Traditional Irish Beef Stew Recipe (2024)

This is a Traditional Beef Stew Recipe that is the perfect dish for St. Patrick’s Day!.

It’s an easy beef stew to make which is why this classic comfort food goes perfectly with this Irish Soda Bread recipe.

Tender and juicy seasoned beef loaded with a rich and decadent sauce that surrounds the tender beef and all the vegetables.

NOTE: The Guinness beer transforms this hearty beef stew into a whole new rich dimension of flavor. However feel free to skip it if you want to or if you don’t have any on hand.

Give this recipe a try for any night of the week.

Also, check out my slow cooker vegetable beef soupand my Instant Pot cheeseburger soup.

Irish Beef Stew

So what’s the difference between an Irish beef stew and a classic beef stew?

Some Irish stews use mutton instead of beef, and you will find Irish stew offers a richer and more bold flavor.

The beer helps to really amplify the soup. Some recipes even use coffee along with a beer for flavor.

Beef stew is a classic mix of stew meat, seasonings, and veggies in a beefy broth, sometimes tomato-filled sauce.

Beef Stew Ingredients

• Stew Meat
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Onion
• Bacon
• Flour
• Butter
• Guinness
• Tomato paste
• Beef stock
• Carrots or parsnips
• Celery
• Bay leaves
• Thyme
• Potatoes
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Beef Stew

The full measurements for the ingredients are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

This is a quick visual walk through on how to make this classic Irish Stew.

Step 1: Start by cooking your bacon in a dutch oven or skillet on the stove.

Step 2: Remove and place your bacon on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Season the beef with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Then add oil to the dutch oven and brown your beef on all sides.

Step 5: Remove and set aside with your cooked bacon.

Step 6: Pour in the diced onions, butter, and cook till translucent.

Step 7: Then whisk in the flour to make the roux. Stir for 1 minute.

Step 8: Pour in the beer and whisk till all the lumps are removed.

Step 9: Now add in all the other ingredients and beef, bacon, and bring to a boil.

Step 10: Cook the stew till it boils, then reduce and cook on low simmering for 2 hours or until the sauce thickens, to a light gravy.

Step 11: You also want to ensure your potatoes and veggies are done as well.

Step 12: Remove the bay leaves, dish up, and season with salt and pepper to taste and ENJOY.

What Bread Goes with Beef Stew

• Soda Bread– This soda bread is SO EASY to make and requires no yeast, making it the perfect bread to serve with all of your dinner meals.
• Homemade French Bread– It’s perfect for dipping in soups or eating with butter or fresh jam.
• The Best Homemade Bread– This simple homemade bread recipe is perfect for sandwiches or to enjoy with a batch of your favorite soup or salad.
• Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks– Easy homemade breadsticks!

Serve beef stew with…

• Crusty bread, dinner rolls, etc.
• Sauteed broccoli, spinach, etc.
• Salad
• Crackers

How to Store Leftover Stew

You can store your stew in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Then reheat in the microwave or on the stove when you are ready to serve it up.

If you don’t plan to eat it all right away, this Irish stew does freeze well.

How to Freeze Beef Stew

Place in a freezer container and freeze for 3-4 months.

Leave room for it to expand in the container.

Then thaw the stew in the fridge the night before you plan to heat it.

More Irish Recipes

If you like this Irish Recipe, you’ll love these ones too:

• Irish Potato Candy Recipe – Contrary to thier name, these bite-sized sweet treats have no potato in them. They get their name because they look like little potatoes.
• Green Velvet Cupcakes – If you’re looking for a fun St. Patrick’s Day treat, these green velvet cupcakes are top of the list.
• Original Irish Soda Bread Recipe – This authentic quick bread recipe is the perfect addition to any meal.
• Guinness Cupcakes with Bailey’s Buttercream Frosting – such a fun dessert for any St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
• Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe – this is THE EASIEST way to make your corned beef dinner.