Crockpot Irish Beef Stew: A Hearty Flavorful Comfort Meal

Welcome to my West Virginia Kitchen!  While I was not born Irish I married into an Irish family.  As you can imagine they like to celebrate the St. Patrick's Day season, and since becoming a mom I love to share all these fun traditions with my son.  One of the ways I do that is through food.    

Packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich broth, this slow-cooked classic is perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive St. Patrick's Day celebration.  Let your crockpot do all the work while you enjoy the comforting aroma of this traditional dish filling your home!  

I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's Get Started!

TRADITIONAL IRISH STEW:

I have a confession to make.  This recipe isn't exactly a "traditional" Irish stew.  If it were, I would be using lamb or Mutton.  None of those things are necessarily available around here, so beef it is.  Another thing that the Irish would do is thicken their stew with mashed potatoes, and I don't do that either.  I guess I'm just making a beef stew with Irish beer, but it's going to be the best dang beef stew you've ever tasted!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE:

• Effortless Cooking:  Let your slow cooker do all the hard work while you go about your day.  
• Rich, Deep Flavors:  Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together for a robust and comforting meal.  
• Perfect for Meal Prep:  Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.  
• Festive and Traditional:  A great dish for celebrating Irish heritage, especially on St. Patrick's Day

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 lbs of Beef Stew Meat, cubed
• 3 Tbsps All-Purpose Flour
• 2 Tbsps Olive Oil
• 1 Onion, diced
• 1 Tbsp Garlic, sliced
• 3 Parsnips, diced
• 3 Carrots, sliced
• 6 Red Potatoes, quartered
• 2 Celery Stalks, sliced
• 1 (14 oz) cam Diced tomatoes
• Guinness Beer, 1 pint
• 4 c. Beef Stock
• 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Tbsp. Kosher Salt
• 1 tsp. Ground Black Pepper
• 1 tsp. Dried Thyme
• 2 cups Frozen Peas

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Sear the Beef:  In a large bowl, toss the beef  cubes with the flour until evenly coated.  Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.  Sear the beef on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side).  Transfer to the crockpot. 
2. Sauté the Aromatics:  In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and garlic.  Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.  Transfer the onions and garlic to the crockpot.  
3. Assemble the Stew:  Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Guinness beer, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and bay leaves to the crockpot.  Stir everything together to combine.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection:  Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.  In the last 30 minutes, stir in the frozen peas.  Remove bay leaves before serving.
5. Serve Enjoy:  Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.  Serve with warm crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a healthier meal.  

STEP-BY-STEP PHOTOGRAPHS:

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THE BEST IRISH BEEF STEW:

• Use Guinness Beer:  Adds a deep, malty richness to the stew. 
• Sear the Beef First:  Helps lock in flavor and enhances the stew's taste.
• Let it Rest:  The stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
• Swap the Protein:  You can use lamb for a more a more traditional Irish stew. 
• Thicker Stew:  Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 Tbsp cornstarch and 1 Tbsp water) in the last 30 minutes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make this stew without beer?

Yes!  Simply replace the Guinness beer with additional beef broth or water. 

What's the best cut of beef for Irish Stew?

Chuck roast, brisket, or stew meat work best because they become tender and flavorful during slow cooking.  

Can I freeze this stew?

Absolutely!  Let the stew cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How can I make this stew gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour for dredging the beef swap the Guinness for a gluten-free flour for dredging the beef and swap the Guiness for a gluten free beer for extra broth.  

This Crockpot Irish Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, offering rich, slow-cooked flavors with minimal effort.  Whether you/re celebrating St. Patrick's Day or just need a cozy, hearty meal, this stew is a must-try.  Make a batch today and enjoy the best of Irish cooking right in your own kitchen.  

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!
~The Kitchen Wife~