Irish Beef Stew
A hearty Irish beef stew with tender meat, hearty vegetables, and rich broth, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold weather gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup oil ⓘ
- 6 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 8 cups beef broth ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/4 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 7 cups peeled, cubed potatoes ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cups cubed carrots ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons parsley flakes ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add beef stew meat and sauté until well browned on all sides.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add beef broth, tomato paste, sugar, dried thyme, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and parsley flakes; stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using marinated chuck steak instead of the stew meat. If you want to thicken the stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Fresh thyme can be used instead of dried for a more vibrant taste, just double the amount for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Irish beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad pairs wonderfully. For an authentic touch, consider serving it with colcannon, a traditional Irish dish made with mashed potatoes and cabbage.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if it seems too thick. You can also reheat in the microwave, but cover the dish to prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Irish Beef Stew contains roughly 4750 calories, with 59g protein, 382g carbohydrates, and 352g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (481% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (242% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2509mg per serving (109% 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 a different type of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute beef with lamb or even chicken, though cooking times will vary. If using lamb, it might give a unique flavor; however, for chicken, you should reduce the simmering time to around 30-40 minutes to avoid overcooking.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the stew gluten-free, ensure the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are labeled gluten-free. You can also skip the tomato paste if it contains gluten or use a gluten-free alternative, ensuring your stew remains hearty and flavorful.
Can I make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! This stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving, and enjoy the enhanced flavors.
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).