This hearty Irish Beef Stew is the perfect cozy meal! Made with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots, it warms you up from the inside out. The rich broth is simply mouthwatering.
I love how easy it is to throw everything into a pot and let it simmer. Plus, it makes my kitchen smell amazing! Serve it with some crusty bread for a true comfort meal. 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is perfect for stewing because it’s flavorful and becomes tender with slow cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use beef round, but keep in mind it may not be as tender.
Guinness Stout: Using this beer adds a rich depth to your stew. If you want to skip the alcohol, substitute with extra beef broth or a non-alcoholic stout.
Potatoes: I love using Yukon Gold because of their creamy texture, but Russets or red potatoes work well too. Just avoid waxy potatoes as they won’t hold up in the stew.
Carrots: Feel free to exchange carrots for parsnips for a sweeter flavor, or add some celery for added crunch and flavor.
How Do I Get My Beef to be Extra Tender?
The secret to tender beef is all in the cooking method! Here’s how to ensure your beef chuck is melt-in-your-mouth delicious:
- Brown the beef in batches to get that nice sear. This locks in flavors and moisture.
- Cook it low and slow. Simmering for 1.5 to 2 hours at a low temperature allows the collagen in the beef to break down, creating tender meat.
- Don’t rush. Letting the stew simmer after adding vegetables ensures everything is cooked perfectly without mushiness.
Try this technique, and your Irish Beef Stew will be finger-licking good!
How to Make Irish Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup Guinness stout (optional, for authentic Irish flavor)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Irish Beef Stew will take about 20 minutes to prepare and around 2 to 2.5 hours to cook. This includes simmering time to ensure the beef becomes tender and the flavors blend beautifully. It’s worth the wait for that delicious home-cooked flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Beef:
Start by generously seasoning the beef cubes with salt and black pepper. This helps to build a great flavor base for your stew.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Brown them on all sides, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, around 5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring to prevent it from burning.
4. Build the Stew Base:
Stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook with the onions and garlic for about 1-2 minutes. This deepens the flavor and adds richness to the stew.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and Guinness stout (if using). Add the dried thyme and bay leaves. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
6. Simmer the Stew:
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. You want the beef to become tender and juicy!
7. Add Vegetables:
After the beef has cooked, add the carrots and potatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
8. Final Touches:
Once everything is cooked through, remove the bay leaves from the stew. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve it hot with some crusty bread or traditional soda bread. Enjoy your delicious Irish Beef Stew!
This stew is not just comforting and hearty; it’s packed with flavor and is sure to warm you up on chilly days!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes! While beef chuck is ideal for stewing due to its tenderness when cooked low and slow, you can also use brisket or round. Just keep in mind that some cuts may require a bit longer to become tender.
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef and vegetables are tender.
What Can I Substitute for Guinness?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, feel free to substitute Guinness with additional beef broth or a non-alcoholic stout. You can also use a mixture of beef broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity and depth of flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Stew?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems too thick. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.