This Guinness Chili for Two is a bold, hearty, and deeply flavored dish inspired by Irish stout ale. Using stew meat, bacon, and a robust blend of spices, this chili develops rich flavors with a thick texture. A slow turn in the oven enhances its depth, making it the perfect small-batch comfort meal for chilly evenings.
Essential Ingredients
To create this flavor-packed Guinness chili, you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 slice bacon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
- 2 teaspoons garlic paste
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 5 fluid ounces Irish stout (such as Guinness® Draught Ale)
- 1 (5-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- Sliced green onion and cilantro, for garnish
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat and Cook Bacon
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Add oil to an oven-safe pot over medium heat.
- Cook bacon until golden but not crispy, about 3 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef
- Season stew meat with salt and pepper.
- Place flour in a bowl and dredge beef cubes, shaking off excess.
- Add beef to the pot and brown on all sides, mixing with bacon.
- Pour in ½ cup beef broth to deglaze the pot.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Spices
- Stir in onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add tomato paste, chili powder, oregano, cumin, paprika, and coriander.
- Stir until everything is well coated with spices.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer
- Pour in Guinness, scraping up any bits from the bottom.
- Add tomato sauce and remaining beef broth.
- Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
Step 5: Bake in the Oven
- Transfer the pot to the oven and bake uncovered for 1 ½ to 2 hours.
- Stir every 30 minutes to prevent sticking, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Once thickened and the beef is tender, ladle into bowls.
- Garnish with green onions and fresh cilantro.

Health Benefits
- High Protein: Contains 122g of protein per serving, great for muscle repair.
- Iron-Rich: With 16mg of iron, this dish supports healthy blood circulation.
- Rich in Potassium: Provides 2077mg of potassium, which aids in heart health.
- Low in Carbs: A great low-carb option with just 44g of total carbohydrates.
Serving Suggestions
- With Crusty Bread: Enjoy with Irish soda bread or a toasted baguette.
- Over Mashed Potatoes: Serve over buttery mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal.
- With Rice or Quinoa: Pair with brown rice or quinoa for a hearty yet balanced dish.
- Topped with Sour Cream & Cheese: Add a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheddar for a creamy finish.
Creative Variations
- Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Mix in diced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Beer Alternatives: Substitute Guinness with a dark ale or red wine.
- Slow Cooker Method: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Thicker Chili: Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) if needed.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheat Properly: Reheat on stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if too thick.
Pro Tips
- Use High-Quality Beef: The better the cut, the more tender and flavorful your chili will be.
- Deglaze the Pan Well: Scrape up all the browned bits for maximum flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Oven Bake: This allows the chili to thicken and develop deep flavors.
- Let it Rest: Allow the chili to sit for 5 minutes before serving to enhance the taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Guinness chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Can I make this with ground beef instead?
Yes! Brown ground beef instead of stew meat and reduce cooking time to 45 minutes.
Can I skip the Guinness?
Absolutely! Replace it with extra beef broth or a splash of red wine.
How can I make it less spicy?
Reduce the chili powder or use mild paprika instead of smoked.
Enjoy this Guinness Chili for Two, a rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful dish, perfect for cozy nights and celebrating Irish flavors
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Guinness Chili for Two
This Guinness Chili for Two is a bold and hearty dish, infused with the deep, rich flavors of Irish stout ale. Tender beef stew meat is slow-cooked with smoky bacon, aromatic spices, and a Guinness-based sauce that thickens beautifully in the oven. The result is a flavor-packed chili with a robust taste, making it the perfect comfort meal for cozy evenings.
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Ingredients
To create this flavor-packed Guinness chili, you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 slice bacon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
- 2 teaspoons garlic paste
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 5 fluid ounces Irish stout (such as Guinness® Draught Ale)
- 1 (5-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- Sliced green onion and cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Cook Bacon
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Add oil to an oven-safe pot over medium heat.
- Cook bacon until golden but not crispy, about 3 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef
- Season stew meat with salt and pepper.
- Place flour in a bowl and dredge beef cubes, shaking off excess.
- Add beef to the pot and brown on all sides, mixing with bacon.
- Pour in ½ cup beef broth to deglaze the pot.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Spices
- Stir in onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add tomato paste, chili powder, oregano, cumin, paprika, and coriander.
- Stir until everything is well coated with spices.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer
- Pour in Guinness, scraping up any bits from the bottom.
- Add tomato sauce and remaining beef broth.
- Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
Step 5: Bake in the Oven
- Transfer the pot to the oven and bake uncovered for 1 ½ to 2 hours.
- Stir every 30 minutes to prevent sticking, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Once thickened and the beef is tender, ladle into bowls.
- Garnish with green onions and fresh cilantro.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Irish-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 1014 per serving