As the cold winter days roll in, there’s nothing like a warm and comforting bowl of Irish stew to lift your spirits. This classic dish has been a staple of Irish cuisine for centuries, and its rich flavors and hearty ingredients have made it a favorite among food lovers around the world. In this article, we’ll be exploring 20 delicious Irish stew recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your household.
From traditional lamb stews to modern twists featuring chorizo and kidney beans, our collection of recipes has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal to impress your guests, we’ve got you covered. So grab a spoon and dig in – it’s time to get cozy with some Irish stew!
Classic Irish Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables
This hearty stew is a staple of Irish cuisine, perfect for a cold winter’s night. Tender lamb, flavorful root vegetables, and aromatic spices come together to create a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups lamb broth or beef broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large pot, brown the lamb pieces in butter over medium-high heat. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add more butter if needed, then sauté the onion, carrots, potatoes, and garlic until tender.
4. Add flour, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot, stirring to combine.
5. Gradually add broth, whisking continuously.
6. Return lamb to the pot, bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Simmer for 2-3 hours or until lamb is tender.
Cook Time: 2-3 hours
Guinness Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes
Warm up on a chilly day with this rich and satisfying stew, infused with the deep flavor of Guinness stout. This classic recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup Guinness stout
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, brown the beef cubes over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, Guinness stout, beef broth, and thyme.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Braise for 2 1/2 hours or until the meat is tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Slow Cooker Irish Stew with Pearl Barley
Warm up with this comforting slow cooker Irish stew recipe that combines tender lamb, vegetables, and creamy pearl barley. Perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
Instructions:
1. Brown the lamb in a skillet over medium-high heat; set aside.
2. In the slow cooker, combine browned lamb, onion, garlic, pearl barley, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Add the potatoes and stir gently.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Traditional Irish Stew with Rosemary and Thyme
A hearty and flavorful twist on a classic recipe, this stew combines the comforting warmth of lamb and vegetables with the earthy notes of rosemary and thyme.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup lamb broth
– 1/4 cup Guinness stout (optional)
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add lamb, garlic, carrots, potatoes, broth, Guinness (if using), rosemary, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours or until lamb is tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Hearty Irish Chicken Stew with Leeks
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful stew that combines tender chicken, sweet leeks, and savory potatoes. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium leeks, cleaned and sliced
– 2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp butter or oil
– 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the butter or oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add the sliced leeks to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the potatoes, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. Return the chicken to the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Vegetarian Irish Stew with Lentils and Mushrooms
A hearty and comforting vegetarian twist on the classic Irish stew, this recipe combines lentils, mushrooms, and a medley of vegetables for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz mushrooms (such as cremini or shiitake), sliced
– 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and mushrooms; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the lentils, water or broth, carrot, celery, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Irish Stew with Cabbage and Bacon
A hearty and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of bacon and beef with the crunch of cabbage, perfect for a cold winter’s night.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat (chuck or round)
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 head of cabbage, shredded
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the beef, cabbage, carrots, beef broth, and thyme to the pot.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until the beef is tender.
Cooking Time: 1 1/2 hours
Lamb and Potato Irish Stew with Guinness Gravy
Warm up with a hearty Lamb and Potato Irish Stew infused with the rich flavor of Guinness beer. This comforting dish is perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Guinness stout
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, brown the lamb pieces in a little oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, potatoes, Guinness stout, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
6. Simmer for 2-3 hours or until the lamb is tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Spicy Irish Stew with Chorizo and Kidney Beans
This hearty stew combines the rich flavors of chorizo sausage with the comfort of traditional Irish ingredients, adding a kick from jalapeños for a spicy twist. Perfect for a cold winter’s night, this recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb chorizo sausage, sliced
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups beef broth
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chorizo and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onions, garlic, potatoes, kidney beans, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Irish Stew with Dumplings and Herbs
Warm up with this comforting Irish Stew recipe, loaded with tender lamb or beef, potatoes, carrots, and fluffy dumplings infused with fresh herbs. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb or beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 egg, beaten (for dumplings)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the lamb or beef in butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add chopped onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Add potatoes, carrots, and broth; bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 1 hour.
5. Mix flour and beaten egg to form dumpling mixture.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the stew, covering the surface.
7. Return to oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until dumplings are cooked through.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 20-25 minutes
Beef and Guinness Stew with Parsnips
This rich and flavorful stew is a perfect comfort food dish, ideal for a cold winter’s day. The combination of tender beef, sweet parsnips, and dark Guinness stout creates a depth of flavor that will warm your senses.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef stew meat
– 2 medium parsnips, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Guinness stout
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the beef in batches, then set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Add parsnips, Guinness, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return browned beef to the pot and bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let stew cook for 2-3 hours or until beef is tender.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Slow-Cooked Irish Stew with Red Wine
This hearty slow-cooked stew is a perfect comfort food for a chilly evening. With tender lamb, rich red wine, and flavorful vegetables, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb shoulder or shank, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 2 cups lamb broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb, then set aside.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the red wine, lamb broth, and thyme. Stir to combine.
4. Return the lamb to the pot and bring to a boil.
5. Cover and transfer to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Irish Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Kale
This twist on a classic Irish stew adds natural sweetness from sweet potatoes and a burst of freshness from kale, making it a perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb or beef stew meat (or combination), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 cups kale leaves, stems removed and chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, brown the lamb/beef over medium-high heat, then set aside.
3. Add more oil if needed, then sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until tender.
4. Add sweet potatoes, kale, chicken broth, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return browned meat to the pot, cover, and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Simmer for 2-3 hours or until the stew has thickened and the meat is tender.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
One-Pot Irish Stew with Barley and Carrots
This comforting one-pot stew is a twist on the classic Irish dish, adding nutritious barley and sweet carrots to the mix. Perfect for a cozy night in or a satisfying meal for a crowd.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb lamb or beef stew meat
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup Guinness stout (optional)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add meat; cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add carrots, barley, potatoes, onion, garlic, broth, Guinness (if using), and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 hour or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Irish Stew with Herb Crust Topping
This classic Irish dish gets a boost from a flavorful herb crust topping, adding depth and complexity to the tender lamb and vegetables. A perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb stew meat
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Herb Crust Topping:
+ 2 tablespoons butter, softened
+ 2 cloves garlic, minced
+ 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
+ 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
+ 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the lamb in oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add potatoes, onion, garlic, peas and carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.
4. Meanwhile, mix Herb Crust Topping ingredients. Spread evenly over the stew.
5. Transfer pot to oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Lamb and Turnip Irish Stew with Fresh Herbs
This hearty stew is a twist on the classic Irish dish, featuring tender lamb, sweet turnips, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 medium turnips, peeled and cubed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup water
– Fresh parsley and chives, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown lamb and onion, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add turnips, thyme, salt, and pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
4. Pour in broth and water; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low; simmer for 1 hour or until lamb is tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Easy Irish Stew with Instant Pot Instructions
Looking for a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening? This Easy Irish Stew recipe is a classic twist on the traditional dish, made even easier by using your Instant Pot!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless lamb or beef cubes
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 1/2 cup of Guinness stout (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on your Instant Pot and heat the pot until it reads “HOT”.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the lamb or beef cubes and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the potatoes, garlic, peas and carrots, chicken broth, and Guinness stout (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Close the lid and set the valve to “SEALING”. Press the “Manual” button and set the cooking time to 20 minutes at high pressure.
6. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining steam.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (including pressure release)
Irish Stew with Buttered Parsley Potatoes
Warm up with this classic Irish dish that combines tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and creamy buttered parsley potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Buttered Parsley Potatoes (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season beef with flour, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear beef in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until browned on all sides. Remove from pot.
4. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and carrots to the pot. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Add potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return beef to the pot and bring to a boil.
7. Cover and transfer pot to preheated oven. Simmer for 2 hours or until beef is tender.
Buttered Parsley Potatoes:
1. Boil chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Drain potatoes and add 2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Toss to combine and serve with Irish Stew.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Rich Irish Stew with Dark Beer and Onions
This hearty stew is a perfect blend of tender beef, savory onions, and rich dark beer. Perfect for a cold winter’s night, this recipe will warm your belly and your soul.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 3 large onions, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dark beer (such as Guinness or Murphy’s)
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups beef broth
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes, then remove from pot.
2. Reduce heat to medium and cook onions until caramelized, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add beer, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of pot.
4. Return beef to pot and add flour, stirring to coat. Gradually stir in broth until thickened.
5. Bring stew to a simmer and cook for 2-3 hours or until beef is tender.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Irish Stew with Soda Bread on the Side
Warm up with a hearty Irish Stew and a side of freshly baked Soda Bread!
Irish Stew
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb or beef stew meat
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup Guinness stout (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the stew meat over medium-high heat.
3. Add the potatoes, onion, garlic, flour, chicken broth, and Guinness stout (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
5. Braise for 2-1/2 hours or until the meat is tender.
Soda Bread
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the melted butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead for 5 minutes, then shape into a round loaf.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Summary
Indulge in the comforting warmth of Ireland’s iconic dish – Irish Stew! This article presents 20 mouth-watering recipes to try, each with its own unique twist. From classic lamb and root vegetable combinations to hearty beef and Guinness stews, there’s something for everyone. Vegetarian options are also included, showcasing the versatility of this beloved dish. Whether you’re in the mood for a slow-cooked meal or a quick one-pot wonder, these recipes will transport your taste buds to the Emerald Isle. So go ahead, cozy up with a warm bowl of Irish Stew!
