Irish Beef Stew
+4 photos

Irish Beef Stew

6 servings
This hearty Irish beef stew is made with beef, garlic, stock, Guinness, red wine, potatoes, carrots, and onions and is the perfect companion on any night when you need something comforting.

Ingredients

  • well-marbled chuck beef stew meat

    cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks

    1 ¼ lb
  • salt (more
    3 tsp
  • extra virgin olive oil
    ¼ c
  • garlic cloves
    6 large
  • beef stock or broth
    4 c
  • water
    2 c
  • Guinness extra stout
    1 c
  • hearty red wine
    1 c
  • tomato paste
    2 tbsp
  • sugar
    1 tbsp
  • thyme
    1 tbsp
  • Worcestershire sauce
    1 tbsp
  • bay leaves
    2
  • butter
    2 tbsp
  • russet potatoes

    cut into 1/2-inch pieces

    3 lb
  • onion
    1 large
  • 1/2-inch pieces peeled carrots and/or parsnips

    3 to 4 carrots or parsnips

    2 c
  • ground black pepper
    ½ tsp
  • fresh parsley
    2 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Sprinkle about a teaspoon of salt over the beef pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large (6 to 8 quart), thick-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Pat dry the beef with paper towels and working in batches, add the beef (do not crowd the pan, or the meat will steam and not brown) and cook, without stirring, until well browned on one side, then use tongs to turn the pieces over and brown on another side.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Add garlic to the pot with the beef and sauté 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add the beef stock, water, Guinness, red wine, tomato paste, sugar, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves. Stir to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to the lowest setting, then cover and cook at a bare simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    While the pot of meat and stock is simmering, melt the butter in another pot over medium heat. Add the onions and carrots. Sauté the onions and carrots until the onions are golden, about 15 minutes. Set aside until the beef stew in step 2 has simmered for one hour.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Add the onions, carrots, and the potatoes to the beef stew. Add black pepper and two teaspoons of salt. Simmer uncovered until vegetables and beef are very tender, about 40 minutes. Discard the bay leaves. Tilt pan and spoon off any excess fat. Transfer stew to serving bowls. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with parsley and serve. Did you enjoy this recipe? Let us know with a rating and review!

    Step 4
Irish Beef Stew
+4

Irish Beef Stew

135 min6 servings725 cal

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About this Recipe

Savor the Comfort of Classic Irish Beef Stew

When the weather turns chilly, or you're simply craving a dish that feels like a warm hug, nothing quite compares to a classic Irish Beef Stew. This isn't just any stew; it's a rich, deeply flavorful experience, perfect for a cozy winter dinner or as the centerpiece for your St. Patrick's Day celebration. Our recipe masterfully blends tender chunks of beef with aromatic garlic, savory beef stock, and the distinct, robust notes of Guinness stout and red wine, creating an unparalleled depth of flavor.

What truly sets this hearty beef stew apart is the careful balance of ingredients. Imagine succulent chuck beef, slow-cooked until it's fall-apart tender, alongside generous pieces of russet potatoes, sweet carrots, and savory onions. The Guinness and red wine don't just add liquid; they infuse every bite with a complex, slightly malty, and incredibly satisfying richness that builds as the stew simmers. A touch of tomato paste and sugar enhance the sweetness and umami, while thyme and bay leaves contribute an earthy, herbaceous aroma.

Tips for the Perfect Irish Stew

Achieving that perfect, restaurant-quality Irish Beef Stew is simpler than you think.

  • Sear the Beef: Don't skip browning the beef stew meat thoroughly before adding liquids. This step develops a crucial layer of flavor through the Maillard reaction, making your stew incredibly rich.
  • Quality Ingredients: While the recipe is forgiving, using good quality beef stock and a decent red wine will elevate the final taste significantly.
  • Vegetable Medley: Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips for extra sweetness or even some celery for a textural contrast.
  • The Guinness Factor: The Guinness Extra Stout is key to the authentic flavor profile, lending a subtle bitterness and deep color that truly makes this an Irish stew.

This comforting dish yields 6 generous servings and is designed to warm you from the inside out. Serve it piping hot with a side of crusty soda bread or a creamy dollop of mashed potatoes to soak up every last bit of that incredible gravy. It's truly a favorite winter dinner that promises to become a staple in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions