Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew

INTRODUCTION

Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew is a hearty and delicious dish that warms you up from the inside. This stew captures the essence of Irish comfort food, making it perfect for cold nights or when you want to treat your family to something special. The combination of tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich broth creates a meal that is filling and satisfying. With simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully over time.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew. First, it is convenient. You can prepare it in the morning, and by dinner, you have a warm meal waiting for you. Second, it is incredibly flavorful. The combination of herbs, beer, and beef makes it a dish that is rich in taste. Third, it is a wholesome meal packed with protein and veggies, making it a balanced option for your family. Finally, it is great for leftovers, so you can enjoy it again the next day.

HOW TO MAKE Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew

Making this delicious stew is easy and straightforward. Even if you are not an experienced cook, you can follow the simple steps to create a warm and filling meal. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew, you will need:

• Slow cooker
• Large mixing bowl or plastic bag
• Dutch oven or large pot
• Whisk
• Cutting board and knife

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1.5 pounds beef chuck, top round or beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
• 2 celery stalks (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 pound yellow potatoes (quartered)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 12-ounce can or bottle pale ale, amber ale, or light brown ale, porter or stout
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour (see instructions below)
• 1/4 cup broth from the stew or water (see instructions below)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start by coating the meat chunks in flour, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl or plastic bag. Make sure the meat is evenly coated.
2. In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the coated meat to the pan and sauté until browned on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Once the meat is browned, add it to the slow cooker along with the remaining stew ingredients. This includes the diced onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, bay leaf, tomato paste, quartered potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, beer, and beef broth.
5. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 hours. This will give you tender beef and well-cooked vegetables.
6. After 6 hours, make a slurry to thicken the stew. Combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or flour with 1/4 cup of broth from the stew or water in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth.
7. Add the slurry to the slow cooker and stir gently. Let the stew sit for 15-30 minutes to thicken.
8. Serve hot and enjoy your meal!

HOW TO SERVE Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew is best served warm. You can ladle the stew into bowls and sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, which you can use to soak up the delicious broth.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew

Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze the stew, let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stove until warm.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Here are some great sides to serve with your stew:

• Crusty bread
• Mashed potatoes
• Green salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables

These sides will complement the stew and create a complete meal that everyone will love.

VARIATIONS

You can customize this stew in many ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Add other vegetables like peas or green beans for more nutrition.
• Use different types of meat such as lamb or chicken for a different flavor.
• If you like spicy food, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to give it a kick.
• For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this stew in a regular pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook this recipe in a regular pot. After browning the meat and adding the ingredients, cover and simmer on low heat for about 2 hours until the beef is tender.

2. Can I use frozen meat for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed meat for even cooking, but you can use frozen meat if you are in a hurry. Just make sure to extend the cooking time until the meat is tender.

3. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead. Use about one-third of the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

4. Can I substitute the beer in this recipe?
If you prefer not to use beer, you can replace it with additional beef broth or even a splash of apple cider vinegar to maintain some acidity in the stew.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew

You can prepare many parts of this stew ahead of time. Cut the vegetables and meat the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This way, all you need to do is toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, making your day a bit easier. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and savor the delightful flavors of this comforting dish!

Print