Hearty & Homely Irish Stew

Looking for a proper comforting Irish Stew recipe? This slow-cooked lamb stew is packed with flavour and so easy to make. Perfect for a chilly evening! Get the recipe now. ... Heritage Kitchen
Right, let's get stuck in! you ever just crave something proper comforting? something that warms you right down to your toes? well, let me tell you, this irish stew recipe is just the ticket.
It’s like a hug in a bowl.
Hearty & Homely Irish Stew: A Classic Comfort
This isn't just any stew. It's a taste of Ireland ! Think tender lamb, earthy vegetables, and a rich broth.
A Bit of Craic and History
The traditional irish stew has been around for yonks, seriously! it's a proper simple dish. it fed families for generations.
It’s normally got humble ingredients, but packs a mighty punch of flavour. it is proper delicious! it’s a right old classic.
This recipe is easy peasy, takes about 3 hours total, and serves about 6 hungry people.
Why This Irish Stew Recipe is Boss
Honestly, this hearty irish stew is packed with goodness! lamb is a great source of protein and iron. it’s slow-cooked, so it’s fall-apart tender.
Perfect for a cold night in front of the telly. you know? this authentic irish stew recipe is special because it’s just so bloody comforting and simple.
Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew: Get the Ingredients
Alright, you'll need some lamb, about 2 lbs. don't be shy with the spuds - 2 lbs of those too.
Grab 2 big onions and 4 carrots as well. you'll need olive oil, flour, salt, pepper, bay leaves, fresh thyme, lamb or beef stock, and water.
Now that we are ready to create a guinness Irish stew , lets see how can we make it.
Alright, let's dive into what you need for a killer Irish stew recipe . Getting the right bits and bobs is half the battle, innit?
Hearty & Homely Irish Stew Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Gearing Up for the Best Irish Stew Recipe
Before we even think about the cooking, let’s get our bits and bobs sorted. It’s like prepping for a Sunday roast – gotta have the right kit!
Main Ingredients Breakdown
Okay, listen up! We're making enough for 6 hungry bellies.
- Lamb: 2 lbs (900g) of lamb shoulder, cubed. Honestly, don't skimp on the lamb! You want it nicely marbled.
- Onions: 2 large onions, chopped. Go for the brown ones, they're sweeter.
- Carrots: 4 carrots, peeled and chopped. Not too thin, we don’t want them dissolving.
- Potatoes: 2 lbs (900g) of potatoes, quartered. Maris Piper or Rooster are banging.
- Lamb Stock: 4 cups (950ml) of proper lamb stock. Fresh is best, but a good stock cube will do in a pinch.
- Water: 1 cup (240ml) . Just regular tap water will do.
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp . For browning the lamb.
- Plain Flour: 2 tbsp . Helps to thicken the gravy, like your Nan used to make it.
- Bay Leaves: 2 . Don't forget these!
- Fresh Thyme: 1 sprig . Adds a touch of herbal magic.
- Sea Salt: 1 tsp . To season.
- Black Pepper: ½ tsp . Freshly ground, please!
Remember that you can also use beef if you like, and try the Irish Beef Stew Recipe
Seasoning Secrets
Right, let's talk flavour! This traditional Irish stew isn’t about overpowering spices. It’s about simple flavours done right.
- Essential Combo: Bay leaves and thyme. These are your base notes. Like a good cup of tea and a biscuit!
- Flavour Enhancer: A splash of Worcestershire sauce. Honestly, it adds a depth you won’t believe.
- Aromatics: Don’t be shy with the pepper.
- Quick Swaps: No thyme? Rosemary works a treat. No bay leaves? A pinch of mixed herbs will do.
For Guinness Irish Stew , add a pint of the black stuff along with the stock. Oh my gosh! It makes it SO rich!
Essential Equipment
Right, tools of the trade! Keep it simple, yeah?
- Dutch Oven: This is a must. A big, heavy pot with a lid. Get a good one, you won’t regret it.
- Chopping Board: Obvious, innit?
- Sharp Knife: For chopping veg and meat.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For measuring liquids and spices.
- Alternatives: Don't have a Dutch oven? A large, heavy-bottomed saucepan with a lid will do.
Honestly, that’s it. This easy Irish stew recipe is all about the slow cooking, not fancy gadgets. You can even try a Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew version!
A proper, authentic Irish stew recipe is simple. Lamb, potatoes, onions, carrots, stock, and time. A hearty Irish Stew warms the soul! Whether you call it an Irish Stew with Lamb or something else entirely, enjoy!
Okay, let's whip up a section of that irish stew recipe article, shall we? Get ready for a proper comforting feast!

Hearty & Homely Irish Stew: Get Ready for a Classic!
Honestly, there's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of hearty irish stew on a cold evening. it's the ultimate comfort food.
It reminds me of my nan's cooking – simple, honest, and absolutely delicious. apparently, an authentic irish stew recipe isn't just a meal; it's a hug in a bowl.
This easy irish stew recipe is my take on a classic.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
First things first, get your ingredients prepped. this is called mise en place . it's fancy french for "everything in its place".
Chop your 2 large onions, peel and chop 4 carrots, and quarter 2 lbs (900g) potatoes. toss 2 lbs (900g) of lamb shoulder cubes with 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp sea salt, and ½ tsp black pepper.
Honestly, this saves a ton of time later. safety reminder: keep your knives sharp! a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one.
Let's Get Stewing: Step-by-Step
Alright, here we go with this Irish Beef Stew Recipe !
- Brown that Lamb: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in your Dutch oven. Brown the floured lamb in batches. Don't overcrowd the pot! Otherwise, it steams and won't get that lovely colour.
- Sauté the Onions: Add those chopped onions to the pot. Cook until they're softened and lightly browned, about 5- 7 minutes.
- Layer Up: Return the lamb to the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, 2 bay leaves, and 1 sprig fresh thyme.
- Liquid Gold: Pour in 4 cups (950ml) lamb or beef stock and 1 cup (240ml) water. Make sure everything is mostly covered. If you want Guinness Irish Stew , add a cup of Guinness now!
- Simmer Down: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 2.5- 3 hours . The lamb should be very tender, and the potatoes cooked through.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Pot
Want to take your stew to the next level? here's the secret! don't stir it too much! resist that urge; stirring breaks down the potatoes.
Also, this is very important - using good quality stock really makes a difference. for a variation, try this lamb stew recipe .
I find that skimming off any excess fat before serving is a good shout.
And there you have it! a traditional irish stew , ready to warm your cockles. honestly, is the best of the best to serve it with some crusty bread for dipping.
Enjoy, my friend!
Alright, let's dive into some extra bits about this cracking irish stew recipe . It's more than just the cooking, innit? It's about making it your own .
Recipe Notes to Elevate Your Irish Stew
Right, so you've got the basics down for the irish beef stew recipe . Now, let's jazz things up a bit. These are the bits that make your stew sing .
Serving Like a Pro
Presentation matters, yeah? don't just chuck it in a bowl. ladle that hearty irish stew into a nice, deep bowl.
Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. a dollop of sour cream? go on, treat yourself! and don’t forget crusty bread for mopping up that delicious gravy.
Honestly, a pint of guinness on the side? chef's kiss!
How to Stash It Like a Champ
Got leftovers? ace! let the stew cool completely before you stick it in the fridge. it'll keep for about 3 days, no worries.
Want to freeze it? that works too! just portion it out into freezer bags or containers. it'll be grand for up to 3 months.
Reheating? easy peasy. just chuck it in a pot on the hob or microwave it until it's piping hot.
Twists and Turns: Variations on the Theme
Fancy a bit of a change? you could totally try a guinness irish stew by adding a can of guinness while it simmers.
Makes it extra rich, you know? or, if you're veggie, swap the lamb for mushrooms. oh my gosh! a vegetarian irish stew recipe is just as comforting.
Swap the meat for mushrooms and use veggie stock. sorted!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Listen, i'm no nutritionist, but this authentic irish stew recipe is packed with good stuff. you've got protein from the lamb, vitamins from the veggies.
It's a proper, wholesome meal. each serving has a good whack of protein, a fair bit of carbs, and some fat (but the good kind, yeah?).
Fibre from the veg too! so, feel good about tucking in.
Right then, there you have it! all the extra bits and bobs you need to make this easy irish stew recipe your own.
Don't be afraid to experiment and have a laugh. cooking should be fun, innit? now, go on and get stewing.
You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of lamb is best for Irish stew?
Lamb shoulder is generally considered the best cut for Irish stew. It has a good amount of fat and connective tissue that breaks down during the long cooking time, resulting in a tender and flavorful stew. You can also use lamb neck or mutton for a more traditional flavour - it's what your granny probably used!
Can I make this Irish stew recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Browning the lamb beforehand will still boost the flavour. Then, simply place all the ingredients in your slow cooker, and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. It's the perfect "set it and forget it" meal, just like your Auntie Maureen's famous Sunday roasts!
How do I store leftover Irish stew?
Leftover Irish stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months; just be sure to thaw it completely before reheating. It's basically a gift that keeps on giving!
Is this Irish stew recipe healthy? What about the nutritional value?
Irish stew, while hearty, can be quite nutritious. It provides protein from the lamb and plenty of vitamins and fiber from the vegetables. The exact nutritional value varies depending on the ingredients and portion sizes, but it is a balanced dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet. For a lighter version, skim off excess fat after cooking.
Can I add Guinness to my Irish stew recipe?
You sure can! Adding a pint of Guinness to your Irish stew will give it a rich, malty flavour that's absolutely delicious. Just add it along with the stock and water. A proper Guinness Irish stew is a must-try for any stew enthusiast - it's like a warm hug from Ireland itself!
What kind of potatoes should I use for an Irish stew recipe?
Waxy potatoes, like Yukon Golds or Maris Piper, are a great choice for Irish stew. They hold their shape well during the long cooking time and don't become too mushy. Avoid using starchy potatoes like Russets, as they can disintegrate and thicken the stew too much. It's all about getting that perfect balance, innit?