with the same amount of beef stock. I also like to give it an extra kick by adding half a tablespoon of vinegar (the picking juice out of jarred beetroot is particularity good)

    Can I make it ahead?

    Yes - this stew takes a while too cook, so start it in the morning, and it will be ready for dinner. If you want to make it the day before, simply cook, cool, cover and refrigerate. Then reheat until piping hot the next day.

    Will it freeze?

    Yes. Leftovers can be cooled, covered and frozen. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge overnight, then reheat until piping hot.

    The Beef and Guinness Stew with Crispy Onions Recipe:

    Square image of a bowl of beef and Guinness Stew with mashed potatoes and green cabbage

    Beef and Guinness Stew with Crispy Onions

    By: Nicky Corbishley
    Rich, melt-in-the-mouth beef stew made with Guinness and topped with crispy fried onions
    5 from 6 votes
    Rate this Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Cook Time 5 hrs
    Total Time 5 hrs 30 mins
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine British
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 559 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    Beef and Guinness Stew

    • 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
    • 4 pounds (1.8kg) braising/stewing beef - chopped into bite-size chunks
    • 2 tbsp plain (all purpose) flour mixed with a good pinch of salt and pepper
    • 2 large onions
    • 5 cloves garlic - peeled and crushed
    • 4 carrots - ,peeled and chopped into chunks
    • 7 oz (200g) mushrooms - , sliced
    • 28 floz (800ml) Guinness
    • 1 ⅔ cups (400ml) beef stock - water plus 2 stock cubes is fine
    • 2 tbsp tomato puree/paste
    • 4 bay leaves
    • 2 tsp dark brown sugar
    • ¾ tsp salt
    • ¾ tsp crushed black pepper

    Crispy Onions:

    • 1 large onion - peeled and sliced thinly
    • 2 tbsp plain (all purpose) flour
    • 1 pinch salt
    • ¼ tsp garlic salt
    • ¼ tsp black pepper
    • ¼ tsp paprika
    • Vegetable oil for deep frying - you'll need enough to fill a large pan ⅓ full - I use approx. 3 cups

    To serve:

    • Sliced spring greens, sauteed in butter
    • Mashed Potatoes

    INSTRUCTIONS
     

    • Turn on the sear functions on the Crockpot and add the oil.
    • Dust the chunks of beef in the seasoned flour and fry for 7-8 minutes until golden brown all over. 
    • Add the onions and cook for a further 5 minutes. 
    • Stir in the garlic. Add in the Guinness, stock, tomato puree, bay leaves, sugar, salt and pepper. Bring to the boil then change the setting to slow cook. Choose either high for 4 ½ -5 hours or low for 6-7 hours.
    • When your stew is almost ready, start preparing the crispy onions.
    • Heat the oil in a large pan (make sure there pan is filled no more than ⅓ full to prevent it from bubbling over).
    • Mix the onions slices with the flour, salt, pepper, garlic salt and paprika. Test the oil is hot enough by placing one of the onion slices in the pan. It should bubble instantly.
    • Cook the onions in 3 or 4 batches for about 2-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Be careful when putting the onions in the oil as the oil will bubble fiercly. When cooked, place on some kitchen roll to drain.
    • Dish out the stew (removing the bay leaves first), and place a heap of onions on top of each dish. Serve with mashed potato and green veg.

    ✎ Notes

    Can I make it gluten free?

    Yes, replace the Guinness with gluten free pale ale (Brewdog do one) or gluten free golden ale.
    Replace the plain (all-purpose) flour with gluten free flour blend.
    Ensure the stock and tomato puree/paste is a gluten free version too.
    .

    Can I make it alcohol free?

    Yes, replace the Guinness with the same amount of beef stock. I also like to give it an extra kick by adding half a tablespoon of vinegar (the picking juice out of jarred beetroot is particularity good).
    .

    Can I make it ahead?

    Yes - this stew takes a while too cook, so start it in the morning, and it will be ready for dinner. If you want to make it the day before, simply cook, cool, cover and refrigerate. Then reheat until piping hot the next day.
    .

    Will it freeze?

    Yes. Leftovers can be cooled, covered and frozen. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge overnight, then reheat until piping hot.
    .
    .Nutritional Information is per serving, allowing for 3 tbsps of oil being absorbed during the cooking of crispy onions & without serving suggestions of mashed potato and green veg. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 559kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 64gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 176mgSodium: 642mgPotassium: 765mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 5150IUVitamin C: 6.4mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 6mg
    Keywords Autumn food, cockpot, Guinness, winter food
    Tried this recipe?Mention @KitchenSanctuary or tag #KitchenSanctuary on Instagram!

    This post was first published in February 2015. Updated in September 2018 with updated recipe, new photos and tips.

    Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links – which means if you buy the product I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you). If you do buy, then thank you! That’s what helps us to keep Kitchen Sanctuary running. The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors. For more information please see our Terms & Conditions.

    Hi I’m Nicky

    I love to cook and I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

    Read More
    « Beef Kofta with Saag Aloo
    Banana Oat Cookies »

    Other Recipes You Might Like:

    Slow-cooked spicy beef curry in a dish on a dark background
    Healthier Slow Cooked Spicy Beef Curry
    Slow cooker short ribs with gravy served on mashed potatoes with green veg
    My Favourite Slow Cooker Recipes
    This Crock Pot Butter Chicken is creamy, spiced and delicious - an easy recipe that's perfect for the slow-cooker.
    Crock Pot Butter Chicken
    Irish Bunny Chow (no bunnies included) - a deliciously hearty crockpot dinner.
    Irish Bunny Chow

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Rate the recipe




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Finola McKinley says

      August 05, 2022 at 10:37 am

      Seems like a lot of liquid. Will it evaporate over hours in slow cooker. Have made chickpea and sweet potato curry, coleslaw and honey garlic chicken so far from your recipe list. Excellent results.
      Thank you

      Reply
    2. Julie G says

      January 09, 2022 at 5:03 pm

      5 stars
      Had this today went down a treat. Was so delicious and easy to make

      Reply
    3. Chris Fairchild says

      March 03, 2021 at 11:09 pm

      Well what can I say apart from absolutely fabulous, I said I would try another recipe

      Reply
    4. Cherry says

      May 07, 2020 at 4:46 pm

      5 stars
      Great flavours and serious comfort food. I cooked this in the slow cooker early one morning this week, ready for the evening meal. Not that we were going anywhere under current lockdown restrictions. This beef stew has a really great taste and is nice and easy to make. I also added celery and a red pepper which I had in the fridge and served it with mashed potatoes and green beans.

      By the way, I think your photos and videos are excellent, well presented with careful attention to detail and angle. I really like how each step of the recipe is depicted.

      Reply
    5. Paula says

      January 06, 2019 at 7:26 pm

      Could I cook this in a Dutch oven/casserole dish on a gas hob or in an oven and if so how long would you recommend cooking for and what temperature?

      Reply
      • Nicky Corbishley says

        February 07, 2019 at 1:39 pm

        Hi Paula, yes, you could cook it in the oven. I would recommend 160c/325f for 3-4 hours, checking occasionally after about 2 hours. Hope that helps!

        Reply
    6. marco satta says

      September 29, 2018 at 11:27 am

      5 stars
      This is delicious! I will prepare this evening for my partner. Thank you very much

      Reply
    7. danielle says

      September 27, 2018 at 6:04 pm

      5 stars
      I don't care is it's 120 degrees out, I'll eat a casserole. Especially with those fried onion, those things look awesome!! But it is getting cooler, and this is just perfect for that cold weather (cold=68 degrees in san diego).

      Reply
    8. Ed says

      September 23, 2018 at 12:47 pm

      5 stars
      Lovely recipe. You wouldn't guess there was Guinness in it once it's done, but it makes a beautiful "gravy". Being an incorrigible fiddler I added diced celery and a good bit of finely chopped root ginger to mine. I'd go by 4-6 oz stewing steak per serving rather than 8 oz, but maybe we're light eaters. Thanks Nicky!

      Reply
    9. Vicky Tipping says

      September 22, 2018 at 3:55 pm

      I have had my Crockpot for some time now and find it marvellous!
      It is the best slow-cooker I ‘ve Had ( my last one I had for about 30+ years) . The sautéing feature is especially useful . Certainly cuts down the washing up.
      Going to try your recipe in the next few days. Thanks .

      Reply
    10. Jenn says

      September 22, 2018 at 12:45 am

      Another idea for Alcohol Free: I have substituted an equal amount of Coca Cola (Not Diet Coke!) and a splash of vinegar for Guinness in my Guinness stew recipe and it tastes great!

      Reply
    11. Tony Tatman says

      September 21, 2018 at 6:06 pm

      Hi Nicky- can I cook this in a conventional electric slow cooker?
      If so any tips for technique?
      Thanks, Tony

      Reply
      • Chris Corbishley says

        October 16, 2018 at 10:32 am

        Hi Tony,

        Yes you can use a conventional slow cooker. You will need to sear the meat in a pan on the stove top/hob first (upto step 4).

        Thanks

        Chris & Nicky

        Reply
    12. Stewart says

      September 01, 2018 at 11:09 am

      5 stars
      Been waiting for autumn for some delicious comfort food recipes, this one is up there as one of the best.

      Reply
    13. Tonya says

      March 01, 2015 at 11:00 pm

      I could ladle bowls of this. Absolutely delicious!

      Reply
      • Nicky Corbishley says

        March 11, 2015 at 11:01 am

        Thanks Tonya 🙂

        Reply
    14. Caroline @ Shrinking Single says

      February 28, 2015 at 12:36 am

      This looks absolutely amazing and so comforting and love the idea of a slow cooker bowl that can go on the hob. I am all for saving on washing up!

      Reply
      • Nicky Corbishley says

        March 11, 2015 at 10:56 am

        Yes, saving on washing up is definitely on my top 5 priority list of all time 🙂

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi I’m Nicky

    I love to cook and I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

    Read More

    Recipes by category:

    • Popular Recipes
    • Asian
    • Curries
    • Quick Dinner Recipes
    • British Classic Recipes
    • BBQ
    • Roast Dinner
    • Street Food
    • Pasta
    Search For a Recipe

    Our Top Trending Recipes:

    • Crispy Sesame Chicken with a Sticky Asian Sauce
    • Honey Garlic Chicken
    • The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes
    • Cheesy Pasta Bake With Chicken And Bacon
    • Easy Chicken Curry
    • Easy Satay Sauce Recipe
    • Korean Fried Chicken
    • Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake

    FREE recipes direct to your inbox!

    Never miss a recipe and sign up for our completely FREE emails.

      Featured Recipes:

      • Chilli Con Carne
      • Traditional Lancashire Hotpot
      • Creamy Chicken Pot Pie
      • Egg Fried Rice
      • Korean Fried Chicken
      • Copycat Firecracker Chicken
      • Buffalo Chicken Pasta
      • Slow Cooker Spicy Chicken Curry
      As Featured On
      brit and co logo
      buzzfeed logo
      cheshire life logo
      country living logo
      beautiful home and life logo
      my fitness pal logo
      Neff logo
      The telegraph logo
      The Kitchn logo
      Vegetarian society logo

      Footer

      Nicky Corbishley is the recipe creator and photographer for Kitchen Sanctuary. Wife to Chris (chief techie and videographer) and mum to Lewis and Gracey. Read More…

      DMCA.com Protection Status

      Most Recent Recipes

      • Roasted Vegetable Pasta
      • Crispy Orange Beef
      • Seafood Laksa
      • 20-Minute Butterbean and Chorizo Soup
      • Creamy Chicken and Mushroom One Pan Casserole

      Copyright © 2023 LoveFoodCreative Ltd - Privacy Policy - Cookie Policy - Terms & Conditions