Traditional Irish Beef Stew

This traditional Irish Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cozy nights in. The tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich broth come together to create a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • It’s a classic comfort food that is simple to make yet packed with flavor.
  • The combination of stout beer and beef broth adds depth and richness to the stew.
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd or for leftovers the next day.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs (900g) stewing beef, cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 carrots, sliced
  • 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup stout beer or beef stock
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  1. In a bowl, season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. Coat them with flour, shaking off any excess.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the onions and garlic until softened.
  4. Return the beef to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, beef broth, stout beer (or beef stock), tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir well.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 2-2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together.
  6. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 2-2.5 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes – 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Servings: Serves 6
  • Kcal: Approximately 400 kcal per serving
  • Storage: This stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and store it for longer periods.

Recipe Tips:

  • For added flavor, you can sear the beef in the pot before starting the stew for a deeper, richer taste.
  • Feel free to customize the vegetables in the stew based on your preferences. Adding parsnips or turnips can be a delicious variation.
  • Serve the stew with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Enjoy the leftovers the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

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