Irish Beef Stew 🥩🥕🥔
Rich, hearty, and full of comforting flavor, this Irish Beef Stew is a classic slow-cooked dish that warms you from the inside out. Tender chunks of beef simmer with carrots, potatoes, and onions in a deeply savory broth — simple ingredients coming together for pure, cozy perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced into chunks
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup Guinness beer (optional, for traditional richness)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Pat beef cubes dry and toss them lightly with flour, salt, and pepper. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches until golden on all sides, then remove and set aside.
Add onion and garlic to the same pot, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Pour in Guinness (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze.
Return the beef to the pot, then add broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 1½–2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Add carrots and potatoes, then cook for another 25–30 minutes, uncovered, until the vegetables are tender and the stew thickens slightly. Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use a marbled cut like chuck or brisket — it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking.
- For a thicker stew, mash a few potato chunks into the broth near the end of cooking.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace Guinness with more beef broth.
Serving Ideas
Serve piping hot with crusty bread, Irish soda bread, or creamy mashed potatoes. A pint of dark ale or a simple green salad makes the perfect accompaniment.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: ~520 kcal | Protein: 42g | Carbs: 28g | Fat: 24g
Conclusion
The Irish Beef Stew is the definition of hearty comfort — tender beef, rustic vegetables, and a deep, savory broth that only gets better as it simmers. Whether made for St. Patrick’s Day or a cozy winter night, it’s a timeless dish that fills your home with warmth and your bowl with pure satisfaction.