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5.0 from 9 votes

Comforting Irish Stew

Irish stew is a heartwarming blend of tender meat, hearty vegetables, and rich Guinness Beer, ready to bring the taste of Ireland right to your kitchen. With options for Instant Pot and slow cooker, it’s never been easier to enjoy this classic comfort.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
3 hrs
Total Time
3 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 8 bowls
Calories: 284 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Irish

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds red baby potatoes or yellow baby potatoes, cut into 2-inch pieces,
  • 4 medium carrots cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 medium yellow or white onion chopped
  • 3 cloves minced garlic  about 2 teaspoons
  • 2 pounds lamb shoulder or beef chuck cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 22 ounces Guinness beer
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine optional
  • 3 prigs fresh thyme
  • 4 whole bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Pat the meat dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-based pot over high heat. Brown the meat in batches, removing each batch to a plate once browned. Repeat until all the meat is browned.
  3. Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened, then add the garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
  4. Stir in the flour into the vegetable mixture and cook for 3 more minutes.
  5. Pour in the Guinness beer, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot, then add the beef broth and red wine (if using).
  6. Return the browned meat to the pot along with any juices, carrots, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves.
  7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Cook for 2 hours, then remove the lid and simmer for an additional 30 minutes until the meat falls apart and the sauce has thickened.
  8. Remove the thyme and bay leaves, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve, garnished with chopped parsley.

Notes

  • Pat dry the meat and sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in the Instant Pot using the sauté setting.
  • Add the meat in batches and brown on all sides. Remove to a plate and repeat with the remaining meat. Set aside.
  • Add 2 more tablespoons of oil to the Instant Pot.
  • Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then add the garlic and cook for 3 minutes.
  • Stir in the flour into the vegetable mixture and cook for 5 minutes more.
  • Add the Guinness beer, stirring and scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pot. Then add the beef broth and red wine. Return the browned meat to the pot along with any juices, along with the carrots, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves.
  • Secure the lid and set to high pressure for 1 hour.
  • Then remove the lid and simmer using the sauté setting for 10-15 minutes more to thicken the stew.
  • Pat the meat dry and sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper.
  • In a skillet over high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the meat in batches and brown well all over. Remove the meat to a plate and repeat with the remaining meat.
  • Transfer the browned meat to a slow cooker.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of beef broth and 1/2 cup of cornstarch to make a slurry.
  • Add all remaining ingredients, including the slurry, to the slow cooker.
  • Set the slow cooker on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours until the meat and vegetables are tender to your liking.
  • Remove the lid for the last 30-45 minutes to help the broth thicken.
  • Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Nutrition Information

Calories 284kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 31g (10%) Protein 19g (38%) Fat 4g (6%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 2g Cholesterol 46mg (15%) Sodium 819mg (34%) Potassium 937mg (27%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 5120IU (102%) Vitamin C 26mg (29%) Calcium 53mg (5%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8bowls

Amount Per Serving

Calories 284

% Daily Value*

Calories 284kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 31g 10%
Protein 19g 38%
Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 46mg 15%
Sodium 819mg 34%
Potassium 937mg 20%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 5120IU 102%
Vitamin C 26mg 29%
Calcium 53mg 5%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.