Nothing warms the body and soul quite like a Traditional Irish Beef Stew. With its tender chunks of beef, rustic root vegetables, earthy herbs, and rich broth, this dish has long been a staple in Irish kitchens — especially during colder months. It’s filling, nutritious, and beautifully simple, reflecting Ireland’s culinary heritage.
What Is Irish Beef Stew?
Irish Beef Stew is a slow-cooked one-pot dish traditionally made with beef (or historically, lamb or mutton), root vegetables like potatoes and carrots, and aromatic herbs. It’s a dish born out of necessity — maximizing flavor from affordable ingredients.
While Guinness is often associated with Irish stews, this version focuses on a beef broth base, making it lighter and more vegetable-forward, yet still rich and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients Breakdown (Serves 6)
Let’s look at what goes into this comforting dish and why each component is important:
Beef Chuck (2 lbs / 900g)
Beef chuck is a flavorful, marbled cut that becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking. Cubed into 1-inch pieces, it’s ideal for stews.
All‑Purpose Flour (1/4 cup)
Used to lightly coat the beef before browning. This helps create a nice crust and also thickens the stew as it simmers.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
Used for browning the meat and sautéing the aromatics. You can substitute with vegetable oil if preferred.
Onion (1 large, chopped)
Provides sweetness and depth to the stew. Yellow or white onions work best.
