Beef and Beer Stew Recipe

A slow-cooked beef and beer stew built on Badger ale. Big on flavour, simple to make, and exactly right for a cold evening.

For bold flavour and simple comfort, make this beef and beer stew recipe with one of our best-selling Badger beers.

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a dish that brings together bold flavour, minimal fuss, and a pint of proper beer. Enter the classic beef and beer stew – rich, hearty, and full of depth thanks to the addition of a good brew.

Whether you’re a traditionalist or looking to mix things up, this easy beer stew recipe is made even better with a bottle of Badger Fursty Ferret - bringing unique, smooth and malty character to the pot.

Ready to give your stew game a serious upgrade? Let’s get cooking.

Beef Stew in Beer: What You’ll Need

Serves 4-6

1kg diced stewing beef
2 tbsp plain flour
Salt and black pepper
2 tbsp oil or beef dripping
2 onions, sliced
3 garlic cloves, crushed
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 sticks celery, chopped
330ml of Badger Fursty Ferret
500ml beef stock
1 tbsp tomato purée
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves
A few sprigs of thyme (optional)

How to Make This Beef with Beer Stew

1. Season and sear

Coat the beef in flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large casserole dish and brown the beef in batches. Set aside once golden.

2. Build the base

In the same pan, cook the onions, garlic, carrots and celery until soft (for about 10 minutes).

3. Add the beer

Pour in your Badger Fursty Ferret, then add the beef stock, tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves and thyme. Give it a good stir.

4. Low and slow

Return the beef to the pan, bring it to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat (or in a 150°C oven) for 2½-3 hours. The result? Tender beef, rich sauce, and the unmistakable flavour of a brilliant beer stew.

5. Serve and enjoy

Dish up your beef and beer stew with creamy mash, buttery new potatoes or fresh crusty bread. And don’t forget to pour a pint of the same beer you cooked with. It’s the perfect pairing.

Why Beer Makes Stew Better

Adding beer to your cooking isn’t just for show – it enhances savoury flavours, adds depth, and helps tenderise the beef. A well-balanced ale like Badger’s Fursty Ferret gives your beef stew in beer a rich, rounded flavour.

This beer stew is all about comfort, flavour and a bit of pub-inspired magic at home.

Looking for More Ideas?

If this beef with beer stew has whet your appetite, keep an eye on the Badger Beers Recipes section for more beer-infused recipes, food pairings and cooking tips featuring our favourite Badger and Outland brews.