Mama'S Irish Beef Stew
Hearty Irish beef stew with tender meat, flavorful vegetables, and rich tomato-based gravy, perfect for comforting family meals and chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour and salt.
- Dredge the beef in the seasoned flour and brown in cooking oil.
- Add water, tomato sauce, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce to the pot.
- Cover tightly and cook slowly for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Add chopped onions, carrots, and frozen baby lima beans, then continue cooking for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Thicken the gravy with additional flour as needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef in Worcestershire sauce overnight. If you prefer a thicker stew, add a slurry of flour and water toward the end of cooking. You can substitute the lima beans with green beans or peas if desired. This dish also pairs well with crusty bread for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mama's Irish Beef Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. For a full spread, consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the stew if it thickens too much. It can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Irish Beef Stew contains roughly 1636 calories, with 62g protein, 207g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (273% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (215% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2566mg per serving (112% 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 in this stew?
Yes, you can use lamb or pork as alternatives to beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require different cooking times to become tender.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the beef, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I freeze this stew?
Yes, Mama's Irish Beef Stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).