Guinness beef stew is a flavorful and filling Irish beef stew made with tender, fall-apart chunks of beef chuck and simmered in a rich tomatoey beef broth. It is made with Guinness beer, making it the ultimate stick-to-your-ribs comfort food.
Add olive oil to a large pot or Dutch oven and sear the stew meat until browned on each side, 8-10 minutes. Remove to a clean plate and save the leftover cooking juices for later.
Cook bacon over medium heat until cooked and crispy, strain it from the grease, set aside, add celery, carrots, and onion, cook until onions have softened, 5 minutes or so.
Add tomato paste, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt to vegetables and cook for 3 minutes. Add beef broth, Guinness beer, reserved cooking liquid, and seared stew meat. Scrape up any brown bits.
Mix well and bring the stew to a low boil, cover, and simmer for 1 hour. Remove the lid and add the potatoes, simmer for 30-45 minutes, and combine the cornstarch with the beef broth. Allow the stew to simmer for 2-3 minutes more, or until thickened to your lining.
Add bacon back to pot, season with salt and black pepper, serve with Irish soda bread, garnish with thyme.