Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes: The BEST Comfort Food!

irish stew with mashed potatoes: A warm welcome to a culinary hug in a bowl! Is there anything more comforting than a hearty helping of irish stew with mashed potatoes on a chilly evening? This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a memory of cozy kitchens, family gatherings, and the pure, unadulterated joy of simple, delicious food. My grandmother’s version was legendary, the aroma alone enough to soothe any soul. Today, I’m sharing my take on this classic.

This irish stew with mashed potatoes recipe takes the traditional Irish stew and elevates it with a cloud of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. It’s the perfect comfort food that sticks to your ribs and warms you from the inside out. I promise you, this will become a family favorite!

Why You Will Love This irish stew with mashed potatoes Recipe

This recipe for irish stew with mashed potatoes is all about comfort. Seriously, picture this: tender chunks of beef, soft vegetables swimming in a rich gravy, all topped with a generous dollop of fluffy mashed potatoes. What’s not to love?

What makes this beef stew with mashed potatoes so special? First, it’s incredibly easy to make. We’re talking simple ingredients and straightforward instructions. Second, it’s packed with flavor. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a depth that’s simply divine. And third, it will make you want to curl up on the couch with a blanket and a movie.

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Ingredients Needed for This irish stew with mashed potatoes Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting masterpiece:

For the Irish Stew:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry red wine (optional, but adds great depth)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 lb potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp cold water, for thickening)

For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:

• 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make This irish stew with mashed potatoes Recipe

Making this creamy mashed potato stew is easier than you might think! Just follow these steps:

1. 1. Sear the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
2. 2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute.
3. 3. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. 4. Combine Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-2.5 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
5. 5. Add Potatoes: Add the potatoes to the stew and continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6. 6. Thicken the Stew: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) and cook until the stew has thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
7. 7. Add Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes, or until heated through.
8. 8. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: While the stew is simmering, prepare the mashed potatoes. In a large pot, cover the potatoes with cold water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
9. 9. Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk, heavy cream, and butter. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For an added flavor boost, you might like to try my Traditional Irish Colcannon Recipe.
10. 10. Serve: Ladle the irish stew with mashed potatoes into bowls and top with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy! Alternatively, consider serving it with my Easy Creamy Irish Colcannon.

How to Serve This irish stew with mashed potatoes Recipe

This hearty dish is a complete meal in itself, but here are some serving suggestions:

• Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the gravy.
• Pair with a simple green salad to balance the richness.
• A side of Irish Colcannon Soup makes a great addition.

How to Store This irish stew with mashed potatoes Recipe

Leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store them:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover irish stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store mashed potatoes separately to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Freezing: Freeze the stew in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly after freezing.
• Reheating: Reheat the stew and mashed potatoes separately in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of broth or milk to the stew and potatoes if needed to restore moisture.

Tips to Make This irish stew with mashed potatoes Recipe

Here are some tips for the best irish stew with mashed potatoes:

• Use high-quality beef: The better the beef, the better the stew. Look for stew meat that is well-marbled for the most flavor and tenderness.
• Don’t skip the searing: Searing the beef adds depth of flavor to the stew. Make sure to sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
• Slow and steady wins the race: Simmering the stew low and slow allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become incredibly tender.
• Adjust the thickness: If the stew is too thin, add more cornstarch slurry. If it’s too thick, add more beef broth.
• Flavor boost: Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of umami.

Helpful Notes for This irish stew with mashed potatoes Recipe

A few extra notes to ensure success:

• Beef Broth: Low-sodium beef broth allows you to control the salt level of the dish.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the stew, such as parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms.
• Mashed Potatoes: For extra creamy mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer.

Variation of This irish stew with mashed potatoes Recipe

Want to customize this beef stew with mashed potatoes recipe? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the beef and add lentils or chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stew for a little heat.
• Guinness Version: Substitute 1 cup of the beef broth with Guinness stout for a deeper, richer flavor.

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