Name: Vegan Irish Stew with Beer and Vegetables Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 large sweet onion, chopped; 1 bag Gardein beefless tips; 3 large garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 cups Guinness stout; 3 cups vegetable broth; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce; 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks; 4 yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup water

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 13 reviews

If you’re looking to cozy up with a warm, hearty meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, you’re going to love this Vegan Irish Stew with Beer and Vegetables Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a big, welcoming hug from the inside out — rich, savory, and super satisfying. Plus, it’s totally plant-based, so perfect whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just wanting to enjoy a tasty meatless meal. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen, especially on those chilly evenings when you want something soul-soothing and easy.

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Why This Recipe Works

Hearty Plant-Based Protein: Using Gardein beefless tips gives the stew rich texture and meaty satisfaction without any animal products.
Depth of Flavor from Beer: Guinness stout adds a wonderful malty, slightly bitter note that elevates the whole stew experience.
Comforting Veggie Combo: Classic root vegetables like carrots and Yukon gold potatoes cook to tender perfection, soaking up all those savory juices.
Simple Thickening Trick: The cornstarch slurry creates a luscious, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to every bite.

Vegan Irish Stew with Beer and Vegetables, hearty plant-based stew, vegan Irish stew recipe, vegan beer vegetable stew, plant-based Irish stew - A close-up top view of a large black pot with green handles filled with a rich brown stew. The stew has large chunks of yellow potatoes, orange carrot pieces, and small cubes of brown meat mixed evenly throughout. The broth is dark, slightly oily, with visible thin strands of herbs floating on the surface. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Vegan Irish Stew with Beer and Vegetables Recipe are carefully chosen to bring that classic Irish stew feel you love, but completely plant-based. From the savory richness of the beer to the hearty vegan beef substitutes and comforting vegetables, each element plays a role to create layers of flavor and satisfying texture.

Vegan Irish Stew with Beer and Vegetables, hearty plant-based stew, vegan Irish stew recipe, vegan beer vegetable stew, plant-based Irish stew - Flat lay of a large sweet onion with its papery skin removed, three large garlic cloves with smooth white skins, four peeled carrots cut into rustic chunks, four peeled Yukon Gold potatoes cut into chunks showing their creamy interior, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl holding bright red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl with dark brewing Guinness stout, a small white ceramic bowl containing rich vegetable broth, a small white ceramic bowl with vegan Worcestershire sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with light beige dried rosemary leaves, a small white ceramic bowl with dried thyme sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with pale white cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear water, and a portion of natural-looking browned Gardein beefless tips piled neatly, all arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: For sautéing, it adds a subtle fruitiness and helps bring everything together smoothly.
Sweet onion: Sweated down to mellow sweetness, it forms the flavor base for the stew.
Gardein beefless tips: My favorite plant-based protein here, these mimic the texture of beef perfectly and soak up the rich stew flavors.
Garlic: Adds a fragrant punch that enhances every layer of flavor.
Dried rosemary & thyme: Classic herbs that bring that earthy, herbaceous background typical of Irish stews.
Black pepper: For just the right amount of warmth and subtle heat.
Guinness stout: The star ingredient that brings a malty bitterness and complexity—can’t skip this if you want that authentic vibe!
Vegetable broth: Keeps it savory and plant-based while adding depth.
Tomato paste: Adds a touch of umami and richness to the stew’s body.
Vegan Worcestershire sauce: Brings a tangy, fermented note that amps the savory character.
Carrots: Sweet and tender when cooked, they balance the stew’s savory side beautifully.
Yukon gold potatoes: Creamy texture when simmered makes the stew hearty and filling.
Cornstarch: Simple thickener that gives the stew a cozy, luscious texture without heaviness.
Water: Used to make the cornstarch slurry, ensuring smooth and even thickening.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love sharing this Vegan Irish Stew with Beer and Vegetables Recipe because it’s so easy to tweak to your liking. Maybe you want it a bit heartier or prefer some seasonal veggies swapped in — that’s totally fine! I’ve played around with different proteins and even added mushrooms for earthiness.

Variation: I once swapped the Gardein tips with a mix of hearty mushrooms and lentils, and it worked wonderfully for a totally homemade feel. If you’re gluten-free, consider using gluten-free vegan ‘beef’ alternatives or extra beans.
Seasonal Switch: In spring, I love throwing in some fresh green peas or kale towards the end for a pop of freshness and color.
Heat It Up: If you like a kick, a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne elevates the stew’s warmth without overpowering it.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Irish Stew with Beer and Vegetables Recipe

Step 1: Sautéing the Foundations

Start by warming up the olive oil over medium heat in your largest pot. Add the chopped sweet onion and cook it gently for about 4–5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent – no browning here, just sweet softness. This sets the flavor base, so be patient. Then toss in the Gardein beefless tips and sauté for another 3–4 minutes; you don’t need to cook them through, just get a slight golden color that adds depth. Finally, add minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn.

Step 2: Building the Flavors

Sprinkle in your dried rosemary, thyme, and black pepper, stirring it all together for about a minute so the herbs awaken in the heat. This little step really makes a difference in flavor. Next, pour in the Guinness stout, stirring and scraping any lovely bits off the bottom of the pan. The beer’s going to add those signature malty notes that make this stew unforgettable.

Step 3: Adding the Heart & Soul

Now, pour in the vegetable broth along with the tomato paste and vegan Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together well to combine and turn this into a rich, flavorful broth. Add in the chopped carrots and Yukon gold potatoes—these veggies will soak up all those beautiful flavors and become tender and hearty as they simmer.

Step 4: Simmer & Thicken

Bring the whole pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low-so it simmers gently. Cover and let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. Your kitchen will fill with the most amazing aroma, making it hard not to dig in early! After your veggies are tender, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Slowly stir this into the stew, adding just enough until the broth thickens nicely into a gravy-like consistency—that luscious coating is what makes each bite so satisfying.

Step 5: Final Seasoning & Serve

Give your stew a final taste test and add salt if needed—remember the broth and Worcestershire sauce might already have some saltiness. Serve it up hot, with some crusty bread for dipping, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley if you have it. Honestly, that pop of fresh green makes it feel even more festive.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Choosing Your Vegan Meat: I always use Gardein beefless tips for their texture, but if you’re trying lentils or TVP, just adjust cooking times so they don’t get mushy.
Beer Alternatives: I’ve tried alcohol-free stout when friends can’t have beer, and while it’s not exactly the same, it still adds a nice depth.
Perfect Thickness: Add your cornstarch slurry slowly; it’s easier to add more than to fix a stew that’s too thick.
Avoiding Soggy Veggies: Don’t skip stirring occasionally during the simmer, it keeps the potatoes intact and prevents veggies from sticking to the pot.

How to Serve Vegan Irish Stew with Beer and Vegetables Recipe

Vegan Irish Stew with Beer and Vegetables, hearty plant-based stew, vegan Irish stew recipe, vegan beer vegetable stew, plant-based Irish stew - The image shows a white bowl filled with a thick stew made of large, soft potato chunks, round carrot slices, and browned meat pieces in a rich, brownish-orange sauce. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top for color contrast. A silver spoon with an ornate handle is resting inside the bowl, partially submerged in the stew. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth partially visible in the upper left corner. Part of another similar bowl is visible at the top right edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top the stew with fresh chopped parsley because it adds just the right pop of color and freshness against the rich, deep flavors. Sometimes I even throw on a few thinly sliced green onions for a subtle zing. And if you’re feeling fancy, a little sprinkle of vegan smoked paprika on top brings warmth and a beautiful hue!

Side Dishes

Crusty bread is my absolute favorite side here—it’s perfect for soaking up all that thick, flavorful broth. I also like serving it alongside a simple green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness. For a heartier meal, some buttery mashed cauliflower pairs beautifully as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the stew in individual rustic bread bowls—it makes dinner feel cozy and festive without extra fuss. Another fun idea is garnishing with fresh chives and a dollop of vegan sour cream for a creamy contrast that looks gorgeous on a dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Vegan Irish Stew with Beer and Vegetables Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I always find the flavors deepen overnight, making my next-day lunch even better than the first serving!

Freezing

This stew also freezes well. I let it cool completely before transferring into freezer-safe bags or containers. When I’m ready, I thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to keep the texture just right.

Reheating

When reheating, I use a medium-low heat on the stove to warm it up slowly, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s come out a bit thick from storage. This keeps the veggies tender and prevents the sauce from becoming gluey.

FAQs

Can I make this Vegan Irish Stew with Beer and Vegetables Recipe without beer?

Absolutely—you can substitute more vegetable broth or use an alcohol-free beer alternative. While the stew won’t have the same malty depth that Guinness provides, the other ingredients still create a rich and comforting flavor.
What are good substitutes for the Gardein beefless tips?

If you can’t find Gardein, consider using TVP chunks, mushrooms, lentils, or even beans for protein. Just adjust cooking times to prevent overcooking, especially with lentils or softer alternatives.
How do I thicken the stew if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder or a flour slurry (mix flour with cold water) as a substitute. Add it gradually while stirring until you reach your desired thickness.
Can I prepare this Vegan Irish Stew ahead of time?

Yes! This stew actually tastes even better the next day, as flavors meld beautifully. Just store it covered in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Irish Stew with Beer and Vegetables Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines that nostalgic comfort of a traditional Irish stew with the soulfulness of plant-based cooking. It’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for cozy nights when you want something nourishing. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’re going to love how the beer and veggies come together in such a hearty, flavorful way. Go ahead and give it a go; you might just find your new favorite stew!