Old Time Irish Stew
A hearty Irish stew featuring tender beef, root vegetables, barley, and rich spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or cold weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the beef stew meat in oil in a large pot.
- Add chopped onion and garlic powder; cook until onions are translucent.
- Pour in boiling water, add salt, lemon juice, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, paprika, and bay leaves.
- Simmer until the meat is tender, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Add sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and barley to the stew.
- Continue to simmer until vegetables and barley are cooked and tender, about 30-40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of beef broth and water instead of just boiling water. If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute half the beef with mushrooms or add more root vegetables like parsnips. To enhance the seasoning, fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Adjust the garlic powder according to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside a dish like Mary'S Cheese Ball. This stew is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Time Irish Stew contains roughly 1689 calories, with 9g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 165g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1566mg per serving (68% 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, although cooking times may vary. If using chicken, reduce the simmering time as it cooks faster than beef. For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with hearty vegetables and legumes like lentils.
How can I thicken my stew if it’s too watery?
If your stew is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stirring it in during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes or barley to naturally thicken the stew without adding extra ingredients.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this stew in a slow cooker, brown the meat and onions as instructed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the vegetables and barley during the last hour to ensure they don’t overcook.
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).