Irish Beef Stew

Ready to kick off March with a perfectly seasonal dish? Today we’re diving into the heartwarming world of Irish cuisine with a classic dish that’s perfect for bringing the family together: Irish Beef Stew. Picture this: tender chunks of beef, hearty potatoes, vibrant carrots, and sweet peas, all simmered to perfection in a savory broth infused with aromatic herbs. Are you drooling yet? Well, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup Guinness beer (optional, but highly recommended for that extra depth of flavor!)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Serving Size:

• Serves 6-8 hungry tummies

Cook Time Duration:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s dive into the cooking process!

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Beef (15 minutes)

• Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
• Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Working in batches, sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer the seared beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Saute the Aromatics (5 minutes)

• In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic.
• Saute until the onions are softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.

Step 3: Simmer Away (2 hours)

• Return the seared beef to the pot, along with any accumulated juices.
• Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme, mixing well to coat the beef and onions.
• Pour in the beef broth and Guinness beer (if using), then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let the stew simmer away, allowing all those delicious flavors to meld together, for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 4: Add the Veggies (30 minutes)

• Once the beef is tender, it’s time to add in the veggies! Toss in the diced potatoes and sliced carrots, stirring to combine.
• Let the stew simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
• About 5 minutes before serving, add the peas to the pot and give everything a final stir. We want those peas to stay bright and vibrant!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

• Ladle generous portions of the piping hot Irish Beef Stew into bowls.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve alongside crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Grab your spoon, dig in, and savor every spoonful of this hearty, soul-warming stew!

There you have it, folks! A cozy bowl of Irish Beef Stew that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving some comfort food, this recipe is a winner every time. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and let the aroma of simmering stew fill your kitchen with love and deliciousness. Cheers to good food and good times with loved ones!