This hearty Irish beef stew is packed with tender beef, carrots, and potatoes, all slowly cooked to make a warm and comforting bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings!
I love how the beef gets so soft and flavorful after simmering all day. Serve it with some crusty bread, and you’re in for a satisfying meal. Who doesn’t enjoy a cozy stew? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is perfect for stews due to its richness. If you can’t find chuck, you can use brisket or round. Both options work well but may have different textures.
Guinness Beer: It adds depth, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, just replace it with more beef broth. The stew will still be flavorful!
Potatoes: Yukon Golds add creaminess, but feel free to use Russets or Red potatoes instead. Just remember to cut them evenly for uniform cooking.
Vegetable Oil: While I like using olive oil for the flavor, any cooking oil will work. Canola or sunflower oil are good neutral options!
What’s the Best Way to Brown the Beef Properly?
Getting that rich, deep color on the beef is key for great flavor. Here’s how I recommend doing it:
- Make sure your beef is very dry before seasoning. Pat it with paper towels.
- Heat your pot well before adding the oil. The oil should shimmer, meaning it’s hot.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot! Cook in batches to ensure each piece gets browned nicely.
- Brown each side for about 5-7 minutes without stirring too much; this helps develop a nice crust.
Following these tips will enhance the stew’s overall flavor, giving it that delicious homemade taste everyone loves! 😊
How to Make Irish Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup Guinness beer (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Irish Beef Stew will take about 20 minutes to prepare, and then it will simmer for around 2 to 2.5 hours. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful and tender the beef becomes! It’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by patting the beef cubes dry with paper towels. This will help them brown nicely. Then, season generously with salt and pepper all over.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Brown all sides of the beef for about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Make a Roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook the flour a bit; this will thicken the stew.
5. Deglaze:
Slowly pour in the Guinness beer (or extra beef broth) while stirring. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot as you go. Those bits add wonderful flavors!
6. Add Broth and Tomato Paste:
Stir in the beef broth and tomato paste until everything is well combined. This will create a rich and hearty base for your stew.
7. Return Beef:
Add the browned beef cubes back into the pot. Make sure they are submerged in the liquid.
8. Add Herbs and Simmer:
Now, add the dried thyme and bay leaf. Bring the stew to a boil, then lower the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
9. Add Vegetables:
After the beef has cooked, it’s time to add the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Stir them in, cover the pot again, and simmer for another 30-40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
10. Add Peas and Finish:
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. They add a nice pop of color and sweetness! Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving.
11. Serve:
Give the stew a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright touch. Serve hot with crusty bread or Irish soda bread for the full experience!
Enjoy your rich and comforting Irish Beef Stew! It’s sure to warm you up on any day! 😊
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for stews due to its marbling and tenderness, you can also use brisket or round. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly!
Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender. Perfect for a hands-off approach!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing!
What Can I Serve with Irish Beef Stew?
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or Irish soda bread to soak up the rich gravy. You can also serve it over mashed potatoes or alongside a simple green salad for freshness!