Easy Irish Stew
A hearty Irish stew featuring tender lamb or beef, root vegetables, and rich beef broth, perfect for warming up and comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- If lamb or beef is in large chunks, cut into bite-sized pieces. Quarter the potatoes.
- Cut the carrots into 2-inch sections.
- In a large saucepan, combine 2 1/2 cups of beef broth, the tomato paste, minced garlic, bay leaf, and pepper.
- Add the frozen pearl onions; bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the lamb or beef, potatoes, and carrots; return to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low; cover and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the lamb or beef in the saucepan before adding the broth. If you don't have pearl onions, chopped onions can be substituted. For a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water before adding it to the stew to avoid clumping. Feel free to add other vegetables, like parsnips or turnips, for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Irish stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of Skillet Style Cabbage for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh ground black pepper or a dollop of sour cream can enhance the flavors. For a heartier dish, consider serving with a side of creamy mashed potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Irish stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of beef broth if it thickens too much. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Irish Stew contains roughly 553 calories, with 17g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (143% of the Daily Value), iron (59% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1270mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of lamb or beef?
Yes, chicken can be used as a substitute, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be shorter. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a tender result, and simmer until fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this stew in a slow cooker, simply combine all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.
What can I do if my stew is too thin?
If your stew turns out too thin, you can thicken it by mixing cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew and let it simmer for a few more minutes. Alternatively, simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).