Irish Beef Stew is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for chilly nights. It’s packed with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth with a hint of Guinness or beef broth for that classic Irish flavor. This one-pot meal is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a timeless favorite.
📋 Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes 🥩
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 🛢️
- 1 medium onion, chopped 🧅
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped 🥕
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed 🥔
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 🌾
- 4 cups beef broth 🍲
- 1 cup Guinness beer (optional) 🍺
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste 🍅
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 🌿
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
- Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
- 2 bay leaves 🌿
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 🌿
📝 Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:
- Heat the oil:
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef:
- Add the beef stew meat to the pot in batches, searing each side until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
- Sauté the onion and garlic:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until it becomes soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the flour:
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring well to combine. This will help thicken the stew later.
3. Build the Stew:
- Add liquids and seasonings:
- Pour in the beef broth, Guinness beer (if using), tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
- Add the beef:
- Return the seared beef to the pot along with any juices that have accumulated. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Simmer the Stew:
- Add the vegetables:
- Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Simmer:
- Cover and let the stew simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Serve:
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove the bay leaves. Ladle the Irish Beef Stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 2 hours
⏱️ Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6 servings
🔥 Calories: Approximately 400-450 kcal per serving
This Irish Beef Stew is hearty, rich, and packed with comforting flavors. The slow-simmered beef becomes incredibly tender, while the potatoes and carrots soak up all the delicious broth. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete meal that will warm you up from the inside out! 🍲🥔🍀