Hearty Irish Stew – Delight Your Taste Buds Today!
Do you crave a hearty and delicious meal that can satisfy your hunger on a cold winter night? Then you have come to the right place! Today, I am going to share with you my Crock Pot Irish Stew Recipe that will not only warm your body but your soul too. Trust me; it’s just what the doctor ordered!
The best crock-pot beef stew recipe is one of the most requested Irish recipes out there. But what makes this stew stand out is its delicious blend of ingredients that create a sensational explosion of flavors in your mouth. This stew features savory lamb shoulder, tender beef chuck roast, and hearty root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and celery.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner for family or friends or looking for a simple yet satisfying weeknight dinner idea, this Irish stew recipe is guaranteed to deliver exceptional results every time. So, let’s grab our slow cookers and dive into this delectable comfort food that is sure to impress everyone at your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, folks, because I’m about to introduce you to a recipe that will knock your socks off. I present to you the Crock Pot Irish Stew Recipe – the ultimate comfort food that will leave you wanting more every time.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Irish Stew? That doesn’t sound like anything special. But let me tell you, this isn’t just any old stew. It’s a hearty and delicious dish made with succulent cuts of lamb shoulder and chuck roast that are slow-cooked to perfection in a rich and savory broth.
But what really sets this recipe apart is its use of beer. Yes, you heard that right – beer! The addition of a good-quality beer (like Guinness) adds a depth of flavor that can’t be matched by any other ingredient.
And the best part? This recipe is made in a crock pot, which means it’s practically foolproof. Just throw all of the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it on low, and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours.
Not only is this stew incredibly tasty, but it’s also versatile. You can swap out the lamb for beef or even add in some vegetables like potatoes and carrots to make it your own.
So why will you love this recipe? Because it’s an easy, one-pot meal that’s perfect for those cold winter days when all you want is something warm and comforting. It’s hearty, delicious, and packed full of flavor thanks to the combination of meat, beer, and aromatic seasonings like rosemary and garlic powder.
Trust me on this one – once you try this Crock Pot Irish Stew Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. So grab your crock pot and get cookin’ – I promise your taste buds won’t regret it.
Ingredient List
Making slow cooker Irish stew is a dream-come-true for foodies who enjoy the wholesome flavors of traditional Irish cuisine. This dish is known for its tender meat, flavorful broth, and assorted veggies; all cooked low-and-slow to perfection. In order to make the perfect batch of crock pot Irish stew, it’s essential to have all of the right ingredients on hand. Take a look at this ingredient list before heading out to the grocery store, so that you’re prepared for the hearty and aromatic process of cooking up a pot of delectable Irish stew.
The main ingredients
- 2 lbs – lamb shoulder or beef chuck roast cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 3 lbs – Yukon gold potato (skin on), cut into 2 inch pieces
- 3 stalks – celery ribs, sliced
- 3-4 – large carrots, sliced
- 3 tbsp – all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp – tomato paste
- 1 tbsp – onion powder
- 1 tbsp – garlic powder
- 1 tsp – fresh rosemary or 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
- 4 cups – beef broth
- 12 oz – beer (such as Guinness)
- 1 tbsp – Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp – white vinegar
Meat and Vegetables
The foundation of this classic recipe is made with either lamb shoulder or beef chuck roast cut into 1-inch sized cubes that richly absorb the flavors of slow-cooking the broth along with vegetables, potatoes being one amongst them. Try getting your hands on Yukon gold potatoes which work well in this recipe even with the skins on. A fair amount of vegetables, 3 stalks of celery ribs and 3 large or 4 medium carrots are added in, to lend a fresh bitterness to balance the richness of the protein.
Broth and Beer
Any great stew recipe needs a good broth for depth and character in flavor. Take beef broth or chicken broth as your preferred choice, while beer that adds distinctive taste can best work for beef stew. I personally like to use Guinness, but any brand will do that will help thicken and enhance the flavors of the meat and vegetables as well. This recipe uses a whole 12-ounce can of beer, stout or dark ale preferably with notes that elevate the overall umami.
Spices and Seasonings
The combination of spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, fresh rosemary or dried rosemary, white vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce form incredible harmony in terms of enhancing and accentuating the taste profile of the dish. Adding tomato paste that lends sweetness to balance out the sourness with its umami packed flavor is crucial in most stews. Flour is used for coating the meat prior to cooking, adding thickness and texture to create a well-balanced stew.
Make sure you’ve got all these ingredients in your shopping cart and get ready to savor those hearty flavors!
The Recipe How-To
Preparing the Meat
- Step 1: Cut 2 pounds of lamb shoulder into 2-inch cubes. Trim off any excess fat.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together â…“ cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and a teaspoon of dried rosemary.
- Step 3: Add the lamb cubes to the bowl and toss to coat them completely.
Cooking the Stew
- Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add two tablespoons of vegetable oil and heat until it shimmers.
- Step 5: Brown the lamb in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Transfer the browned meat to your slow cooker.
- Step 6: To deglaze the skillet, pour in one cup of beef broth and one cup of beer, stirring constantly to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom. Pour this liquid over the lamb in your slow cooker.
- Step 7: To the slow cooker, add two cups each of diced carrots, onions, and celery ribs as well as three cloves of minced garlic.
- Step 8: In a small bowl, whisk together one tablespoon each of tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce with two teaspoons of cornstarch. Add this mixture to your slow cooker as well.
- Step 9: Season everything with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 10: Cover your slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for six hours or high for three hours. The stew should be thickened with a rich gravy-like sauce when it’s done.
Finishing Touches
To serve, ladle a hearty helping of lamb stew into bowls, making sure to scoop up plenty of potatoes and veggies along with the meat. Garnish each bowl with a sprig of fresh rosemary, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your crock pot Irish stew recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
Now, let’s talk about some cool variations and substitutions you can try in this Crock Pot Irish Stew recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touch to this recipe.
First of all, if you don’t have lamb shoulder or beef chuck roast, you can use other cuts of meat such as pot roast, lamb chops, or even stew beef. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary based on the type of meat you choose.
If you want to increase the alcohol content of the stew, try using a dark beer like Guinness instead of regular beer. This will give your dish a richer flavor and a darker color.
Now, let’s talk vegetarian options! To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, you can substitute the meat with mushrooms, potatoes or eggplant. Or simply leave out the meat altogether and double up on your veggies.
If you’re not a fan of rosemary or prefer another herb, feel free to substitute it with thyme or oregano. You could also add bay leaves for extra flavor.
Lastly, if you’re trying to watch your carb intake or looking for gluten-free options, replace flour with cornstarch as a thickener. Also omit flour when browning meats and replace it with onion powder or garlic powder for taste.
Remember that these are just suggestions and there are many other substitutions you could make depending on your preferences. Have fun and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and textures!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your slow cooker Irish stew is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and pair it with something that complements its rich and savory flavors. I often serve this stew on its own, with a side of crusty bread or a dollop of mashed potatoes. But if you want to make it a complete meal, consider pairing it with some green vegetables like steamed broccoli or sautéed kale.
Since this is a hearty and savory dish, I recommend pairing it with a robust red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir. If you’re not into wine, don’t worry, because an ice-cold pint of beer is always a classic choice. In fact, many traditional Irish pubs serve their stews with pints of Guinness stout – it’s a match made in heaven!
If you want to stick with the Irish theme, try pairing your slow cooker Irish stew with some soda bread or Irish brown bread. The slightly sweet and dense texture of soda bread will complement the savory flavors in the stew perfectly. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not whip up some colcannon? This traditional Irish dish combines mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale – the perfect accompaniment to any meaty dish.
When serving your slow cooker Irish stew, be sure to ladle it into warm bowls to keep the stew piping hot. And don’t forget the garnish! A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives will add color and flavor to your dish.
Overall, slow cooker Irish stew is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. And with these pairing suggestions, you’re sure to impress your guests with a delicious meal that hits all the right notes.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Listen folks, if you really want to impress your guests, then make-ahead is your friend. Trust me on this one, a hearty Irish stew tastes even better when made in advance because it gives all the flavors time to meld together. Cook it low and slow, come mealtime you’ll have yourself a feast fit for a king.
If you have leftovers, which I’d be surprised if you did once everyone gets a taste of this dish, then storing them properly is important. Make sure to store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Now reheating this stew back up to its piping hot goodness is simple as can be. Slowly reheat the stew on the stove or microwave, either way works fine. You can also thicken it up by whisking together a tablespoon or two of cornstarch with some cold water, and add it to the heated mixture. Hey presto! You’ll have a revitalized stew that’s as fresh as when it was first cooked.
This recipe is versatile enough to feed you for days, folks. So stock up the fridge with leftovers and no need to worry about what’s for dinner tomorrow night!
Tips for Perfect Results
Let’s face it: making any dish can be a bit of a challenge the first time. But with a little practice and some humble advice, I guarantee you’ll be able to cook up the perfect Crock Pot Irish Stew every single time.
Here are a few helpful tips that will ensure your stew comes out perfectly every time:
1. Flour Power: Coating your meat in flour before browning will help thicken your stew in the end. This will also help your stew bind together better.
2. Cut it Out: When it comes to cutting your meat, make sure you cut it into 1-2 inch cubes. This size is perfect for slow cooking and helps the meat break down and become more tender.
3. Take it Slow: Speaking of slow cooking, make sure you let your stew cook on low heat for at least 6 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. This will give all the flavors enough time to meld together, creating a hearty and delicious meal.
4. Time to Thicken Up: If you want your stew to be thicker, whisk together two tablespoons of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water or vinegar until smooth, then add the mixture to your stew and stir well. This will help thicken everything up nicely.
5. Perfect Pairings: To really accentuate the flavors in your dish, pair it with some crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes. The soft texture of the potatoes or bread creates just the right accompaniment to this hearty dish.
So there you have it – with these five simple tips, you’ll be able to cook up a crockpot Irish Stew that’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters at your dinner table!
FAQ
As an experienced chef, I understand that you may still have some questions about this recipe. Allow me to share with you some of the frequently asked questions about this crock pot Irish stew recipe, so you can make the best out of it.
What is the difference between Irish stew and regular stew?
When comparing beef stew and Irish stew, the key contrasts can be found in the type of meat and broth used. While beef stew relies on diced beef – usually stew meat or chuck roast – Irish stew is typically made with mutton or lamb and boasts a savory, dense broth that incorporates beer.
What cut of beef is best for Irish stew?
When it comes to creating a mouth-watering beef stew, the ideal meat option is chuck steak. This particular meat cut is also referred to as gravy beef or braising steak and is obtained from the forequarter of the animal, including areas of the neck, shoulder blade, and upper arm. Chuck steak is a prevalent and cost-effective choice that makes it an excellent option for a flavorful stew.
Do you have to brown stew meat before putting it in the crock pot?
According to a culinary expert, browning or caramelizing the meat before adding it to the slow cooker is not mandatory, but it can significantly enhance the overall flavor and appearance of the final dish. A well-browned meat surface adds richness and depth to the dish.
Which ingredients do you need for an Irish stew?
While traditionalists may contend that an authentic Irish stew should consist solely of mutton, onions and potatoes, it is widely acknowledged that various vegetables such as carrots, celery, turnips, swedes, parsnips, leek, as well as kale and cabbage are often added to the hearty dish. These additions are considered staples in traditional Irish cuisine and can enhance the flavor of the stew.
What is the difference between Irish stew and Mulligan stew?
The key contrast between Mulligan stew and Irish stew is the type of meat utilized. While Irish stew is made with lamb or mutton, Mulligan stew is made with beef. Another notable distinction is that Mulligan stew is more versatile in terms of vegetables, allowing the use of various different vegetables to clean out the refrigerator.
What is Irish stew called in Ireland?
The classic Irish stew, referred to as “ballymaloe” or “stobhach gaelach” in Gaelic, is composed of hearty chunks of lamb or mutton, along with potatoes, onions and parsley.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this slow cooker Irish stew recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a hearty, delicious meal with minimum effort. With its rich and savory flavors, it’s no surprise that Irish stew has been a staple dish in Ireland for centuries, and now you can enjoy it from the comfort of your own home.
What sets this recipe apart is the use of crockpot cooking, making the process easy and convenient while also yielding tender and succulent meat. This recipe is versatile and can be customized to your liking with various substitutions and variations.
Whether you’re serving it for St. Patrick’s Day or just craving some comfort food, this crock pot Irish stew recipe is sure to satisfy. So go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed.
Crock Pot 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 (Cut into 1 inch cubes)
- flour (For Lamb)
- 1 white onion
- 2 carrots
- 3 celery ribs
- 1 small bag of golden yukon gold potato
- 1 tablespoon rosemary
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- salt & pepper, for taste
Instructions
- If you buy Lamb Shoulder with bone, go ahead and cut the meat off the bone and remove as much fat as you can, not all but enough to make it lean. Salt and pepper the Lamb to taste and coat with flour and add to the crockpot.
- Chop the onion into large chunks ( I cut the onion in half then chop each half into thirds and then in half). Then Chop your carrots and Celery and add to the crock pot.
- In a large bowl mix the bottle of beer and the can of Chicken stock together with the Rosemary, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder and Vinegar (if choosing to add that). pour over the contents of the crock pot.
- Dice the Potatoes into bite size pieces and add to the crock pot and cover cooking on low for 7 hours.
- After 7 hours on low mix cornstarch with some liquid from crock pot until there are no chunks or cornstarch left, then mix into crock pot and let cook for an additional 1 hour on low.
- Serve and enjoy. Go ahead and season with salt & pepper to taste, or if you want an additional flavor added to ahead and use seasoned salt.
- (Now in the picture I didn't add the flour or cornstarch because I wanted it as a soup, but If you want a nice stew go ahead and add them. If you feel like it's going to be a little too thin still you can add less Chicken stock, but I feel like it tastes great as a soup).
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.