Delicious Crock Pot Beer & Lamb Stew Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen, where I will be revealing the ultimate comfort food – my slow-cooked crock pot beer and lamb stew recipe, also known as Irish stew. This meal is perfect for those days when you want something warm, hearty and fragrant at home, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I have tasted many versions of lamb stew over the years, but this one stands out. The combination of tender lamb shoulder, root vegetables and a rich broth crafted with dark Guinness beer makes for an irresistible aroma that fills your home as you cook it.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting on your culinary journey, this recipe is easy to make and promises a rich, thick and savory broth that will fill you up and satisfy your taste buds. So why not grab your slow cooker and let’s get started? Trust me; you won’t be able to resist coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of hearty stews, then you’re in for a real treat with this crock pot beer and lamb stew recipe. This is no ordinary stew, mind you. It’s an authentic Irish lamb stew that’s been perfected over generations.
So what makes this lamb stew so special? Well, for starters, it’s made with nothing but the freshest ingredients, including succulent lamb shoulder, tender vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and celery ribs. And let’s not forget the fact that it’s cooked with rich and full-bodied Guinness beer.
But that’s not all. What really sets this lamb stew apart is the way it is slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot. This ensures that every single ingredient is infused with flavor and tenderness, creating a rich and thick broth that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
But what’s even better about this recipe is its versatility. Not only can you enjoy it as a standalone dish on a chilly night by the fire, but it also pairs well with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
So if you’re looking for a warm and filling meal that’s easy to make and tastes as if it’s been cooking all day long–this one-pot wonder is sure to impress even the toughest of culinary critics. Don’t hesitate to whip up your very own batch today!
Ingredient List
Here’s a rundown of the ingredients that you need to make this hearty and flavorful Crock Pot Beer & Lamb Stew recipe:
- 2 pounds lamb shoulder or lamb chops, cut into stew meat
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon rosemary (dried or fresh)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 2 cups beef broth (or lamb broth)
- 12 oz Guinness beer (or red wine)
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 celery ribs, sliced thickly
- 4 carrots, sliced thickly
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To thicken the stew gravy:
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch +3 tablespoons water
These are all the ingredients you will need for a traditional Irish Crock Pot Beer & Lamb Stew. All ingredients are easy to find and you may have them already in your kitchen pantry. Do note that there are some optional substitutions and variations that you can take note of in case you want to tweak the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve gone through the ingredients list, it’s time to dive into the steps on how to make this delicious Crock Pot Beer & Lamb Stew (Irish Stew).
Step 1: Prepping the Meat
First things first, you will need to cut 2 pounds of lamb shoulder into bite-sized cubes. Make sure you trim away any excess fat as this can make the stew too greasy.
Step 2: Browning the Meat
Next up, brown the meat. You can do this by adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once heated, add the meat and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side until browned on all sides.
Step 3: Adding in Vegetables and Flour
Place the browned lamb meat in a slow cooker along with 4 medium-sized Yukon gold potatoes, 4 celery ribs, and 4 large carrots that have been chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Take your skillet and add diced onions and garlic, cooking them until they are translucent. Then, add 2 tablespoons of flour, and stir until combined. Once evenly combined, add this mixture to your slow cooker.
Step 4: The Beer and Broth
In the same skillet where you cooked the onions and garlic, pour in 1 cup of beer, preferably Guinness, and 1 cup of beef broth. Scrape off any leftover bits left at the bottom of your skillet for extra flavor.
Step 5: Add Herbs and Tomato Paste
Now it’s time to add some flavorings! Add in 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 2 bay leaves and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Stir well making sure everything is evenly combined.
Step 6: Slow Cook
Pour this beer and broth mixture into the slow cooker, over the meat and vegetables. Make sure to distribute evenly throughout the pot. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Step 7: Thicken the Stew
About an hour before you’re ready to serve, mix together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water. Pour into the slow cooker and give it a good stir. Cover and cook for another hour and the stew should thicken up nicely.
Serve hot and enjoy with some crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Substitutions and Variations
As a chef, I understand that not everyone is a fan of lamb or beer. For those who are looking to switch things up or accommodate dietary restrictions, substitutions and variations can be made to this recipe while still maintaining its essence.
For starters, the lamb shoulder can be replaced with other types of meat such as beef or even lamb chops. Chuck roast is also a great alternative for those who prefer a leaner cut of meat. If you’re vegetarian or simply prefer meatless dishes, you can substitute the meat entirely with flavorful vegetables such as mushrooms, eggplants, or lentils.
As for the beer component, Guinness is traditionally used in Irish stew recipes for its rich, malty flavor. However, if you’re not a fan of beer or prefer a non-alcoholic version of this dish, beef broth or red wine can be used as substitutes. To add an extra layer of tanginess to the final product, white vinegar can also be added.
Carrots and potatoes are essential components of Irish stew but feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, or squash for added texture and taste. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or marjoram instead of rosemary to give this dish your own personal touch.
Lastly, if you’re short on time and don’t have a slow cooker at hand, this recipe can be adapted to an instant pot or pressure cooker. Simply adjust the timing and pressure settings according to the manufacturer’s instructions and viola! You’ll still have the same rich and thick broth packed with flavor.
Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and customization based on personal preferences. Don’t be afraid to make changes to this recipe to make it work perfectly for you!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Crock Pot Beer & Lamb Stew is perfectly cooked and smelling divine, it’s time to serve and pair it with some complementary sides.
Serve the stew hot and ladle it into bowls. Pair it with some crusty bread, such as a baguette or artisanal sourdough to sop up every last drop of rich and thick broth. Mashed potatoes can also be served on the side. This traditional Irish side dish pairs well with lamb dishes and adds a hearty element to the meal.
If you’re looking for something lighter, roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans rainbow chard make a colorful combination. The natural sweetness of the vegetables complements the savory and slightly tangy flavors in the stew. And don’t forget to include a green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
To complement the robust flavors of the stew, consider pairing it with a red wine or dark beer such as Guinness Stout or Red Ale. These types of beverages have a full-bodied flavor that enhances the taste experience of the dish.
You can also play around with some variations in seasoning for serving suggestions – sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving or use crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
Whatever way you choose to serve this Slow Cooker Irish Lamb Stew, rest assured that everyone will love its comforting flavors and hearty texture – perfect for any chilly evening meal!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Are you looking for a meal that you can prepare ahead of time? This Crock Pot Beer and Lamb Stew is just what you need. The great thing about this recipe is that it can be cooked ahead of time and stored for later use.
To make this dish ahead of time, follow the instructions for the recipe but do not add the potatoes. Store the stew in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the stew on medium-low heat, adding in the potatoes during the last hour of cooking time.
If you’re looking to store your leftovers, this stew will keep well in your refrigerator for up to four days, or you can freeze it for later use. Simply portion it out into freezer bags, squeeze out the excess air, and place them flat in your freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the stew overnight in your fridge and then reheat it on your stovetop until it’s hot all the way through.
Regardless of how you choose to store or reheat this stew, one thing is certain – it’s always delicious!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking lamb stew in a crockpot is not rocket science. However, there are a few tips to ensure perfect and delicious results every time you make it. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a newbie, these tips will come in handy when making lamb stew.
The first tip is to brown the lamb shoulder before adding it to the crockpot. Browning the meat adds more flavor and color to your stew. It also helps seal in the juices, keeping the meat tender and moist.
Another crucial tip is to cut your vegetables uniformly. This ensures that all the veggies cook evenly and at the same time. We recommend cutting them into bite-sized pieces so that they are easy to eat.
For perfect results, use good quality Guinness beer or any dark beer of your choice. The beer adds depth, richness, and complexity of flavors that make your Irish stew irresistible.
Adding cornstarch mixed with water to your stew towards the end thickens it and gives it an amazing velvety texture. This step is optional but highly recommended.
When cooking, resist the urge to open the crockpot lid frequently as this slows down the cooking process. Instead, only remove the lid when absolutely necessary like when you need to add more liquid or thicken your stew.
Lastly, don’t be afraid of seasoning your lamb stew generously. We recommend using seasoning salt for a savory and flavorful stew with lots of rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder sprinkled throughout.
By following these tips to the letter, you are sure to have a perfect and mouth-watering pot of Irish lamb stew every time!
FAQ
Now that you have all the necessary steps and ingredients to make your Crock Pot Beer & Lamb Stew, let’s address some questions and concerns that might come up during the cooking process. In this section, we’ll cover some of the most frequently asked questions about this recipe to help you achieve the most savory and delicious results.
What is the difference between stew and Irish stew?
The type of meat and broth used distinguishes an Irish stew from a beef stew. While beef stew typically calls for chunks of beef, like stew meat or chuck roast, Irish stew utilizes mutton or lamb and a hearty broth made with beer.
Do you have to brown stew meat before putting it in the crock pot?
According to a culinary expert, taking the time to sear meat prior to adding it to the slow cooker is not absolutely essential, but it can make a significant difference in the richness and depth of flavor in the final product. The caramelized layer on the exterior of the meat provides a desirable color and delicious taste to the dish.
Which ingredients do you need for an Irish stew?
While some may insist on strict ingredients, a true Irish stew can actually feature a variety of vegetables in addition to the classic trio of mutton, onions, and potatoes. In fact, including vegetables like carrots, celery, turnips, and kale is not only acceptable, but a time-honored tradition in this beloved dish.
Can you put wine and beer in a stew?
In this recipe, I’ll teach you how to make a hearty beef stew with tender chunks of beef that have been slow-cooked to perfection. To add a rich and flavorful touch, we’ll be using a combination of red wine and beer to create a mouthwatering red wine sauce. And the best part? This stew can be made using only one pot! It’s an effortless recipe that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Crock Pot Beer & Lamb Stew is an incredibly delicious and filling dish that you won’t want to miss out on. This Irish stew recipe is the perfect comfort food for any occasion, and it’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. With its rich, thick broth and tender lamb meat, this stew will warm you from the inside out.
I highly recommend giving this recipe a try as it’s sure to impress your friends and family. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different beer or wine variations, or even switch up some of the vegetables to cater more to your taste buds. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try making this dish in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker for an even quicker cooking time.
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply looking for a hearty meal to enjoy, the Crock Pot Beer & Lamb Stew recipe is a must-try. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a traditional Irish stew that will leave you feeling satisfied and content. Happy cooking!
Crock Pot Beer & Lamb Stew (Irish Stew) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (12 fluid ounce) bottle beer (I use Miller Genuine Draft)
- 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can chicken stock
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder
- 1 cup flour (For Dredging Lamb)
- 2 carrots
- 3 celery ribs
- 2 1/2 lbs small golden yukon gold potatoes
- 1 white onion
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 -2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional)
- 1 salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 seasoning salt (optional)
Instructions
- If your Lamb Shoulder has bone, then cut the meat from the bone and chop into 1 inch cubes. Season with Salt and Pepper, then dredge with flour & add to crock pot.
- Chop Onion into large pieces, and Celery & Carrots into manageable sizes and add to the crock pot on top the lamb.
- Mix the beer and chicken stock together with the Garlic powder, Onion Powder, Rosemary, and Vinegar (if you choose to use it) then pour into crock pot over everything.
- Chop Potatoes into bite size pieces and place in crock pot and place the lid on.
- Cook on Low for 7 hours.
- After 7 hours remove some liquid and mix with cornstarch until all mixed well, then combine with the contents of the crock pot, then continue cooking on low for 1 hour.
- (for an additional flavor boost after it's done cooking go ahead and mix in some seasoned salt.).
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.