Crock Pot Irish Beef Stew

This Crock Pot Irish Beef Stew is a hearty and flavorful recipe, which uses tender beef stew meat and root vegetables. It’s a no-fuss take on the classic, ready in about 8 hours and 45 minutes.

Crock Pot Irish Beef Stew Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1.5 lbs beef stew meat in 1-2 inch cubes
• 2 small-medium onions, peeled and cut into slim wedges
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 pound waxy potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 sticks celery, sliced
• 4 cups beef broth (see notes if want to use beer)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (can use soy sauce in place)
• 4 tablespoons white flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Ground black pepper to taste
• 1 sprig thyme OR ¼ teaspoon dried
• 1 sprig rosemary OR ¼ teaspoon dried
• 1 bay leaf (skip if you don’t have)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch stirred into 3 tablespoons cool water to make a slurry

How To Make Crock Pot Irish Beef Stew

1. Brown the beef: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and brown on all sides, then transfer to a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
2. Sauté onions and deglaze: Add onions to the same skillet and cook until softened. Pour in about 1/2 cup beef broth, scraping up browned bits. Remove from heat and pour into the slow cooker.
3. Add vegetables and broth mixture: Add potatoes, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker. Whisk together remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and flour in a measuring jug, then pour over the contents of the slow cooker. Stir gently.
4. Add herbs and cook: Tuck in the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
5. Thicken the stew: Stir the stew, then pour in the cornstarch slurry and mix well. Cook uncovered on HIGH for 15-30 minutes, until thickened.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use Guinness instead of beef broth? Yes, for a more traditional flavor, replace up to half the broth with dark beer like Guinness.
• How to make the gravy thicker: Add a little more cornstarch slurry, but don’t overdo it. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, it reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
• Best cut of beef for stew: Use chuck roast or stew beef cubes for the most tender texture.
• What if I don’t have fresh herbs? Dried thyme and rosemary work perfectly fine in this recipe.

What To Serve With Irish Beef Stew

This stew pairs beautifully with hearty, comforting sides:

• Crusty Irish soda bread
• Mashed potatoes
• Buttered noodles
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• A green side salad

How To Store Irish Beef Stew

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Freeze: Let the stew cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Irish Beef Stew Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 940mg
• Potassium: 1075mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g
• Calcium: 73mg
• Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I substitute another meat for beef?
Yes, lamb is a traditional Irish alternative that works well in this stew.

Why is my stew meat tough?
It likely needs more time. Low and slow cooking helps break down tough cuts.

Can I skip the cornstarch?
Yes, but your stew will have a thinner broth. You can reduce it slightly on the stove if desired.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?
It’s recommended for waxy potatoes, but you can leave the skin on if preferred.

Can I cook this on the stove instead of the crock pot?
Yes, simmer gently on low heat for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Beef Brisket Tacos
• Crock Pot Beef Carne Picada
• Crock Pot Beef Cowboy Casserole