Hearty & Humble Irish Stew

My go-to irish stew recipe! This hearty classic is pure comfort. Slow-cooked lamb, tender veggies, and a rich broth make it unforgettable. Get the recipe now!

June 6, 2025
By Kendra Thompson .

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Alright, let's dive into the wonderful world of irish stew recipe ! ever had that craving for something that just hugs you from the inside out? something your grandma probably made, if your grandma was irish, of course.

Well, this is it!

A Bowlful of Ireland: The Irish Stew Recipe

Honestly, this isn't just food, it's history. it's a dish born from simple ingredients, a true testament to the resourceful spirit of ireland.

Originating as a peasant dish, it showcases the beauty of humble ingredients. my version is super easy, even if your cooking skills are.

.. questionable, lets be honest. we're talking about a low-effort, high-reward kind of situation. it serves 6-8 hungry souls, perfect for a family dinner or a cosy get-together with mates.

Hearty & Humble Irish Stew Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:02 Hrs 30 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1 1/2-inch (4 cm) cubes
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 large onions, roughly chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) chunks
• 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch (4 cm) cubes
• 4 cups (950 ml) beef broth or lamb broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Toss the lamb cubes with seasoned flour in a large bowl until evenly coated.
• Heat the oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Remove the lamb and set aside.
• Add the chopped onions and carrots to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Return the lamb to the pot. Add the potatoes, beef broth (or lamb broth), water, thyme sprigs, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2.5 - 3 hours, or until the lamb is very tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving.
• Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Why You'll Absolutely Love This Irish Stew

Okay, so beyond the fact that it tastes like pure comfort, this irish stew recipe is packed with goodness. potatoes are a great source of vitamin c.

Lamb provides a decent amount of protein. plus, all those veggies add fibre to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

This is perfect for a cold evening, a st. patrick's day feast, or honestly, any time you just need a big hug in a bowl.

What makes this recipe special? it's not fancy, it's not pretentious. it’s real, hearty food, just like they make it over in the angelsoni.

Now, let's talk ingredients. We need lamb, potatoes, onions, carrots and some broth. Simple as that, really!

Right, let's dive into what you actually need to make this irish stew recipe sing. honestly, it's all about good quality ingredients and not fussing too much.

Think simple, hearty, and bursting with flavour. forget any fancy sweet cocktail recipes easy for now; we are talking proper comfort food here.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Okay, so for the core of our Irish stew recipe :

• Lamb: 2 lbs (900g) boneless lamb shoulder, cut into chunks. Now, quality here matters. Look for lamb with a good bit of marbling—that's where the flavour is. If you can find lamb from a local butcher, even better. Honestly, the difference is noticeable.
• Flour: 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, seasoned with salt and pepper. This just helps brown the lamb and thicken the stew slightly.
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tbsp . Anything neutral will do – sunflower, rapeseed, whatever you've got.
• Onions: 2 large , roughly chopped. Brown or yellow onions are perfect.
• Carrots: 3 , peeled and cut into chunks. I sometimes sneak in an extra one if they are small; it just adds a touch of sweetness.
• Potatoes: 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes, peeled and cubed. Now, some people swear by different types, but russets are classic and hold their shape well.
• Broth: 4 cups (950ml) beef or lamb broth. Low sodium is best so you can control the salt. Honestly, a good quality stock makes a huge difference!
• Water: 1 cup (240ml). Just to top it up.
• Thyme: 2 sprigs fresh thyme. Dried works in a pinch, but fresh is just so much better.
• Bay Leaf: 1 . Essential for depth of flavour.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp (optional). I like it; it adds a bit of umami, but don't sweat it if you don't have it.
• Parsley: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional).

Seasoning Notes

Right, the spices.

• Essential Combo: Salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaf. That's the base. You can't go wrong.
• Flavour Enhancers: Worcestershire sauce (as mentioned), a splash of red wine vinegar at the end can brighten things up. Some people like a pinch of smoked paprika.
• Substitutions: If you don't have fresh thyme, use about 1 tsp dried. If you are feeling adventurous add in some Liquor Cherries, Alcohol Cherries, Boozy Maraschino Cherries . I swear it takes the recipe to a whole different level. If not, don't sweat it!

Equipment Needed

Honestly, nothing too fancy. We are not trying to make any Alcoholic Slushy Drinks Recipes or Frozen Cherry Coke Slushies here, just a lovely stew!

• Dutch Oven: Or a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Something that can go on the hob and into the oven, if you're feeling posh.
• Knife & Chopping Board: Obvious, but worth mentioning.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: For the broth and spices.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring. Feels right, doesn't it?

If you don't have a dutch oven, a regular large pot will do. just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't catch on the bottom.

And that's it! simple, right? next up: actually making the thing! we are going to turn that slushy alcohol drinks , adult slushies or alcoholic slushies into proper stew!

Alright, let's talk irish stew, the ultimate comfort food. think rainy evenings, a crackling fire, and a big bowl of this goodness.

Honestly, this irish stew recipe is so simple, even i can't mess it up (and that's saying something!). it’s the type of dish where you throw everything in a pot and let time do its magic.

Grab a creamy pint of guiness, and let’s go.

Cracking the Code to Perfect Irish Stew

This isn't just any stew; it's a journey back to your grandma's kitchen (even if you never had an irish grandma).

This recipe is the perfect antidote to a gloomy day, and it’s hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest lads.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, mise en place , which basically means "everything in its place." chop your 2 lbs lamb , peel those 2 large onions and 3 carrots , and cube 2 lbs russet potatoes .

Seriously, having everything prepped makes the cooking process a breeze. organise your ingredients and thank me later.

From Hob to Heaven: Stewing It Up

Right, let's get cooking!

1. Flour Power: Toss your lamb with 2 tablespoons of seasoned flour. This helps it brown and thickens the stew.
2. Sear the Stars: Brown the lamb in 2 tablespoons of oil in your Dutch oven. Don't overcrowd the pot, work in batches.
3. Veggie Vibes: Sauté your onions and carrots until they soften, roughly 5- 7 minutes .
4. Pot Luck: Chuck everything else in – potatoes, lamb, 4 cups of broth, 1 cup water, thyme, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce if you're feeling fancy.
5. Simmer Down: Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat, cover, and leave it for 2.5 - 3 hours . Seriously, that's it! It gets better with time.
6. Season's Greetings: Give it a taste and season.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with parsley, if you're feeling posh.

Pro Tips: From Good to Great

• Don't rush the browning! It adds loads of flavour.
• Low and slow is the way to go. Trust the process. The longer it simmers, the more tender and flavourful it becomes.
• Make it ahead of time! Honestly, it tastes even better the next day. Flavours mingle and deepen.

Now, i know what you're thinking: "can i really make this?". honestly, you can. it's foolproof, delicious, and the perfect excuse to crack open a cold one.

Why not also look at pairing this classic dish with sweet cocktail recipes easy ? you'll be surprised at how the sweetness cuts through the richness of the stew.

Alternatively, if it's a warmer day, you could try pairing it with alcoholic slushy drinks recipes , the cool tanginess working wonders.

You can find interesting recipes such as frozen cherry coke slushies online. if you want to be daring, why not add some alcohol cherries or even some boozy maraschino cherries to your stew? i know it sounds crazy, but those liquor cherries would add an interesting depth to the dish.

So go on, give this irish stew recipe a go. you won't regret it! and hey, if you do mess it up, there's always takeaway.

.. but trust me, you won't need it! and for dessert adult slushies or alcoholic slushies would be an amazing finish.

Cheers!.

Alright, let's chat more about our irish stew recipe ! i'm buzzing to share all the extra little nuggets of info that make it truly special.

Think of this as the 'behind-the-scenes' of stew-making. "cooking is at once child's play and adult joy. and cooking done with care is an act of love.

" - craig claiborne

Recipe Notes: Making Magic Happen

Here's where we get into the nitty-gritty details. you know, those things you wish every recipe told you? well, here they are! these will turn you into a stew superstar.

I've tweaked this irish stew recipe a few times, and these are the secrets i've picked up along the way.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, even with a rustic dish like irish stew recipe . ladle your stew into bowls. then, sprinkle with fresh parsley.

A dollop of sour cream adds a lovely tang. serve with warm, buttered irish soda bread. seriously, don't skip the bread.

A simple green salad on the side offers a nice contrast. as for drinks? you can not go wrong with sweet cocktail recipes easy such as a cold beer or a glass of hard cider!

Storage Tips: Stewing for the Future

Got leftovers? lucky you! store the cooled stew in an airtight container. it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freezing is your friend. pop it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating is easy, honestly. gently reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. stir often to prevent sticking. you might need to add a splash of broth or water if it's too thick.

Microwave works too but go slow and stir it well so you dont get any cold spots.

Variations: Your Stew, Your Way

Feeling adventurous? let's tweak this irish stew recipe . swap out the lamb for beef chuck for a different flavor profile.

Add a cup of guinness for a richer, boozier stew. if it's summertime, and you are feeling a bit crazy, you can add some alcohol cherries liquor cherries, boozy maraschino cherries! talk about crazy adult slushies !

Going gluten-free? Just make sure your broth is gluten-free and skip the flour when browning the lamb.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Irish stew recipe is packed with goodness. it is filled with protein, vitamins, and fiber. the lamb provides protein, while the vegetables offer vitamins and fiber.

Just be mindful of the sodium content in your broth. you can substitute for alcoholic slushy drinks recipes. this is an awesome dessert with frozen cherry coke slushies.

Slushy alcohol drinks, alcoholic slushies? you bet!

Alright, i hope you enjoyed these notes! they are key to making the best irish stew recipe ever. don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!