Cozy evenings are just around the corner, and what better way to warm up than with a hearty bowl of Irish stew? Ireland’s national dish has been a staple of family gatherings and celebrations for centuries. The rich flavors and comforting warmth of a well-crafted stew are sure to become a new favorite.
From classic lamb stews to beef and Guinness combinations, and even vegetarian and gluten-free options, there’s an Irish stew recipe out there for everyone. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Emerald Isle or just looking for a new meal idea, these 18 Hearty Irish Stew Recipes will guide you through the world of traditional Irish cooking.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the rich flavors and comforting warmth of Ireland’s national dish. From slow-cooked stews to one-pot wonders, each recipe has been carefully selected to showcase the best of Irish cuisine. So grab a cuppa, settle in, and get ready to cozy up with these delicious and easy-to-make Irish stew recipes.
Classic Irish Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables
This hearty stew is a staple of Irish cuisine, perfect for a cold winter’s night. A rich and flavorful broth, tender lamb, and a medley of root vegetables make this dish a comforting delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium parsnips, peeled and chopped
– 1 large turnip, peeled and chopped
– 1 large potato, peeled and chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup lamb broth or beef broth
– 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add lamb and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add chopped vegetables, garlic, broth, wine (if using), tomato paste, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 hours or until lamb is tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 1/2 hours
Guinness Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes
Savor the rich flavors of Ireland in this comforting beef stew infused with the iconic stout beer, Guinness. This slow-cooked dish is perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck or round)
– 1 can (6 oz) Guinness stout
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the beef on all sides, then remove from pot.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Guinness, carrots, potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return beef to pot, cover, and transfer to oven.
6. Braise for 2-1/2 hours or until 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
This comforting slow cooker recipe combines tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and creamy pearl barley for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat
– 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 large potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the beef, carrots, potato, onion, and garlic to a slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the pearl barley and chicken broth. Pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
3. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
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: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Traditional Dublin Coddle with Sausages and Bacon
A hearty, comforting Irish dish that’s perfect for a cold winter’s night. This coddle is a staple of Dublin cuisine, made with sausages, bacon, potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 pork sausages
– 6 slices of bacon
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 cup of beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
3. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside. Add the sausages to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, until browned.
4. Add the sliced potatoes, onions, and carrots to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Return the bacon to the pot, then transfer everything to the preheated oven.
6. Cook for 45-50 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sausages are cooked through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour
Vegetarian Irish Stew with Lentils and Kale
Vegetarian Irish Stew with Lentils and Kale: A hearty, comforting stew that combines the flavors of Ireland with the nutrition of lentils and kale.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 cup curly kale leaves, stems removed and discarded
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the lentils, water or broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
4. Stir in the kale leaves and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Serves 4-6
Irish Stew with Herb Dumplings
Warm up with a comforting bowl of slow-cooked lamb, potatoes, and carrots, topped with fluffy herb dumplings.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb lamb shoulder or beef stew meat, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– For the dumplings:
+ 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
+ 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
+ 1/4 teaspoon salt
+ 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
+ 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Brown the lamb and onion in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add potatoes, carrot, garlic, flour, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.
5. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven. Simmer for 2 hours or until meat is tender.
6. For the dumplings: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add parsley and melted butter; mix until a dough forms.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Lamb and Guinness Stew with Thyme
Lamb and Guinness Stew with Thyme: A hearty and flavorful stew that combines the richness of lamb, the depth of Guinness stout, and the warmth of thyme.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb shoulder or shanks, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Guinness stout
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the lamb pieces on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add more oil if needed, then sauté the onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add Guinness stout, beef broth, browned lamb, thyme sprigs, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2-3 hours or until lamb is tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Irish Beef and Stout Stew with Parsnips
A hearty and flavorful stew that combines tender beef, rich stout beer, and sweet parsnips.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 2 medium parsnips, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Irish stout beer (such as Guinness)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
2. Add more oil if needed, then sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the parsnips and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the stout beer, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return the beef to the pot and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 hours or until the beef is tender.
Cooking Time: 1 1/2 hours
One-Pot Irish Stew with Cabbage
A classic comfort food recipe that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This one-pot wonder combines tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and crunchy cabbage in a rich broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add the onion, carrots, and garlic; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Add the cabbage, broth, wine (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return the beef to the pot, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the meat is tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Irish Stew with Red Wine and Rosemary
This classic Irish stew gets a rich and savory twist with the addition of red wine and fragrant rosemary. A perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, this recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb or beef cubes
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, brown the lamb or beef cubes over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the cubed potatoes, red wine, beef broth, and chopped rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh rosemary if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Instant Pot Irish Lamb Stew
Savor the hearty flavors of Ireland with this comforting lamb stew cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup lamb broth (or beef broth)
– 1/2 cup Guinness stout (or dark beer)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Press “Saute” on the Instant Pot and heat oil until shimmering.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add lamb pieces; brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
4. Add broth, Guinness, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Close lid and set valve to “Sealing”. Cook on “Manual” mode at high pressure for 30 minutes + 10 minute natural release.
6. Release any remaining pressure and open the lid.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes (including natural release)
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your rich and comforting Irish Lamb Stew!
Irish Stew with Buttered Potatoes
Warm up with this comforting classic! This Irish Stew recipe combines tender lamb or beef, vegetables, and potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb or beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 large potato, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the lamb or beef cubes over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced carrots, diced potato, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook for an additional minute.
5. Pour in the beef broth and add thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the stew is hot and bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and stir in butter until melted.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spicy Irish Stew with Chorizo
Elevate the traditional Irish stew recipe by adding spicy chorizo sausage and a hint of smokiness. This hearty, comforting dish is perfect for a cold winter’s night.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb or beef stew meat
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 pound chorizo sausage, sliced
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, brown the lamb or beef in a little oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the onion, garlic, thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add the potatoes, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and chorizo sausage. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Simmer for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Irish Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Turnips
Experience the warmth of Ireland with this comforting stew, featuring sweet potatoes and turnips. This twist on a classic recipe adds natural sweetness and a pop of color to the traditional dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb or beef stew meat
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large turnip, peeled and cubed
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, brown the lamb or beef over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sweet potatoes, turnip, carrots, garlic, and onion. Cook until the vegetables start to soften, about 10 minutes.
4. Pour in the beef broth and water, then add thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
5. Simmer for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender and the sweet potatoes are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Gluten-Free Irish Stew with Quinoa
Warm up on a chilly day with this hearty and comforting gluten-free Irish stew made with quinoa, perfect for a quick and easy meal. This recipe is a twist on the classic dish, substituting traditional wheat flour for nutritious quinoa.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound lamb or beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
– 1 celery stalk, sliced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, lamb or beef, carrot, and celery; cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add broth, thyme, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until meat is tender.
5. Serve stew over cooked quinoa.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Irish Stew with Soda Bread Topping
This classic Irish dish combines tender lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions in a rich broth, topped with a crispy soda bread crust. Perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold evening.
Ingredients:
For the stew:
– 1 pound lamb shoulder or beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 cups lamb broth or beef broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the soda bread topping:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, brown the lamb or beef over medium-high heat.
3. Add potatoes, carrots, onion, broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 hour.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the soda bread topping by mixing flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly.
5. Pour in buttermilk and stir until dough forms.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the stew, spreading to cover.
7. Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Seafood Irish Stew with Mussels and Cod
A hearty and flavorful stew that combines the freshness of mussels and cod with the richness of Irish stout, perfect for a cold winter’s night.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb mussels, scrubbed and debearded
– 1 lb cod fillet, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Irish stout
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse mussels under cold water and set aside.
2. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add cod pieces and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until opaque.
4. Add Irish stout, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring mixture to a simmer. Add mussels and cover pot.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until mussels are opened and cod is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Irish Stew with Mushrooms and Leeks
This comforting Irish stew combines tender lamb or beef with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized leeks, and potatoes for a rich and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb or beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 medium leeks, sliced
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup lamb or beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the meat in a little oil over medium-high heat. Remove from pot.
3. Sauté sliced leeks and mushrooms until softened. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Add potatoes, broth, tomato paste, and flour to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Return the browned meat to the pot and bring to a simmer.
6. Transfer pot to preheated oven and braise for 1 1/2 hours or until meat is tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 1/2 hours
Summary
Get cozy this winter with these 18 hearty Irish stew recipes! From classic lamb stews to vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy traditional Dublin coddle, Guinness beef stew, and slow cooker recipes that simmer all day. Add some spice with chorizo or mushrooms, or go gluten-free with quinoa. Even seafood lovers are covered with mussels and cod. Each recipe features a delicious medley of root vegetables, potatoes, and tender meat. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or a quick weeknight meal, these Irish stews will become new family favorites.
