The Coziest Irish Stout Beef Stew (Slow-Braised with Guinness)

Irish Stout Beef Stew

Rich, slow-braised beef stew simmered with Guinness, carrots, potatoes, and savory spices. The ultimate cozy comfort food for chilly nights.

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March can be a funny month. Technically it’s spring… but outside it still feels like winter decided to overstay its welcome. Grey skies, chilly mornings, and just enough drizzle to make you want to stay indoors with the heater on.

Honestly? I don’t hate it.

There’s something quietly luxurious about a day when the only agenda is cooking something slow, cozy, and soul-warming while a movie plays in the background and the kitchen fills with the smell of something simmering on the stove.

One November several years ago for my birthday, my mom gifted me a gorgeous Wolfgang Puck cast-iron enamel braising pan, and I had been waiting for the perfect excuse to christen it with a big, bubbling pot of comfort food when I first made it. But since it’s St. Patrick’s Day today – I’m bringing this fav recipe back!

Irish Stout Beef Stew

Enter: Irish Stout Beef Stew.

Deep, rich, hearty, and exactly the kind of thing that makes a gloomy day feel like a warm hug.

I started with chunky cubes of beef chuck, browned until golden and caramelized.

Beef Stew Braising Base

Then came the aromatics—sweet onions and garlic sizzling in the pan—followed by carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, and a jar of Williams-Sonoma Beef Stew Braising Sauce, which brings a delicious blend of spices like cumin, paprika, curry, roasted red peppers, and chiles.

And of course… the magic ingredient.

Guinness Irish Stout

A bottle of dark Irish stout beer.
Guinness is my favorite here—it adds a deep, malty richness that transforms a simple stew into something truly special.

Beef Stew Simmering

Everything goes into the pot, slides into the oven, and after a few hours of slow braising the result is exactly what winter cooking should be:

A big pot of savory, hearty, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Serve it with thick slices of rye bread or Irish brown bread, plenty of butter (Kerrygold, always), and maybe another glass of stout.

Because if you’re going to stay in…
you might as well stay in well.

Irish Stout Beef Stew

theartfulgourmet

The Coziest Irish Stout Beef Stew (Slow-Braised with Guinness)

Rich Irish stout beef stew braised with Guinness, carrots, and potatoes. A cozy winter comfort food recipe perfect with rye bread or Irish brown bread.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 2 15

Total Time 2 45

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Irish

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 cup seasoned pan-searing flour (Wegmans or Wondra)
4 tbsp canola oil, divided
2 lbs boneless chuck beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 1/2 large onions, sliced
2 tbsp minced garlic (3–4 cloves)
1 tbsp Worchestershire sauce
1 bottle Irish stout beer (such as Guinness)
1 (8.5 oz) jar Williams-Sonoma Beef Stew Braising Sauce
1 (14 oz) can low-sodium beef broth
4 Roma tomatoes, finely chopped in a food processor
2 cups baby carrots or large carrot chunks
6 Yukon Gold potatoes, quartered into chunks
1 pkg frozen baby peas
1/4 cup starch or roux thickener mixed with water (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Rye bread or Irish brown bread, for serving

Equipment

1 Dutch Oven

Method

Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat 2 tablespoons canola oil over medium-high heat in a large cast-iron enamel braising pan or Dutch oven.
Dredge the beef cubes in seasoned pan-searing flour. Brown in the hot oil for about 5 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Add sliced onions to the pan with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and sauté about 5 minutes, until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Add Worchestershire sauce and the Irish stout beer, stirring and scraping the pan to release the browned bits. Add the beef broth and simmer for a few minutes.
Return the beef to the pot. Add chopped tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, the Beef Stew Braising Sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil.
Cover and transfer the pot to the oven. Braise for 1 hour.
Remove the pot from the oven, stir, and reduce oven temperature to 300°F.
If the stew needs thickening, stir in the starch or roux slurry until desired consistency is reached. (You can also mash a few potatoes to naturally thicken the stew.)
Return the pot to the oven and braise 30 minutes to 1 hour longer.
Add the baby peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Remove from oven and let the stew rest 15–20 minutes on the stovetop to thicken slightly before serving.
Serve with rye bread or Irish brown bread, plenty of Irish butter (Kerrygold is my favorite), and a glass of Guinness or your favorite dark beer.

Notes

This rich Irish stout beef stew is the ultimate cozy comfort food. Tender beef chuck slowly braised with Guinness, carrots, potatoes, and savory spices in a Dutch oven until melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Perfect for chilly nights, St. Patrick’s Day dinners, or anytime you crave a hearty homemade stew.

✔ Easy slow braise method
✔ Deep flavor from Irish stout beer
✔ Classic comfort food recipe

Recipe Tips

• Use chuck roast for the most tender stew meat.
• Guinness stout adds deep flavor but any dark stout works well.
• Mash a few potatoes into the broth for a naturally thicker stew.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

Nutrition (Approximate)

Calories: ~420 per serving
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 18g

📥 Download the Printable Recipe

Want to keep this cozy classic in your kitchen binder?

Click on the print button on the recipe card above for
Irish Stout Beef Stew so you can easily cook it again anytime,
or click the link below to download it.

👉 Download the Printable Recipe PDF

Perfect for:

• keeping in your recipe binder
• sharing with friends and family
• cooking without scrolling on your phone

🍲 More Cozy Cooking Stories

This stew isn’t just a recipe — it’s part of my winter cooking ritual.

I’m writing a companion essay on Substack about slow cooking,
comfort food, and why braises like this feel like a warm hug on a cold day.

👉 Stay tuned for the companion essay on Substack (coming soon!)

More recipes you might enjoy:

Retro 70s Chicken Divan

Beef Stroganoff Casserole

Amazing Macaroni + Cheese

March 7, 2026April 23, 2026

10 Reasons Shay & Blue Fragrances Are Captivating the Luxury Perfume World

Introduction to Shay & Blue

In a world filled with mass-produced perfumes, UK-based Shay & Blue Fragrances has carved a distinct niche for itself. This boutique London perfumery blends traditional craftsmanship with modern flair, producing fragrances that are as memorable as they are luxurious.

Whether it’s the vibrant burst of Blood Oranges or the moody depth of Violet Tabac, Shay & Blue scents invite wearers to experience perfume as an art form, not just a product.

They believe fragrance should be fun, for everyone and free from the stereotypes of big brands. They aim to liberate happiness and encourage you to be true to yourself with clean, unisex fragrances that are not like the norm.

The Story Behind Shay & Blue

Founded in 2012, Shay & Blue quickly gained recognition for its fresh take on fragrance creation. The brand’s ethos is rooted in authentic perfumery traditions, avoiding shortcuts and synthetic overloads in favor of genuine, high-quality ingredients.

Founder Dom De Vetta’s Vision

Dom De Vetta, the founder, isn’t new to luxury perfumes—he previously served as Senior Vice President at Jo Malone London. His mission with Shay & Blue was to create scents that feel personal, artisanal, and indulgent without the exorbitant price tags often attached to niche perfumes.

⸻

What Makes Shay & Blue Unique

Handcrafted in London

Each bottle is produced in small batches, ensuring attention to detail. The perfumers work out of a London atelier, blending and bottling scents by hand—a rarity in today’s automated perfume industry.

Natural Ingredients & Vegan Formulations

Shay & Blue avoids unnecessary chemical fillers. The perfumes are vegan, cruelty-free, and made with a high proportion of natural ingredients, making them kinder to both the skin and the environment.

Signature Blue Glass Bottles

The striking cobalt blue bottles are more than just packaging—they’re a brand signature. Sleek, recyclable, and elegant, they’ve become an instant visual identifier for Shay & Blue fans.

⸻

This is Her Era

This month isn’t about fitting into one role. It’s about range. Presence. Identity. From International Women’s Day to Mother’s Day to International Fragrance Day, we celebrate women in every form — soft and sharp, grounded and magnetic. Wild Roses. Be Real. Signature scent. Layered like she is.

This month isn’t about fitting into one role. It’s about range. Presence. Identity.

Shop the Collection

—

Best-Selling Shay & Blue Fragrances

Lilacs and Gooseberries

Nightmare dressed as a daydream. Lilacs and Gooseberries is a twisted and addictive juicy floral. Obsessive Lilacs open to the thrill of dark demons. Twisted with sharp Gooseberries drenched in juice. Finishing this intoxication with smooth white amber.

Blood Oranges

A fresh, juicy, and slightly zesty scent, Blood Oranges opens with bright citrus notes before settling into a warm, sensual base.

Blackberry Woods

Dark and sensual like a walk in dew-soaked woods. Glossy berry juice with punk-sharp citrus. A rebel fragrance with heart and mind. Blackberry Woods essence of enchantment.

Salt Caramel

Gourmand lovers rejoice—this sweet, Salted Caramel creation is indulgence in a bottle.

English Cherry Blossom

Soft and feminine, English Cherry Blossom is perfect for spring days and romantic evenings alike.

Dark Amber Pomegranate

Insane in the membrane! Revel in the dark depths of plum and insanely juicy bursts of pomegranate. An intensely juicy take on a daringly spicy fragrance. Dark Amber Pomegranate is truly irresistible.

Check out their Discovery Sets

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How Shay & Blue Compares to Other Luxury Perfume Brands/Similarities with Jo Malone & Diptyque

Like Jo Malone and Diptyque, Shay & Blue embraces artisanal craftsmanship and unique scent combinations.

Distinct Differences in Scent Profile

Shay & Blue leans towards bolder, more indulgent notes, while maintaining a balance between fresh and opulent fragrances.

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Handmade in the UK, in Hastings

We use carefully selected planet friendly ingredients to revive the forgotten ways of artisan perfumery. Hand made in London, our fragrances are certified organic, vegan, cruelty free and clean.

“Perfumery is a language. Composition is the translation of an artistic vision of life, something between pure creation, interpretation and affirmation.”

— Julie Massé

⸻

Sustainability & Ethical Practices

100% Recyclable Packaging

Every element—from the glass bottle to the paper label—is recyclable, supporting the brand’s eco-friendly mission.

Cruelty-Free Commitment

No Shay & Blue product is tested on animals, aligning with modern ethical consumer values.

⸻

Choosing the Right Shay & Blue Scent for You

Check out the Fragrance Finder on the website

Join the ScentList Fragrance Membership

Fragrance Notes Guide

•Citrus Lovers: Sicilian Lime

•Gourmand Fans: Salt Caramel

•Floral Enthusiasts: Melrose Apple Blossom

—

Seasonal Perfume Selection

•Spring: Orange Blossom

•Summer: Watermelon

•Autumn: Driftwood Sea Salt

•Winter: Oud Alif

⸻

How to Layer Shay & Blue Fragrances for a Unique Scent

Layering two Shay & Blue perfumes can create a completely new fragrance profile. For example, Blood Oranges with Salt Caramel produces a vibrant, sweet-citrus fusion.

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Scentlist Fragrance Club

Stream a new fragrance every month for only $20. Create your very own playlist and play your way – shuffle, repeat or play your fragrances and they’ll deliver them direct to your door. ScentList members also get added perks, such as: An exclusive fragrance once a year, early access to new drops , free shipping on all orders and more.

—

Where to Buy Shay & Blue Fragrances

Official Website & Boutiques

You can find more information and the full collection on Shay & Blue’s official site

Trusted Online Retailers

Reputable sellers like Selfridges and John Lewis also stock authentic bottles.

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Care & Storage Tips for Your Perfume

Keep your bottles away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain fragrance integrity. Ideally, store them in a cool, dry place—your blue bottle will thank you.

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FAQs about Shay & Blue Fragrances

Q1: Are Shay & Blue fragrances unisex?

A: Yes, many scents are designed to be worn by all genders.

Q2: How long does the scent last?

A: Most last between 6–8 hours depending on skin type and climate.

Q3: Are they safe for sensitive skin?

A: The use of natural ingredients makes them gentler, but patch testing is always advised.

Q4: Can I buy travel-sized bottles?

A: Yes, many popular scents are available in 10ml sizes.

Q5: Do they offer gift sets?

A: Yes, especially around holidays and special occasions.

Q6: Is Shay & Blue worth the price?

A: Absolutely—quality ingredients, artisanal production, and ethical values make it a standout choice.

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Conclusion – Why Shay & Blue Deserves a Place in Your Collection

With its artisanal quality, ethical ethos, and unforgettable scent profiles, Shay & Blue has firmly established itself as a modern luxury perfume house. For fragrance lovers who appreciate creativity, authenticity, and sustainability, it’s more than just perfume—it’s an experience.

Follow Shay & Blue Online

Instagram

Facebook

March 3, 2026March 8, 2026

You Can Achieve the Unachievable: How to Break Through Self-Doubt and Aim Higher

Achievetheimpossible

You Can Achieve the Unachievable

Back in 2010, I started my business in New York City with almost no experience in food styling, photography, food writing — and built it anyway.

Not because I was fully prepared.
But because I refused to let my current abilities define my future career.

Over the course of my career — from graphic design and advertising, to food styling and photography to content creation and social media — I’ve reinvented myself several times and achieved a successful career doing what I love.

It wasn’t easy, but every time, I aimed beyond what felt realistic. What felt comfortable. What seemed out of reach.

I pitched new clients before I felt qualified.
I stepped into rooms that intimidated me.
I took on big projects that I wasn’t sure I could do yet.
I built platforms I had never built before.

And here’s what I’ve learned:

Most limitations are self-imposed.

Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali said,
“Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion.”

Drive matters.
Ambition matters.
Consistency matters.

But belief comes first.

You don’t wait to feel ready.
You build readiness through action.

If you’re in a season of growth, reinvention, or expansion — the question isn’t whether you’re capable today.

The question is whether you’re willing to become capable.

And take the leap.

1. Aim Beyond What You’re Capable Of

Most people set goals based on their current skill level.

That’s the mistake.

If your goal matches your present abilities, it won’t transform you. It will simply confirm what you already know how to do. Real growth begins when the vision demands a version of you that doesn’t exist yet.

Les Brown once said:

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

moon and stars

When you aim higher than you feel ready for, you force expansion. You learn faster. You stretch further. You develop resilience. Even if you don’t hit the exact target, you won’t land where you started.

✨ Action Step:
– Write down one goal that feels safe.
– Now write down one that feels almost impossible.
– Circle the impossible one — and commit to exploring it for 30 days.

2. Disregard Where Your Abilities End

We over-respect our current limitations.

We say things like:
“I’m not technical.”
“I’m not a leader.”
“I’m not experienced enough.”
“I’m too old.
“It’s too late.”

But your abilities are not fixed — they’re expandable.

Sara Blakely said:

“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength.”

The truth? Every expert was once inexperienced. Every leader was once unsure. The only difference is they didn’t let inexperience define their identity.

✨ Action Step:
– List three things you think you “can’t” do.
– Next to each, write: “Can be learned.”
– Choose one and take a 20-minute action today toward learning it.

Growth compounds.

3. Try the Things You Feel Incapable Of

Confidence is not a prerequisite for action.
It’s a result of it.

Michael Jordan said:

“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Failure is data.
Attempt is expansion.
Inaction is stagnation.

The longer you wait to “feel ready,” the longer you delay growth.

✨ Action Step:
Ask yourself:
– “What would I attempt this week if failure wasn’t an option?”
– Now take one small, concrete step in that direction.

Movement breaks fear.

4. Aim for Elite Rooms

If you think you’re not qualified to work with the best company, brand, or leader in your field — pause.

Who told you that?

Steve Jobs said:

“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”

Elite spaces are not mythical. They’re filled with people who decided to apply, reach, and refine themselves.

✨ Action Step:
– Identify the top company or opportunity in your industry.
– Audit your positioning.
– Upgrade one thing this week — your portfolio, your pitch, your online presence.

Act in alignment with where you’re going, not where you are.

5. If You Think You Can’t Run a Company — Make That Your Aim

Leadership isn’t personality-based.
It’s responsibility-based.

Oprah Winfrey said:

“Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life.”

Running a company — or leading anything — begins with self-leadership. Decision-making.
Ownership.
Vision.

If you think you’re “not cut out” for it, ask yourself: Is that fact — or fear?

✨ Action Step:
– Write: “If I were the CEO of my life, I would…”
– List five changes.
– Implement one immediately.

Leadership begins with daily choices.

6. Make “Impossible” Your Target

Muhammad Ali said:

“Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion.”

When you quietly dismiss your biggest ambitions — recognition, influence, impact — you shrink your potential.

Big visibility comes from big contribution.

✨ Action Step:
– Define your boldest recognition goal.
– Ask: “What habits would someone at that level practice daily?”
– Start one this week.

Identity precedes achievement.

7. Make the Vision Real

Dreaming is easy.
Execution is discipline.

Walt Disney has a famous quote that I love:

“If you can dream it, you can do it.”

But you must translate vision into systems.

Goals into milestones.

Intention into calendar commitments.

✨ Action Step:
– Break your bold goal into a 90-day sprint.
– Choose three milestones.
– Schedule time daily and weekly to work on them.

If it’s not scheduled, it’s not prioritized.

8. Rewrite Your Beliefs

Henry Ford said:

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.”

Your beliefs shape your behavior — and your behavior shapes your results.

Most people don’t fail because they’re incapable.
They fail because they never fully believed.

✨ 7-Day Practice:
– Every time you think “I can’t,” replace it with: “How can I?”

Watch your brain start solving instead of shrinking.

The Artful Gourmet Podcast by Kristen Hess

🎧 If this resonates, I go deeper into this mindset shift in the latest episode of The Artful Gourmet Podcast– Into Focus series, “You Can Achieve the Unachievable”

You can listen on all the major streaming platforms – Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio, and YouTube.

You can also read my companion essay on Artful Gourmet Substack