Irish Beef Stew

This simple, yet traditional recipe Irish Beef Stew is the ideal hearty comfort food to serve on St. Patrick's Day! Tender chunks of beef are simmered in a rich Guinness-infused broth with aromatic vegetables and savory herbs for a cozy and flavorful dish that's perfect for chilly nights.

I mostly cook Italian food because I grew up cooking with Italian side of the family, but the truth is that I'm also half Irish. And it wouldn't be March if I didn't have a big pot of Irish Beef Stew simmering away on the stove and a pan of Irish nachos in the oven.

This Irish Beef Stew recipe comes from my friend and college roommate, Kate, who is about as Irish as they come. It embodies the essence of traditional Irish cuisine, marrying robust flavors with simple ingredients to create a dish that's satisfying to both the belly and the soul.

Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day or simply seeking a comforting meal to enjoy with loved ones, this stew is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works

• Searing the beef develops rich, deep flavor..
• Guinness stout and beef broth create a complex, flavorful broth.
• Slow cooking in a Dutch oven ensures the meat is fall-apart tender.

Ingredient Notes

• Beef - Opt for well-marbled chuck steak, as it becomes fork-tender when simmered in the stew. You can substitute with other tougher cuts of beef, but avoid extra lean cuts, as they can become dry and tough.
• Guinness stout - The deep, malty flavor of Guinness adds depth and richness to the stew, but you can substitute with another stout or dark beer if desired.
• Beef Stock or broth - If you can use homemade beef stock, it will add an extra layer of flavor and complexity to the stew. Otherwise, use a high-quality beef broth that's unsalted or low sodium to control the overall saltines of the dish.
• Aromatics - Onions, carrots, garlic, thyme, tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce form the flavor base of the stew. Don't leave them out!

*Full ingredient list with quantities is in the recipe card.

Helpful Equipment

• Large, heavy-bottomed pot: Choose a sturdy pot with ample space to accommodate all the ingredients and allow for even simmering.
• Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring and scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Ladle: Use a ladle to serve the stew into bowls, ensuring each serving is filled with hearty chunks of beef and vegetables.

Step by step instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Season the cubed chuck steak with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches until well-seared. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. Lower the heat to medium and add butter, onions, and carrots to the pot. Sauté until softened, then add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook until vegetables are coated. Add potatoes and cook for 2 minutes more.
4. Add thyme, bay leaf, Guinness stout, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and the browned meat to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours until the stew thickens and the meat is tender.
5. Adjust seasoning if needed, then stir in remaining thyme and parsley before serving.

Tips For Success

• Ensure the beef is well-seared on all sides to develop the best flavor.
• Try replacing the beef with lamb for a more traditional Irish stew recipe.
• Use homemade beef stock or broth if possible.
• Don't rush sautéing the vegetables. Let them sweat out nice and slow to develop their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Allow the stew to cook nice and slow over a low simmer. Don't let it boil.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Irish Beef Stew piping hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. And of course a big pint of Guinness stout or your favorite Irish beer (or whiskey!).

Serve the stew over mashed potatoes or colcannon, an Irish dish of mashed potatoes with cabbage, or alongside a slice of crusty bread, Irish soda bread or my Irish cheddar and stout biscuits for a satisfying meal.

Pair the stew with a side salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to add freshness and balance to the hearty flavors. Or try a more robust salad, like this warm spinach salad or this shaved Brussels sprout and kale salad.

Don't forget to finish the night with something sweet, like my famous Irish Potato Candy or Salted Caramel Brownies and a glass of Irish cream over ice!

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