The Ultimate Irish Stew Recipe – Warm & Hearty Comfort Food
Welcome, dear readers, to a delightful recipe that will transport your taste buds to the rolling hills of Ireland. A recipe so divine, you’ll soon name it as one of your all-time favorites. Let me introduce you to our beloved Irish Stew.
This traditional Irish stew is made with simple ingredients and slow-cooked to perfection. The combination of tender beef sirloin, earthy carrots, and buttery Yukon Gold potatoes, seasoned with aromatic dried oregano and zesty chili powder, will leave you craving for more.
As soon as the aroma of this hearty concoction fills your kitchen, you’ll be whisked away to visions of cozy pubs and warm hearths where families gather over a steaming bowl of stew.
I assure you; our Irish Stew recipe will soothe your soul with every delicious spoonful. And the best part? This satisfying dish is incredibly easy to prepare.
So why not invite some loved ones over and use this recipe as an excuse for a cozy dinner party? They’ll be delighted by the mouth-watering Irish stew and might even ask for seconds or thirds! Stay tuned; I’ll guide you through each step to create the perfect Irish Stew.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Allow me to convince you that this Irish stew recipe is the best beef stew you’ll ever eat. With its rich, hearty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth beef, this dish is the perfect comfort food to warm you up on chilly nights.
Firstly, this traditional Irish recipe consists mainly of mutton or lamb with onions and potatoes – but ours substitutes beef sirloin steak for an all-around more familiar taste. The addition of Worcestershire sauce and beef bouillon cubes elevate the flavor profile making it just as savory and delicious as the classic.
Notably, one of my favorite parts of this stew are the yukon gold potatoes, and they play a particularly important role in the dish. Not only do they add a buttery texture to the stew, but they also absorb all of the rich flavors in every bite. The celery ribs and carrots add a perfect crunch that complements well with the soft potatoes, making sure each spoonful has a perfect balance of textures.
Lastly, this recipe lets you cook using your preference of method – It can be made in an Instant Pot for speed or slow-cooked in a crockpot for that absolutely divine fall-apart tenderness. Either way, it’s simmered to perfection with herbs like dried oregano and chili powder.
So why will you love this stew? Simply because it’s homemade, full of flavor and warmth – That just hits different than anything else you’ve ever eaten before!
Ingredient List
To make this Irish beef stew, you will need:
- 2 lbs. beef sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
- 4 cups hot water
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 celery ribs, cut into small pieces
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into thick pieces
- 4 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced into thick pieces
Note: For a more traditional stew recipe, lamb or mutton can be used instead of beef sirloin steak.
Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before starting the recipe. The combination of these stew ingredients creates a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a chilly evening.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all your ingredients ready and your kitchen is prepped, let’s start cooking the ultimate comfort food: Irish Stew.
Step 1: Sear Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add 2 pounds of beef sirloin steak cut into 1-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sear until browned on all sides.
Step 2: Cook Vegetables
While the beef is browning, prepare the veggies. In a separate pot or dutch oven heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add 3 chopped celery ribs, 3 sliced carrots, and 1 chopped onion. Mix everything together and cook for about 5 minutes or until slightly softened.
Step 3: Add Beef, Spices and Liquid
Once the beef is seared, add it to the pot with the vegetables. Add in the seared beef along with its juices to the vegetable mixture. Pour in 4 cups of hot water mixed with 4 beef bouillon cubes into the same pot with the vegetables and meat.
Stir in:
- 1 can (6 oz) of tomato paste
- 1 tbsp of dried oregano
- 1 tsp of chili powder
- 2 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
Mix everything together and bring to a boil, while continuously stirring.
Step 4: Simmer Stew
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for around 1 hour and allowing it gradually build flavors as it cooks. Don’t worry about stirring too often – this’ll cause the meat to fall apart.
Add in:
- cubed potatoes
- sliced carrots
Let it cook gently for another hour or until meat is tender and vegetables are soft.
Optional Instant Pot Instructions
If you want to use an Instant Pot or a pressure cooker, make sure to add all ingredients together and cook at high pressure for 35 minutes, then let it depressurize naturally for another 20 minutes before opening the lid.
Now you’re ready to serve this traditional Irish stew! It pairs perfectly with some warm soda bread and a pint of Guinness Stout.
Substitutions and Variations
As much as we love traditional Irish Stew, there are times when you might want to switch things up a bit. Fortunately, with stew recipes, you can substitute and add ingredients to create new and exciting flavors. In this section, I will discuss some options that will work perfectly with this recipe.
One of the best things about Irish Stew is its versatility. Instead of using beef sirloin steak, you can use chuck roast or lamb shoulder. These cuts of meat work well in stews since they are tough and require long cooking times. They break down during cooking, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is simply irresistible.
If you are a fan of spicier flavors, you can easily customize this recipe by adding some pepper flakes or paprika. You can also swap out dried oregano with dried thyme to give the stew a more earthy flavor.
For those who prefer a vegetarian version of Irish Stew, you can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
You can also add your own touch by experimenting with different vegetables like turnips or parsnips. If you want to make the dish heartier, you can try adding beans.
And finally, serving your Irish Stew with traditional soda bread is a match made in heaven. It’s similar to cornbread but has a lighter and fluffier texture. You can also use mashed potatoes or crusty bread as a side dish.
Remember that with stew recipes, it’s all about experimentation until you find the combination of ingredients that works best for you.
Serving and Pairing
Both nutritious and delicious, this Irish stew recipe is a perfect entrée for any cold weather dinner. The hearty potatoes, carrots and beef make a great combination with the savory broth. The dish is best served hot, with a side of crusty soda bread.
If you’re looking to pair this stew with a beverage, I recommend going with traditional Irish stout or red wine. Some even like to add dry cider into their Irish stew for an extra burst of flavor. However, if you prefer a non-alcoholic option, a simple glass of water will do just fine.
This stew also pairs well with other classic Irish dishes such as colcannon, boxty or champ. These potato-based sides are a perfect match for the potato-heavy Irish stew.
For dessert, you can’t go wrong with a rich and decadent chocolate Guinness cake or simple apple pie. These desserts will help bring in the perfect finishing touch to your traditional Irish feast.
When serving the dish, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for an added touch of color and flavor. Your guests are sure to savor every bite of this warm and comforting Irish classic.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Darling, when it comes to this beloved Irish stew recipe, I know that sometimes life gets a little hectic and we all need to have some tricks up our sleeves. Thankfully, this recipe has some wonderful make-ahead, storing and reheating options that will guarantee a delicious meal whenever you decide to enjoy it.
We can prepare the stew ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. In fact, I find that the flavors marry nicely overnight and it makes for a better taste experience.
To reheat the stew, simply pop it back on the stove or in a crockpot over low heat with a splash of water. It’s best not to overheat it so as to keep the meat tender and the vegetables crunchy. If you have any leftover stew, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze it for up to three months.
As for meal prep enthusiasts who rely on their Instant Pots or slow cookers, you can still make this incredible Irish stew recipe without sacrificing convenience. You can pressure cook this recipe for 30 minutes or cook on low heat for up to eight hours in your trusty slow cooker.
Now there’s no excuse not to enjoy this scrumptious traditional Irish dish whenever we want!
Tips for Perfect Results
When you’re cooking Irish stew, it’s important to get the flavors just right. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results every time.
First, be sure to brown the meat before adding it to the stew. This step helps to develop complex flavors and adds depth to the dish. Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, and work in batches if necessary so that each piece of meat has room to brown.
Another tip is to use yukon gold potatoes for this recipe. These potatoes hold their shape well during cooking, and have a nice creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the beef and vegetables.
When it comes to seasoning, dried oregano and chili powder add a touch of heat and depth of flavor that complement the other ingredients in this stew. Worcestershire sauce and beef bouillon cubes also help to build rich savory flavors.
For a twist on the classic recipe, try making this stew with lamb instead of beef. Lamb adds a unique flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in this dish.
Lastly, be patient when cooking your stew. Let it simmer slowly over low heat for several hours so that all of the flavors have a chance to meld together. And remember, this stew is even better the next day, so plan ahead if possible!
FAQ
Now that you know how to make our favorite Irish stew recipe, it’s time for some frequently asked questions that will help you perfect your dish. Here are some of the most common inquiries about this traditional Irish stew that will solidify your knowledge of ingredients, cooking techniques, and possible substitutions. Let’s dig in!
What is traditional Irish stew made of?
While some may insist that true Irish stew can only be made using mutton, onions, and potatoes, there is actually a wide range of vegetables that can be incorporated into the recipe. Including carrots, celery, turnips, swedes, parsnips, leek, kale, and cabbage are all common and traditional elements of an authentic Irish stew.
What makes Irish stew different from regular stew?
When it comes to hearty stews, the choice of meat and broth can make all the difference in flavor and texture. While a beef stew typically calls for cubed beef like chuck roast or stew meat, an Irish stew favors mutton or lamb, and boasts a hearty broth enriched with beer.
What cut of beef is best for Irish stew?
For stews, it’s best to choose chuck steak, which is also called gravy beef or braising steak. This type of beef comes from the front quarter of the animal, including the neck, shoulder blade, and upper arm. Since it’s widely available and reasonably priced, chuck steak is a smart and practical option for your stew.
What is traditional Irish stew called?
This recipe is for a traditional Irish dish known as “ballymaloe” or “stobhach gaelach” in Gaelic. It typically consists of diced lamb or mutton, potatoes, onions, and parsley, with the stock often made from leftover bones and trimmings.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you want to experience the taste of traditional Irish cuisine, then you must try this favorite Irish Stew recipe. It’s hearty, wholesome, and packed with flavor that will make your taste buds dance. With a generous amount of tender beef sirloin steak, Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, celery ribs, onions, and a blend of chili powder and dried oregano, this stew is the ultimate comfort food.
Whether you choose to make it in an Instant Pot or slow cooker, this recipe can accommodate everyone’s busy schedules. Plus, the recipe ingredients are highly customizable, so feel free to experiment with different cuts of meat or vegetables to make it your own.
Enjoy your Irish stew solo or pair it with some freshly baked soda bread and chilled Guinness beer for a complete traditional Irish meal. Don’t forget to cook up some lamb chops or lamb casserole for special occasions.
Now that you know how to make this delicious and mouthwatering Irish stew recipe at home, there is no excuse for not indulging yourself. Trust me; once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to anything else for comfort food. Try it yourself now and let us know how it goes!
Our Favorite Irish Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 lb beef sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 3 cups hot water
- 1 (7/8 ounce) packet brown gravy mix
- 2 beef bouillon cubes or 2 tablespoons beef base
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 -10 halved baby yukon gold potatoes
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in an Instant Pot. Cook beef until browned on all sides, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Stir in onion, carrots, and celery and potatoes.
- Mix water, gravy mix, and bouillon together in a small bowl; pour into Instant Pot. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and oregano.
- I cook on Beef or Stew setting for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
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.