Guinness Irish Beef Stew is a comforting pub classic featuring melt-in-your-mouth beef, enriched by a hearty gravy-like sauce subtly flavored with Guinness. This version elevates the comfort level even further by enveloping it in a buttery, flaky crust. Ideal for St. Patrick’s Day, this dish combines rustic, homemade charm with a deliciously hearty filling. Whether you make your own crust or use store-bought options, these mini pot pies are sure to delight with their cozy, flavorful goodness.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Rough Puff Pastry:

2 1/3 cups (350 grams) all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups (335 grams) cold unsalted butter (cut into large cubes)
2/3 cup (4 3/4 fl oz) ice water

For the Pie Base:

1 cup 5 tbsp (300 grams) unsalted butter
4 cups (600 grams) all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup ice cold water

For the Guinness Irish Beef Stew:

3 sprigs fresh thyme
2 sprigs parsley
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 pounds beef chuck roast (cut into 3-4 steaks)
2 tbsp canola oil (divided)
7 medium carrots (3 peeled & sliced in half, 4 diced)
1 medium yellow onion (peeled & quartered)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
2/3 cup beef stock
1/4 cup dark coffee
20 ounces Guinness beer
20 grams (0.7 ounces) bittersweet chocolate
3 tbsp steak sauce
2 tsp fish sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp soy sauce
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Salt & pepper to taste
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup frozen petite green peas
1 large egg

For the Sweet Potatoes:

1 large sweet potato
2-3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
Pepper to taste

Directions

Prepare the Rough Puff Pastry: Freeze the butter cubes and prepare an ice water bath. Combine the flour and salt, then add the butter and mix until pea-sized pieces form. Slowly add ice water until the dough starts to come together. Roll it out, fold, and refrigerate overnight.
Make the Pie Base: Freeze butter cubes, prepare an ice water bath, and combine with flour and salt. Mix to form pea-sized pieces, adding water until the dough forms. Wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Cook the Stew: Tie herbs together and season beef with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in a Dutch oven, then transfer it to a slow cooker with vegetables, beef stock, Guinness, chocolate, sauces, and herbs. Cook on low for 8 hours, then thicken the sauce using cornstarch and beef stock.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Cube and boil sweet potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, honey, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Pies: Roll out the pie base and puff pastry, refrigerate, and cut dough into 4-inch rounds. Fill each crust with a layer of mashed sweet potato, then stew. Top with puff pastry, brush with egg wash, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until golden.

Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Note: The serving size will vary depending on the portion size, but this is based on a typical individual pie serving.)

Calories: ~600-750 kcal
Protein: ~35-40g
Carbohydrates: ~50-60g
- Fiber: ~5-7g
- Sugars: ~8-10g (mainly from the sweet potato)
Fat: ~30-40g
- Saturated Fat: ~15-20g
Cholesterol: ~50-75mg
Sodium: ~500-800mg (depending on the use of salted butter and the sauces)
Potassium: ~700-900mg
Vitamin A: ~90-110% of the Daily Value (due to sweet potatoes)
Vitamin C: ~15-20% of the Daily Value
Iron: ~20-25% of the Daily Value (from beef and Guinness)

Key Nutrients:

Protein: Comes from the beef chuck roast, offering a good amount of protein.
Healthy Fats: Derived from butter, olive oil, and the beef.
Carbs: Primarily from the flour (for the crust), sweet potatoes, and peas.
Fiber: Contributed by sweet potatoes, peas, and carrots.

Why This Version is Special

This version of Guinness Irish Beef Stew stands out not only for its hearty, rich flavors but also for the addition of a buttery, flaky rough puff pastry that serves as the perfect topping for the stew. The pastry adds an extra layer of indulgence, transforming the dish from a traditional stew into a comforting pot pie that is both elegant and satisfying. Whether you opt to make the pastry from scratch or use store-bought options, the end result is a mouthwatering dish that will impress family and guests alike.

Additionally, the sweet potatoes in this recipe offer a perfect contrast to the savory stew filling. When mashed and added as a base layer inside the pie, the sweet potatoes lend a subtle sweetness and smooth texture that perfectly complements the richness of the beef and Guinness. This contrast of flavors—sweet and savory—adds complexity to the dish, making every bite an experience.

Health Benefits of Guinness Irish Beef Stew

Though traditionally seen as a comforting indulgence, Guinness Irish Beef Stew can also provide several health benefits, especially when made with fresh, whole ingredients. The main protein source in this dish is beef chuck roast, which provides a high-quality protein necessary for muscle repair and growth. Beef is also rich in essential nutrients like iron, which is important for red blood cell production and preventing anemia.

The sweet potatoes used in this recipe are an excellent source of vitamin A, contributing to healthy skin and immune function. They are also rich in fiber, which helps support digestion and regulate blood sugar levels. Combined with the peas, which are a great source of fiber and antioxidants, the dish becomes not only comforting but also nutritionally balanced.

Guinness itself may offer a modest health benefit, as it contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect against certain diseases. Though beer should be consumed in moderation, it’s good to know that its inclusion in this recipe adds a unique depth of flavor while potentially offering some health benefits as well.

Making It Your Own: Variations and Tips

One of the best things about Guinness Irish Beef Stew is how adaptable it is. If you don’t have Guinness or prefer a lighter flavor, you can substitute it with another dark beer, such as stout or porter. If you are looking for a non-alcoholic option, you could replace the beer with a combination of beef stock and a splash of balsamic vinegar to retain that deep, rich flavor.

For those looking for a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute half-and-half or coconut cream for the heavy cream in the stew to reduce fat content while still keeping that smooth, rich texture. If you’re gluten-sensitive or looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free puff pastry crust or opt for a mashed potato topping instead of the traditional pastry.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

The beauty of Guinness Irish Beef Stew lies in its versatility when it comes to pairing. Since the dish already contains hearty, satisfying flavors, it pairs wonderfully with simple sides that help balance the richness of the pie. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

Mashed Potatoes: Rich, creamy mashed potatoes work beautifully with the savory beef stew. Their smooth texture contrasts nicely with the flaky pastry and tender meat.
Green Vegetables: A side of sautéed spinach or brussels sprouts adds a fresh, slightly bitter element that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Serve the stew with a loaf of warm, crusty sourdough or whole grain bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can add a refreshing element to the meal, balancing out the heaviness of the beef and pastry.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you’re making this dish in advance or have leftovers, you’ll be happy to know that Guinness Irish Beef Stew can be stored and reheated easily. Store any leftover stew and pot pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm the stew on the stovetop or microwave it, ensuring that the sauce doesn’t become too thick. If necessary, add a bit of beef stock or water to loosen the sauce. The pastry, however, may lose some of its crispiness when reheated, so if you want to retain that flakiness, you might consider reheating the pot pies in the oven.

For long-term storage, you can freeze the stew (without the puff pastry) for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply defrost it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove before assembling it with the pastry and baking.

Conclusion

Guinness Irish Beef Stew is a quintessential comfort food that combines the rich, deep flavors of beef and Guinness with the sweet earthiness of root vegetables, all encased in a flaky, buttery pastry crust. This dish is perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or cozy nights at home. Whether you’re enjoying it with a pint of Guinness or savoring it with a glass of red wine, this meal will bring warmth and joy to your table.

With its nourishing ingredients and rich flavors, this mini pot pie version of the classic stew offers a wonderful twist on a traditional favorite. From its tender beef and creamy gravy to the addition of sweet potatoes and the irresistible puff pastry topping, every element of this dish works together to create a comforting, satisfying meal that will leave you and your guests craving more. Make it your own by experimenting with variations or pairing it with simple sides, and you’ll find that this dish quickly becomes a staple in your recipe collection.

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Guinness Irish Beef Stew Mini Pot Pies