21 Guinness Recipes That Aren’t Stew

Guinness gets pulled into a lot of recipes around this time of year, and most of them end up being stew. That works, but a good stout can do a lot more in the kitchen. It adds depth to sauces, brings richness to chocolate desserts and works surprisingly well in things like burgers, chili and mac and cheese. Once it cooks down, you’re left with that dark, malty flavor that makes a dish taste a little more layered. These recipes use it in ways that go far beyond the usual pot of stew. If you’re opening a can anyway, you might as well put some of it to work in dinner.

Guinness Shepherd’s Pie

A slice of shepherd’s pie featuring layers of seasoned ground meat, peas, carrots, and mashed potatoes, garnished with chopped parsley on top. — Guinness Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: Three Olives Branch.

Ground beef cooks down with vegetables and Guinness until the gravy turns rich and thick. The stout adds depth without overpowering the meat. Everything gets topped with mashed potatoes and baked until the edges brown. It’s a hearty one-dish dinner that feels right for a weekend meal or a casual gathering.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Shepherd’s Pie

Short Rib Chili

A bowl of chili with noodles and sour cream. — Short Rib Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Short ribs simmer slowly with beans, tomatoes and stout until the meat breaks down into the chili. The stout adds depth while the long cooking time builds flavor. The chili tastes even better the next day. It’s a hearty bowl that works well for meal prep or freezing.
Get the Recipe: Short Rib Chili

Guinness Corned Beef and Cabbage

A plate with slices of braised beef covered in brown gravy, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes, garnished with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes. — Guinness Corned Beef and Cabbage. Photo credit: Chili Pepper Madness.

Corned beef simmers slowly in Guinness until it turns tender enough to slice with ease. The cooking liquid builds a bold gravy that pairs well with mashed potatoes and caramelized cabbage. The meal takes a few hours but most of that time happens unattended. It’s a classic dinner with a stout-based upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Corned Beef and Cabbage

Chocolate Guinness Cake with Irish Buttercream Frosting

Nine rectangular pieces of frosted cake on parchment paper, topped with caramel drizzle. The cake is cut into squares, and some pieces are slightly separated. The background is a marble surface. — Chocolate Guinness Cake with Irish Buttercream Frosting. Photo credit: The Slow Roasted Italian.

Guinness deepens the chocolate flavor in this cake while keeping the crumb moist. The batter mixes quickly and bakes into a rich dessert that holds its shape well when sliced. A smooth buttercream frosting finishes the cake and balances the dark cocoa flavor. It’s a solid dessert for gatherings or holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Guinness Cake with Irish Buttercream Frosting

Chipotle Pork Street Tacos

Two shredded beef tacos topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, and cilantro on a white plate next to half an avocado. Fresh cilantro, avocado, and tomatoes are in the background. — Chipotle Pork Street Tacos. Photo credit: Valerie’s Kitchen.

Pork cooks slowly with spices and Guinness until it shreds easily with a fork. The stout adds depth to the meat while chipotle brings gentle heat. Pile the pork into small tortillas with onions and cilantro for quick tacos. The meat also works well in bowls, burritos or sandwiches later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Pork Street Tacos

Slow Cooker Guinness Corned Beef and Cabbage

A slow cooker filled with whole red potatoes, carrot pieces, cabbage wedges, and a seasoned meat brisket in broth. A bottle labeled "Guinness" is partially visible beside the cooker on a wooden surface. — Slow Cooker Guinness Corned Beef and Cabbage. Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

Corned beef cooks low and slow in a slow cooker with Guinness, potatoes and cabbage. The meat becomes tender while the vegetables soak up the broth. Prep takes only a few minutes before everything goes into the cooker. Dinner is ready hours later with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Guinness Corned Beef and Cabbage

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

A plate with slices of corned beef, boiled potatoes, cabbage, and carrots sits on a white surface, next to a piece of bread and a fork and knife. — Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

This slow cooker version keeps the process simple while delivering classic flavor. Corned beef cooks with carrots, potatoes and cabbage until everything becomes tender. The slow cooking time allows the meat to develop deep flavor. It’s an easy dinner that works well for holidays or a relaxed Sunday meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

Guinness Cupcakes

A close-up of a chocolate cupcake with creamy white frosting, topped with chocolate shavings, in an opened brown paper liner. — Guinness Cupcakes. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

These chocolate cupcakes use Guinness to deepen the cocoa flavor and keep the texture soft. The batter mixes quickly and bakes into cupcakes that hold up well under frosting. Top them with buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a dessert that feels festive. They’re great for parties or casual celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Cupcakes

Guinness Cheese Dip

Cream cheese, Irish cheddar and Guinness melt together into a rich dip served straight from a skillet. Mustard adds a sharp edge that balances the richness. The dip cooks in about 15 minutes and works well with bread, pretzels or chips. It’s an easy appetizer for game day or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Cheese Dip

Guinness & Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders

Five pieces of glazed grilled chicken topped with chopped nuts are arranged on a white rectangular plate, garnished with a few small green clover leaves. — Guinness & Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: The Soccer Mom Blog.

Chicken tenders cook quickly in a skillet before getting coated in a glaze made with Guinness and honey. The glaze thickens as it cooks and clings to the chicken. The dish comes together in under 30 minutes and works as a main meal or appetizer. Serve it with vegetables or rice to round out dinner.
Get the Recipe: Guinness & Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders

Guinness Barbecue Sauce

A white ramekin filled with thick, brown barbecue sauce sits on a table, with some sauce spilling over the edge and a gold spoon inside. A glass of dark stout beer is in the background. — Guinness Barbecue Sauce. Photo credit: Style and Grace.

Guinness brings depth to this homemade barbecue sauce along with sweetness and tang from classic ingredients. The sauce simmers briefly until it thickens. Brush it on ribs, burgers or grilled chicken for extra flavor. It stores well in the refrigerator and works across many meals.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Barbecue Sauce

Guinness Bacon Burgers

Ground beef patties mix with Guinness before hitting the grill or skillet. Topped with bacon, mushrooms and Irish cheddar, the burgers come together quickly. The stout adds depth without overpowering the beef. It’s a bold burger that works well for casual dinners or weekend cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Bacon Burgers

Irish Steak and Guinness Pie

Tender steak and mushrooms cook in a stout gravy before getting sealed under puff pastry. The filling thickens while the pastry turns golden in the oven. Each slice delivers a hearty mix of meat and sauce. It’s a comforting meal that works well for colder evenings.
Get the Recipe: Irish Steak and Guinness Pie

Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket

Beef brisket roasts slowly with Guinness and cranberry sauce until the meat becomes tender. Potatoes cook alongside the brisket and absorb the rich juices. The recipe requires time but little hands-on effort. It’s a strong centerpiece for a holiday meal or weekend dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket

Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Cooked turkey combines with vegetables and a Guinness gravy to form the base of this pie. Garlic mashed potatoes spread over the top before baking until golden. It’s a practical way to turn leftover turkey into a full meal. The dish reheats well for lunches the next day.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Guinness Brownies

Guinness adds depth to the chocolate in these rich brownies. The batter mixes quickly and bakes into dense squares with a soft center. A simple chocolate glaze finishes the top. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Brownies

Stout Mac and Cheese with Pronghorn Italian Sausage

Pasta gets coated in a creamy cheese sauce enriched with stout. Italian sausage adds extra flavor while breadcrumbs bring texture on top. The dish bakes until the edges turn golden. It’s a hearty dinner that comes together in about 40 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Stout Mac and Cheese with Pronghorn Italian Sausage

Venison and Wild Mushroom Hand Pies with Stout Beer

Venison and mushrooms cook in a stout gravy before getting wrapped in pastry. The filling stays rich and savory while the crust turns crisp in the oven. Each pie works as a portable meal or snack. They’re great for gatherings or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Venison and Wild Mushroom Hand Pies with Stout Beer

Garlic, Bacon, and Beer Macaroni and Cheese

Bacon, garlic and beer blend into a creamy cheese sauce that coats tender pasta. The dish bakes briefly to bring everything together. The result is a hearty meal that works well as a main dish. It’s comfort food with a stout-based edge.
Get the Recipe: Garlic, Bacon, and Beer Macaroni and Cheese

Dutch Oven Corned Beef

Corned beef browns first, then braises slowly with Guinness, broth and vegetables. The meat turns tender while the broth builds flavor. Cooking happens mostly unattended once the pot goes in the oven. The finished dish makes a strong centerpiece for a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Corned Beef

Savory Beef & Stout Irish Pot Pie

Ground beef cooks with vegetables in a stout gravy before getting topped with pastry. The filling thickens as the pie bakes. Each slice delivers a rich mix of meat and sauce under a crisp crust. It’s a filling meal that works well for cooler nights.
Get the Recipe: Savory Beef & Stout Irish Pot Pie

Gina Matsoukas

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.