Irish Stew: The Easiest, Most Comforting Recipe EVER

irish stew: the ultimate comfort food on a chilly evening, passed down through generations and simmered with love. This isn’t just any stew; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, filled with tender beef, hearty potatoes, and the earthy flavors of carrots and onions. When the weather turns cold, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of this rustic classic. Let’s bring a bit of old-world charm to your kitchen with this homestyle stew! You’ll find this irish stew is guaranteed to warm your heart and soul.

Why You Will Love This irish stew Recipe

This irish stew recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagine coming home to the savory aroma of slow-cooked beef and vegetables filling your kitchen. It’s incredibly comforting, ridiculously easy to make, and packed with flavor. Think of it as a culinary time machine, transporting you back to simpler times with every spoonful. This is a dish that practically cooks itself, and the flavor only gets better with time!

What makes this specific recipe special? Besides the time-honored tradition it represents, it’s the simplicity of ingredients combined with the slow-cooking process that brings out the maximum flavor. No fancy techniques or hard to find ingredients needed! It’s perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a weekend gathering, and leftovers taste even better the next day.

Ingredients Needed for This irish stew Recipe

• For the Beef:

* 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes * 2 tablespoons olive oil * 1 teaspoon salt * 1/2 teaspoon black pepper * 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• For the Vegetables:

* 2 large onions, chopped * 4 carrots, peeled and chopped * 2 celery stalks, chopped * 3 cloves garlic, minced * 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed

• For the Broth & Flavor:

* 6 cups beef broth * 1 cup water * 2 tablespoons tomato paste * 1 teaspoon dried thyme * 1 bay leaf * 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

• Bonus

* 1/4 cup of Guinness to simmer, for greater depth of flavor.

How to Make This irish stew Recipe

1. 1. Prepare the Beef: In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper.

1. 2. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Sear on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the beef and set aside.

1. 3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

1. 4. Combine Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, water, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

1. 5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. For the best results, simmer for 3 hours.

1. 6. Add Potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes to the stew and continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

1. 7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt and pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

1. 8. Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

You might also want to try pairing this homestyle stew with some Easy Creamy Irish Colcannon. Easy Creamy Irish Colcannon is another perfect recipe that will complete your dinner.

How to Serve This irish stew Recipe

Serve this rustic irish stew hot in large bowls. Garnish generously with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the stew.

This beef and potato stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth. And don’t forget, a pint of your favorite stout enhances the entire experience!

How to Store This irish stew Recipe

• Refrigeration: Store leftover irish stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, transfer the cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

Tips to Make This irish stew Recipe

• Beef Quality: Use quality beef chuck for the best flavor and tenderness.

• Browning the Beef: Don’t skip browning the beef, because this step adds depth and richness to the stew.

• Slow Cooking: Allow ample time for slow cooking. The longer it simmers, the more tender the beef becomes and the richer the flavor will be!

• Vegetable Prep: Chop vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

• Ingredient Swap: Feel free to add other root vegetables, such as parsnips or turnips, for a unique flavor twist.

Naturally, this rustic irish stew is a perfect pairing alongside Traditional Irish Colcannon Recipe. Traditional Irish Colcannon Recipe is another fantastic traditional recipe you can test in your kitchen. Follow us on Pinterest for more heartwarming recipes!

Helpful Notes for This irish stew Recipe

• Beef Broth: Using homemade beef broth intensifies the flavor. Store-bought beef broth works well too if you’re short on time.

• Tomato Paste: A little tomato paste adds depth and umami to the stew. Don’t skip it!

• Bay Leaf: A bay leaf infuses a subtle herbal flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.

• Guinness: As an optional ingredient, Guiness stout added to the pot during simmering can deepen the flavor. If choosing this, add it slowly.

Variation of This irish stew Recipe

• Lamb Stew: Substitute beef with lamb for a traditional Irish lamb stew.

• Vegetarian Stew: Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and add mushrooms and lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.

• Spicy Stew: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a little kick.

• A modern twist may include using sweet potatoes and or different types of carrots to change the flavor ever so slightly

• To make a colcannon twist, try combining this irish stew with Irish Colcannon Soup. Irish Colcannon Soup is a recipe that takes Irish comfort food to a whole new level.

Conclusion

There you have it – a hearty, comforting bowl of irish stew that’s perfect for any occasion. This is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and share a warm, homemade meal with loved ones. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a dish that will bring joy to your kitchen and warmth to your heart. Happy cooking, and enjoy every spoonful of this incredible irish stew!

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