Traditional Irish Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting dish made with tender beef, root vegetables, and a rich broth. It’s perfect for a cozy meal, especially on a chilly day. Here’s a classic recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 parsnips, peeled and sliced (optional, but traditional)
- 1 cup (240ml) beef broth or stock
- 2 cups (480ml) Guinness beer (or any stout beer, optional for a deeper flavor)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Brown the Beef:
- Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot) and brown all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add a little more oil if necessary. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
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Build the Stew:
- Add the tomato paste to the pot and cook for 1 minute, stirring to combine.
- Return the browned beef to the pot, then add the carrots, potatoes, parsnips (if using), and beef broth.
- Pour in the Guinness beer and stir to combine. Add the thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
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Simmer:
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for about 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined. Stir occasionally, and check the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves from the stew. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions:
Irish beef stew is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with crusty bread or Irish soda bread for dipping. A side of buttered cabbage or peas would complement it nicely.
Enjoy your traditional Irish Beef Stew — it’s the perfect dish to warm you up!