Warm up with this traditional beef Irish stew recipe, made with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and savory herbs and spices. Perfect for a cozy night in. It is always a huge hit, so flavorful and incredibly easy to make.
Irish Beef Stew
Looking for a hearty and easy dinner idea? Try this delicious Irish stew recipe that is sure to warm you up on a chilly night. It’s packed with savory flavors and tender meat, making it a family favorite. I love to serve this tasty dish with fresh homemade biscuits, butter swim biscuits, no-knead bread, or Irish soda bread with soft creamy butter.
This time of the year is perfect for all kinds of hot, slow-cooked comfort dishes like stews and soups. This stew is one of my favorites and will quite literally have you licking your bowl. If you like this stew recipe, try instant pot stew, hamburger stew, cowboy stew, and chicken stew.
Ingredients for Beef Irish Stew
- Flour – all-purpose
- Seasonings – salt, freshly ground black pepper, crushed rosemary, bay leaves, fresh thyme, and fresh parsley
- Meat – chuck roast
- Vegetable oil – or canola oil
- Vegetables – sweet onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes
- Guinness Beer – or another mildly flavored stout
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Beef broth – low sodium
- Tomato paste
How to make Irish Stew
First, pat the beef chunks dry with a paper towel. Then, dust the beef with the flour that has been seasoned with salt and pepper. Heat a little oil in a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the beef. Plate the beef and cook the onions until they are soft and fragrant. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic, rosemary, and black pepper, cooking for about 1 minute while stirring constantly. Then, add the Guinness beer and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze it. Add the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, and bay leaves.
Cover and simmer on low for about 90 minutes stirring several times to keep anything from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, and thyme. Cover and simmer on low for about 45 minutes or until the carrots and potatoes are soft and the beef is tender. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth or water.
Recipe Tips
- Beef chuck roast is the least expensive and best cut of beef for this recipe, but you could also use petite shoulder, tenderloin, or beef stew meat. In Ireland, they generally use lamb or mutton.
- Trim the chuck cutting against the grain (if possible) into bite-size cubes. Avoid large portions of fat and cartilage.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves can be substituted for the fresh springs.
- Choose a good quality stout that you love the flavor of and is complementary to the dish. I typically go with an oatmeal stout, coffee stout, or Guinness beer.
- Slow simmer covered on low, adding more broth when necessary and stirring frequently.
- For aesthetic purposes, peel your carrots so they are that gorgeous bright orange color.
- Other vegetables to add include cabbage, leeks, or mushrooms.
- Do not forget to remove the bay leaves, as they have sharp edges and could pose a choking hazard.
- Serve over noodles, biscuits or with a crusty baguette for sopping up the delicious gravy.
What to Serve with Irish Stew
- Buttered noodles
- Brussels sprouts with bacon
- Braised cabbage
- Shaved brussels sprouts salad
- Cheddar drop biscuits
- French baguettes
- Simple garden salad
Storage and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power or on the stovetop over low heat.
To freeze, cool to room temperature. Spoon the stew into an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power or on the stovetop over low heat.
More Irish recipes to try!
Irish Stew
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 3 lb. beef chuck roast trimmed and cut in bite size pieces
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large sweet onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed rosemary
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 cups Guinness beer
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 ½ – 3 cups beef broth
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 carrots peeled and cut in chunks
- 3 russet potatoes peeled and chunked
- 4 sprigs thyme or chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In large zipper bag add flour, salt and black pepper. Add the chuck roast and shake to coat.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium heat. Working in batches brown the beef. Add oil when needed and scrape the bottom of the pot. Plate the beef as you go.
- Add 1 tablespoon oil and cook the onions until soft and fragrant. Reduce heat to low. Add the garlic, rosemary, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Add the stout beer and stir scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze it. Add the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaves and browned beef (that you plated). Cover and simmer on low for 80-90 minutes stirring several times to keep anything from burning or sticking to the bottom.
- Add the carrots, potatoes and thyme. Cover and simmer on low for 40-45 minutes or until the carrots and potatoes are soft and beef is tender. If the mixture becomes too thick add a little more beef broth or water. Remove the bay leaves prior to serving. Garnish with thyme or parsley.
Notes
- Chuck roast is the least expensive and best cut of beef for this recipe but you could also use petite shoulder, tenderloin, or stew meat. Besides beef you can also use lamb or mutton.
- Trim the chuck cutting against the grain (if possible) into bite size cubes. Avoid large portions of fat and cartilage.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves can be substituted for the fresh springs.
- Choose a good quality stout that you love the flavor of is complementary to the dish. I typically go with an oatmeal stout or a coffee stout.
- Slow simmer covered on low adding more broth when necessary and stirring frequently.
- For aesthetic purposes peel your carrots so they are that gorgeous bright orange color.
- Do not forget to remove the bay leaves as they have sharp edges and could pose a choking hazard.
- Serve over noodles, biscuits or with a crusty baguette for sopping up the delicious gravy.
Nutrition
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Kenny
The best beef Irish stew I think I have ever had. The whole family enjoyed it. We put it in our recipe folder so we do not lose it! Thank you!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Kenny!
Juliette
This was such a warm and filling meal! Thank you for sharing your recipe. Even my picky picky daughter liked it. I will make this again and again.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Juliette! Enjoy!
Lola
This was so delicious! I love how easy it was to make. The beer really added a nice flavor dimension to the stew!
Beth Pierce
I agree, Lola! It really does add something to the stew!
Brielle Brooks
It was the ultimate comfort food, warming and hearty. A straightforward recipe that delivered big on flavor. Will surely make this again when in need of a cozy, satisfying meal.
Beth Pierce
Glad that you liked it, Brielle!
Keeley
It was hearty, rich, and filled with homey flavors. Easy to make and even better the next day. Definitely a recipe I’ll be returning to during the colder months!
Tabitha Waters
How comforting! This was soo delicious…with the colder early spring days ahead this is perfect for the season. Also very nice for St. Pat’s Day!
Beth Pierce
I agree!
Sue Ellen Dowd
From the initial steps of patting the beef dry and dusting it with seasoned flour to the final addition of carrots, potatoes, and thyme, every detail is meticulously laid out for success. The addition of Guinness beer and Worcestershire sauce adds depth to the flavor profile. It was a huge success with the family and we have added it to our recipe file for future enjoyment.
Beth Pierce
That is great Sue Ellen!
Lucia
We used your recipe two nights ago and safe to say it may be a family go-to! We plan on making it again Saturday night!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Lucia! Enjoy!
Sienna Rodgers
Oh wow…this stew recipe was so delicious and easy to make. I served it with your homemade biscuits and it was a meal to remember. Thanks for the recipe!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Sienna!
Lisha
Delicious Irish stew! I think this is my new favorite stew. I love that I found this in time for all the St. Patrick day celebrations.
Beth Pierce
I am happy that you found it too!
Tamara
I loved everything in this Irish stew. Yummy! Meat and potatoes and carrots in a rich flavorful gravy. This is the perfect meal!
Beth Pierce
I agree, Tamara!
Mandy C
This Irish stew turned out perfect. The beef was so tender, the vegetables perfectly cooked and the flavor was outstanding. Thanks for the recipe!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Mandy!
Venus F
Beef stew is one of my all time favourites and the kids love it too. It is a real comforting meal that is full of flavour, I tried your recipe this time and it was absolutely delicious!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Venus! Glad that you and the kids like it.
Kimberly Coleman
This was the perfect comfort food for a cold, winter’s day. My husband loves stews and he thought this Irish stew was just wonderful. He wants me to make it again for St. Patricks Day. We will see!
Charlotte Larson
I made your Irish Stew for dinner last night, and it was phenomenal! The meat was tender, and the stew was rich and hearty. Thanks for the recipe!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Charlotte!
Jeannette
Oh wow this was soooo tasty!! Gonna have to save this one! It is a new family favorite. Hubby loved it.
Beth Pierce
Awesome! So glad that you all loved it!
Natalie K
The Irish stew was hearty and delicious. Its perfect for a cold winters day. Thanks for a great recipe!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Natalie!
Shay
I love how tender the beef was and just had so much flavor! Total comfort food! I am going to hold on to this recipe. It was that good!
Gracelyn
It’s like a big hug in a bowl – so warm and comforting. LOVE THIS DINNER!!!!!!!!!
Beth Pierce
You are correct. It is like a hug in a bowl!
Aria
I love this stew! It’s so hearty and beefy with great flavor! Total comfort food and I am not even Irish!
Beth Pierce
I am not either but I love Irish food!
Sandra Smart
Can you adapt this to an instapot if short on time?
Beth Pierce
I am sure it could be but I have not tried it. Use the saute function to brown the beef and cook the onions. I would think that cooking time would be about 20 minutes at high pressure. Let us know if you try it and what the results are.
Diana barry
Looks good
Jennifer Kennedy
This popped up on FP this morning. It is cold and snowy outside. My house smells amazing. I just put the potatoes and carrots in, but the gravy/soup tastes delightful. 45 minutes to dinner. Thank you for sharing.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Jennifer. Where is it snowing already? I am not ready for that here in Missouri.
Theresa
I have made this before and it’s my go-to Irish Stew recipe. There is a pot simmering on the stove right this moment and the chilly weather is just perfect for it. Biscuits are ready for the oven when the stew is done. No one has turned their nose up at my making Irish Stew. YUMMY!
Beth Pierce
That sound like the perfect fall meal! Enjoy, Theresa!
Christine Talley
Annie
Hello, I cant wait to try this recipe, especially with the stout! I have a smaller cut of meat (approx 2 lbs) how long would the adjusted time be? Thank you!
Beth Pierce
Sorry about the delay. Too many things to do and too little time. The time would be about the same since you are cutting the meat into bite-size pieces.
Jen
what can be used in place of the stout beer?
Beth Pierce
You cam use Guinness beer.
April
This looks super tasty. My fiancé is going to love it!
Sharon K Knapp
Can you use just regular beer (BUD Lite) ???
Beth Pierce
Technically you can, but if you want more of an authentic Irish stew, you need a Guinness or a stout beer.
Kat
I love stews! the mix of flavors is just purely delightful. Thanks for the recipe! I will try this on Sunday – parents are coming over for lunch. I’m so excited!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Kat! I sure hope you and your parents enjoy it!
Cinny
Mmm, I love a good stew. This was so warm and cozy!
briannemanzb
This is such a good way of celebrating our Irish heritage. I haven’t been to Ireland for a long time and I want my kids to get a taste of Irish food. Thank you for this.
Tweenselmom
This was such a great dish. It was delicious and hearty. I will make it again! Thanks!
Anna
I’m not usually big on stew, but this does look good. I might have to give it a try.
Kelly Bolen
This was amazing! My whole family enjoyed it I can’t wait to make it again.
Bryan
For a meat and potatoes person like me, it doesn’t get much better than Irish Stew! And it’s made even better whe served with a tall glass of stout or porter.
Beth Pierce
Absolutely!
Crystal Carder
This reminds me so much of the stew my mom used to make! I’m so glad to find a recipe similar to it.
Indo Roowet
I am not used to cooking things for hours on end, which sadly this dish takes…
The taste is quite good, except I would cook it shorter and cook the meat first (get it soft) and then add the veggies, to keep them less soft).
Alita Pacio
I`d love a good Irish stew at home. I often see it on movies but thanks for this, I can make it on my own
Kathy
This stew looks really good. I sure do love a good stew. I’m glad it’s the season for soups and stews now. They’re so good.
Tara Pittman
My husband would like those big chunks of meat. This stew will be perfect for Sunday dinner
Jamie
Yum, this sounds amazing! Pinning to try during the cold months!
Heather
This Irish stew looks and sounds so delicious. I can’t wait to make it for my family!
Amy
Now the weather is going to start getting cooler, this is the perfect stew to fill up on!
Jacq
Prepared this stew for my parents, my step-dad is Irish and he loved it! Said the herbs gave it something extra 🙂
Tavo
soo hearty and comforting dish! We loved every single bite!
Jacqueline Meldrum
I made a vegan version of this in my slow cooker. I will have to try your flavourings by adding rosemary and bay leaves next time I make it.
Maria
Such an easy recipe to follow! Thank you for sharing this!
Anjali
This is so hearty and easy to make!! It was the perfect dinner for the rainy day we had this weekend!
Kylie
Perfect for the weather right now as we head into winter! We serve it with polenta and extra greens!
Marlynn
Mmm the stout beer takes this stew to the next level! So good!
Adriana
I love Urhs stew. It is so comforting and a complete meal. I wish I had a bowl right now as it turned out fantastic
Beth Pierce
Thanks Adriana! I appreciate it! I love it too!!
Michelle Gallegos
Can this be made in a crockpot?
Beth Pierce
Complete all the steps up to and including adding the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaves and browned beef (that you plated). Then transfer to a slow cooker on high. Cook covered for about 1 1/2-2 hours. Then add the carrots, potatoes and thyme and cook for 1-1 1/2 hours or until everything is tender.
Michelle Gallegos
Can this be cooked in a crockpot?
Beth Pierce
Complete all the steps up to and including adding the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaves and browned beef (that you plated). Then transfer to a slow cooker on high. Cook covered for about 1 1/2-2 hours. Then add the carrots, potatoes and thyme and cook for 1-1 1/2 hours or until everything is tender.
Lsura
Can this be cooked in the oven?
Beth Pierce
Yes after you add the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, and bay leaves. Then cover and place in the oven (in a dutch oven, ovenproof skillet or casserole dish) and bake at 325 degrees for about 1.5-2 hours. Then add the carrots, potatoes and thyme and cook for 1 hour or until everything is tender.
Katherine
This looks very similar to the stew my Irish dad makes!
Rachna
I love a good stew. This Irish stew is super hearty and delicious. Absolutely perfect. I will be trying it out soon.
Dannii
This looks like a super comforting stew. Perfect for this cold weather we have been having.
veenaazmanov
Definitely a hearty and comforting meal. All the healthy veggies and soft and juices meat pieces and the delicious and flavorful gravy. I am in for it
cyndy
What a great stew and just in time for St Patricks day next month. This was really delicious!
Vanessa D Fitzgerald
What is stout beer? Please give me an exact name to buy. Thanks
Beth Pierce
Buy Guinness. It is a good beer to use and easy to find.
Cathy
Yum! This was so hearty and flavorful!
Allyson Reed Zea
This was so tasty! Thanks for the easy recipe!
Jen
My husband wouldn’t stop raving about this! Absolutely loved it and already planning on making next week too.
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
This Irish stew is looks absolutely delicious! Yummy!
Alex
I made this with gluten-free flour and it was so tasty! I can’t wait to make it again! Everyone loved it.
Erin
This was so delicious! I love how easy it was. Thanks for the great recipe!
Dorothy Reinhold
Nothing beats a hearty and delicious stew! This stew hits all the right notes.