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A steaming bowl of Irish Beef Stew served with crusty bread .

Irish Beef Stew


  • Author: Chef Maria
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A rich and hearty Irish Beef Stew with tender beef, root vegetables, and a flavorful Guinness broth, perfect for cozy nights!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Stew:

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 potatoes, cut into chunks
  • 3 parsnips, peeled and chopped (optional but highly recommended!)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 1/2 cups Guinness stout (or another dark beer)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional, for added color and sweetness)
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef for a Richer Flavor

  1. In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with the flour, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
  3. Working in batches, brown the beef on all sides, then transfer to a plate. This step adds deep, rich flavor to the stew!

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Stew Base

  1. In the same pot, add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  2. Stir in the garlic, carrots, potatoes, and parsnips, and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the tomato paste and stir well to coat the veggies.

Step 3: Simmer the Irish Guinness Beef Stew

  1. Pour in the beef broth, Guinness, and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  2. Return the browned beef to the pot, then add the thyme and bay leaf.
  3. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Finishing Touches for the Best Irish Stew

  1. After 2 hours, check the beef—it should be fork-tender. If not, let it simmer for another 30 minutes.
  2. Stir in the frozen peas (if using) and let them cook for about 5 minutes.
  3. Remove the bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot!

Notes

  • Use Guinness for a deeper flavor, or replace it with beef broth.
  • The stew tastes even better the next day.
  • Pair with Irish soda bread for the ultimate experience.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop, Slow Cook
  • Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Irish Beef Stew, Guinness Beef Stew, Traditional Irish Stew, Hearty Beef Stew, Comfort Food