Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with a warm, hearty stew, and this Traditional Irish Beef Stew is just what you need to bring everyone together around the table. Full of tender beef, savory vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, this stew is perfect for chilly evenings and holiday gatherings. Imagine the smell wafting through your kitchen as the stew slowly simmers, filling your home with the comforting aroma of thyme, bay leaves, and caramelized onions.
This classic Irish recipe is ideal for the holiday season, with each ingredient adding depth and richness to the dish. A splash of stout beer (or extra beef stock) enhances the stew with a slight, warming bitterness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the carrots and onions. This stew is not only easy to prepare but also fills your home with an inviting warmth, making it the ultimate winter comfort food.
Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth, and sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley on top for a festive finish. Whether you’re enjoying it by the fire or sharing it at a holiday feast, this stew will be a welcome treat to warm both body and soul. 🎅✨
🎄 Traditional Irish Beef Stew 🎄🍲
Servings: 6 | Preparation Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 2-2.5 hours | Calories: ~400 per serving
Gather Your Ingredients 🎅
- 2 lbs (900g) stewing beef, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more if needed
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup stout beer (or extra beef stock)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Cooking Your Hearty Holiday Stew 🍲✨
- Prepare the Beef: In a large bowl, season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. Add the flour and toss to coat each piece, shaking off any excess.
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, then set the browned pieces aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot, then add the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, beef broth, stout beer (or additional beef stock), tomato paste, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Stir everything well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 2-2.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The beef should be tender, and the flavors should meld beautifully.
- Finish & Serve: Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Ladle the hot stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Serving & Storage 🎄
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with warm, crusty bread or mashed potatoes for an extra comforting holiday meal.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Enjoy the warmth and richness of this Traditional Irish Beef Stew, a cozy classic perfect for any holiday meal! 🍲🎅