! This Stew is everything you want in a one-pot meal — rich, comforting, no-frills, and loaded with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with that “something amazing is cooking” smell and makes you glad you didn’t order takeout. We’re talking tender chunks of beef, a solid base of onion and garlic, hearty potatoes, sweet carrots, and all of it simmered down in a deep, savory broth that gets a boost from Irish stout (yes, Guinness is the move). This is the real deal when it comes to stick-to-your-ribs comfort food. Irish Stew is the perfect blend of meat, vegetables, carrots, and an Irish stout. Your whole family will love this comforting and traditional soup. 

What I love most is how approachable it is — no fancy cuts of meat, no need for slow cookers or special gadgets. Just a big ol’ pot, some simple ingredients, and a little patience to let everything come together. The seared beef gets coated in flour before hitting the pot, which gives the stew body and richness without needing a ton of extra ingredients. And that splash of beer? It doesn’t make it taste like alcohol — it just deepens everything and brings this cozy, pub-style vibe that makes the whole bowl feel like a hug.

It’s perfect for nights when you want something warm and real on the table — but honestly, this is a year-round kind of comfort. It feeds a crowd (or leaves you with some very solid leftovers), and it only takes about 50 minutes start to finish. Nothing fussy, just good, honest food that makes you want to grab a spoon, a hunk of crusty bread, and get to work.

Sure, this stew screams St. Patrick’s Day in the best way — it’s the kind of dish that feels festive without needing clovers or green food coloring. But it also makes a killer dinner any time you want something comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding the family or just want to meal-prep something hearty for the week, this one’s got you covered. Pair it with a cold pint (or a soda bread situation) and you’ve basically recreated your own little Irish pub at home. Cozy, simple, satisfying — that’s how we do it.

This recipe keeps things straightforward and flexible. The whole thing comes together in under an hour, making it totally doable for a weeknight dinner, but it also feels special enough to serve for Sunday supper or a casual dinner party with some crusty bread and a pint. It makes about four quarts, which means leftovers (if you’re lucky), and like most stews, it only gets better the next day.

Irish stew is a hearty dish that has been enjoyed in Ireland for centuries. A traditional recipe calls for meat and potatoes, often lamb or mutton, but it can also be made with beef. Of course, no Irish stew would be complete without lots of vegetables like carrots and onions. The flavors all come together to form a comforting and delicious meal that is sure to have everyone asking for seconds!

Irish Stew is a traditional Irish dish consisting of chunks of lamb or mutton, potatoes, onions, and carrots cooked in a broth. It’s usually seasoned with herbs and spices like thyme, bay leaves, parsley, and garlic. Irish stew is typically served with crusty bread or boiled potatoes on the side.

Check out the recipe card to get a full list of the ingredients needed to make this dish! 

To store Irish Stew, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Pour the stew in an airtight container, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or on the counter, then reheat in the microwave or over the stove before serving.

Irish Stew is a type of stew that traditionally uses lamb or mutton and potatoes or root vegetables, which are slow-cooked in a flavorful broth. This broth often includes beer, specifically Irish Stout such as Guinness™, which adds complexity and robust flavor to the stew. By contrast, other types of stews can be made with different meats, vegetables, and liquids for a variety of flavor profiles.

Irish Stew is traditionally thickened by the starches released from potatoes or root vegetables during cooking. This can also be supplemented with a roux, which is a combination of equal parts flour and butter cooked together until lightly browned. This helps to thicken the stew and give it a smooth, creamy texture.

Bitter flavors in your Irish Stew may be caused by using old or sour beer, as well as overcooking the stew. If you have used a Guinness™ Beer, which is an Irish-style stout, it can also add bitterness to the stew if too much is used. Taste the broth and adjust it with salt, sugar, or additional liquid such as chicken broth to balance out any bitterness.

It’s ideal for those weeknights when you need something filling that doesn’t come from a drive-thru. It works for casual get-togethers, meal prepping for the week, or just a solid dinner that makes the house smell amazing. There’s nothing flashy about it, but it’s full of soul — the kind of meal you look forward to all day.

Not at all. Guinness adds great depth, but any Irish stout will work — or if you want to skip the alcohol altogether, just use more beef stock. The stew will still be delicious, just a little less rich in that dark malty flavor.

Yes! Lamb is actually the traditional meat in Irish stew, especially in Ireland. If you can find lamb stew meat, go for it — just treat it the same way in the recipe.

Absolutely. In fact, it’s even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it gently on the stove. It thickens up nicely, and the flavors get deeper.

The flour on the beef helps, but the cornstarch slurry at the end gives it that perfect consistency — not soupy, not too thick. If you prefer a super thick stew, you can reduce the broth a bit before adding the slurry.

A big piece of crusty bread is always a win. Mashed potatoes on the side also work if you want to go full-on cozy mode. And if you’ve got a pint of stout or a simple green salad, you’re set.

Irish Stew isn’t flashy or complicated — and that’s exactly what makes it so good. It’s the kind of meal that feels grounding in the best way: warm, filling, and made from simple, real ingredients that come together in one pot. It’s perfect for nights when you want something hearty without a ton of effort, and it only gets better with time. Whether you’re cooking for family, stocking the fridge with leftovers for the week, or just want to fill the house with that cozy, simmering smell of something homemade, this stew always delivers. Keep it simple, let the flavors build, and don’t forget the crusty bread for soaking up every last bit.

Ready to make Irish Stew? This stew is savory and the perfect meal to make any time of the week! Now that you want to make one how to make Irish Stew, do you plan on making it?

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