Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew Recipe: Easy, Tender & Proven

slow cooker irish beef stew recipe is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s surprisingly easy to make! This hearty stew, packed with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, Guinness infused broth, is perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy Sunday dinner. Speaking of warmth, this recipe evokes memories of my grandma’s kitchen, filled with the aromatic smells of slow cooked goodness. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug! I’m thrilled to share my take on this classic dish with you – after all, what’s better than a slow cooker irish beef stew recipe that practically cooks itself? This tender beef stew truly is hands off cooking at its finest.

Why You Will Love This slow cooker irish beef stew recipe Recipe

This slow cooker irish beef stew recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma of a hearty, flavorful stew after a long day. The slow cooker works its magic, transforming humble ingredients into a symphony of flavors. It’s incredibly easy to throw together in the morning and let it simmer all day long.

The beef becomes melt in your mouth tender, the vegetables are perfectly cooked, and the broth is rich and deeply satisfying. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, especially after trying Slow Cooker Corned Beef And Cabbage 3. This crockpot beef stew is a crowd pleaser that will leave everyone feeling warm and content. It’s that easy beef stew recipe everyone will be asking for!

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Ingredients Needed for This slow cooker irish beef stew recipe Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious stew. Don’t be intimidated by the list; most ingredients are pantry staples.

• For the Beef:

* 2 pounds 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:

* 1 large onion, chopped * 2 carrots, peeled and chopped * 2 celery stalks, chopped * 4 cloves garlic, minced * 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed * 1 cup baby bella mushrooms, quartered * 1 cup frozen peas

• For the Broth:

* 1 (12 ounce) bottle of Guinness stout * 4 cups beef broth * 2 tablespoons tomato paste * 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce * 1 teaspoon dried thyme * 1 bay leaf

How to Make This slow cooker irish beef stew recipe Recipe

Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps for a perfect slow cooker irish beef stew recipe every time.

1. 1. Sear the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off any excess. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. This step enhances the depth of flavor in the stew.

1. 2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

1. 3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour the Guinness stout into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds a wonderful richness to the stew. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

1. 4. Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared beef and sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the dried thyme and bay leaf.

1. 5. Add Potatoes and Mushrooms: Stir in the cubed potatoes and quartered mushrooms. Make sure all the ingredients are submerged in the liquid.

1. 6. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 10 hours, or on high for 4 5 hours, or until the beef is fork tender. I often find that cooking on low yields the optimal, tender beef.

1. 7. Add Peas: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas.

1. 8. Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the slow cooker irish beef stew recipe into bowls and enjoy! Feel free to check Slow Cooker Corned Beef for similar recipes.

How to Serve This slow cooker irish beef stew recipe Recipe

Serving this slow cooker irish beef stew recipe is a breeze. A warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of elegance.

Consider pairing it with a hearty green salad or a side of mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Try serving it in individual bowls, garnished with a sprig of thyme for a beautiful presentation. This tender beef stew also pairs well with a dark beer like Guinness or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

How to Store This slow cooker irish beef stew recipe Recipe

This slow cooker irish beef stew recipe is perfect for meal prepping! To store, allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

• Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the stew in freezer safe containers or bags for up to 2 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a little extra beef broth if it becomes too thick while reheating.

Tips to Make This slow cooker irish beef stew recipe Recipe

Want to make this slow cooker irish beef stew the best it can be? Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

• Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute the beef chuck with stew meat or another cut of beef that is suitable for slow cooking. You can also use different vegetables, such as parsnips or turnips, depending on your preference.
• Success Tips: Searing the beef is crucial for developing a rich, deep flavor. Don’t skip this step! Also, be sure not to overfill the slow cooker, as this can affect cooking time and consistency.
• Common Mistakes: Avoid adding too much salt, as the beef broth and Guinness can be quite salty. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• To enhance the stew, consider browsing Slow Cooker Corned Beef And Cabbage 2 for more helpful tips.
• Pro Tips: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. For a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Helpful Notes for This slow cooker irish beef stew recipe Recipe

A few extra clarifications can make all the difference.

• Beef Broth: I prefer using low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of the stew.
• Guinness Stout: The Guinness stout adds a unique depth of flavor, but you can substitute it with another dark beer or even more beef broth if you prefer.
• Equipment: A 6 quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.

Variation of This slow cooker irish beef stew recipe Recipe

This slow cooker irish beef stew recipe can also be adapted to suit different tastes and seasons.

• Seasonal Twists: In the fall, add roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a sweeter, more autumnal flavor. In the spring, add fresh asparagus or sugar snap peas for a lighter, brighter stew.
• Optional Versions: For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with lentils or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Creative Modifications: Add a splash of red wine vinegar during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a tangy twist. Top with crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese for added richness.

Conclusion

This slow cooker irish beef stew recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser, offering a cozy and comforting meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a tender beef stew infused with rich flavors. Don’t hesitate to give this easy beef stew recipe a try – it will surely become a family favorite! And remember, the best part about cooking is sharing the joy with others.

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