This Irish stew recipe is a mouth-watering combination of tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and parsnips, all slow simmered in a hearty broth comprised of beef stock, Guinness beer, and wine. The depth of flavor is incredible! Pure comfort food and a perfect Saint Patrick’s dinner or filling meal any time.
Complete the meal with a loaf of Irish soda bread and Bailey’s Chocolate Truffles for dessert!
Not many things can top a beef stew in the comfort food department. A hearty meal all-in-one, with tender meat and vegetables, permeating with stew juices from simmering for hours. Every bite soothes the soul and tummy! This Irish Beef Stew fits the bill on all counts.
The main difference between an Irish stew and classic beef stew comes down to the protein. Traditional Irish stew is usually made with lamb, while beef stew is always made with beef.
How to Make Irish Stew
Here’s a brief summary of how to make it. *Don’t miss the detailed printable recipe below, along with the video.
- Season and brown the beef (in batches if necessary), then transfer to a plate.
- Sauté the veggies in the same pot, adding more oil if it seems dry.
- Cook off the flour.
- Add liquids and seasonings and return beef to the pot.
- Simmer covered for 2 hours until the beef is pretty tender, add in the potatoes and parsnips and simmer for another 20-25 minutes (without the lid) until the vegetables and beef are very tender, the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly.
- Skim off the fat and discard the bay leaves and thyme.
- Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with some parsley, and enjoy every single spoonful!
What Goes in Irish Beef Stew?
Here’s what you’ll need!
- Meat – boneless beef chuck roast (or lamb for a traditional Irish Stew.)
- Veggies – potatoes, carrots, celery, parsnips, onion, and garlic.
- Seasonings – thyme, bay leaves, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Broth – low sodium beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and beef bouillon cubes.
- Beer and Wine – Guinness beer and red wine.
- Other – extra-virgin olive oil to sauté the meat and flour to thicken the broth.
How authentic Irish stew is made
FAQ
Why is it called Irish stew?
Is Irish stew thick or watery?
What meat does Irish stew contain?
What’s the difference between Irish stew and goulash?
What is the difference between beef stew and Irish Stew?
The main difference between a beef stew and an Irish stew is the broth and the choice of meat. Beef stew uses cubed pieces of beef, such as a stew meat or a chuck roast. Irish stew traditionally uses mutton or lamb and has a rich, thick beer based broth. To make Irish stew at home you will need the following ingredients:
What is a traditional Irish Stew?
Traditional stew includes potatoes, carrots, onion, and other root vegetables. Stew is the ultimate comfort food! Made with tender pieces of beef and flavorful cuts of carrots and potatoes, this beef stew is a classic with an Irish twist of Guinness. No flour or thickening agent used! Cook Mode Keep Your Screen On!
Is Irish Stew still popular?
Even with all of these alterations, the popularity of the dish itself seems largely unchanged. According to the New York Times, truly traditional Irish stew contains only a few ingredients: mutton, onions, potatoes, and sometimes carrots, instantly distinguishing it from a stew made from beef.
How is Irish Stew different from other slow cooked stews?
Irish Stew is a bit different from many other slow-cooked stews as it’s not required to reduce the broth into a gravy-like sauce. Broth is best people! Irish stew could be described as being more of a chunky soup if you will!?