guinness irish stew recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best guinness irish stew recipe

I’ve been making this Guinness Irish Stew recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion. My kids love it when I serve it with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes, and my husband appreciates the fact that it’s easy to make in large quantities.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to customize to your taste – want it spicier? Add some red pepper flakes. Prefer it more broth-like?

Use less meat and potatoes. This recipe is a blank canvas just waiting for you to make it your own. The origins of Irish stew are unclear, but it’s believed to have originated in the 18th century as a peasant dish made with whatever ingredients were available.

Over time, it’s evolved into the rich, flavorful dish we know today. And let me tell you, the addition of Guinness stout is pure genius – it adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with any other ingredient. One of the key techniques to making a great Irish stew is to cook the meat and vegetables slowly over low heat, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

This takes patience, but trust me when I say it’s worth it. The longer you cook the stew, the thicker and more intense the flavors will be. This recipe is also incredibly versatile – serve it with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes, or use it as a base for other dishes like shepherd’s pie or cottage pie.

Guinness Irish Stew

4.7 from 1302 votes

A hearty and comforting Irish stew made with tender lamb, vegetables, and rich Guinness stout. Perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold day.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Stew

1.5 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
2 medium onions, chopped
3 medium carrots, chopped
2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 cup mixed vegetables
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 can (14 oz) Guinness stout
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp flour
1 tbsp olive oil
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2Add the lamb chunks, and brown on all sides until nicely seared.
3This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4Remove the lamb from the pot and set it aside.
5In the same pot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and garlic.
6Cook until the onions are translucent and the carrots have softened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
7Stir in the tomato paste and flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
8Gradually pour in the Guinness stout, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze it.
9Add the beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
10Stir well to combine.
11Return the lamb to the pot, along with any accumulated juices.
12Add the chopped potatoes and mixed vegetables.
13Stir to combine all the ingredients.
14Bring the stew to a boil.
15Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer gently for about 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
16Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
17The stew should have thickened slightly and the flavors should be well combined.
18Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
19Remove the bay leaves before serving.
20Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot, with crusty bread if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of Guinness to the stew while it simmers. You can also use other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips if you prefer.

Watch Video Of How Guinness Irish Stew Works

This Guinness Irish Stew recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a comforting meal after a long day.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it reheats beautifully – simply transfer it to an airtight container and reheat on low heat until warmed through.

You can also store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to two months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Guinness Irish Stew

Q: What type of meat should I use in this recipe?

For this recipe, you can use either beef or lamb – both work beautifully. If you’re using beef, look for chuck roast or round tip cuts – they’re tender and flavorful. If you’re using lamb, choose boneless shoulder or leg cuts.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the meat with extra vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions. You can also add some texture with chickpeas or cannellini beans.

Q: How long does this recipe take to make?

This recipe takes about an hour to prepare and cook – most of which is hands-off time while the stew simmers away.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully – simply cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat this stew?

The best way to reheat this stew is on low heat – either on the stovetop or in the oven – so that all the flavors stay intact.

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