Name: Hearty Irish Beef Stew Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 25 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 lb boneless beef chuck roast (cut into 1-inch cubes); 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion (finely chopped); 1/2 cup beef broth; 1 bay leaf; 2 cup baby carrots; 4 russet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of stew to make a chilly day feel cozy. This Hearty Irish Beef Stew Recipe is just that—filled with tender beef, sweet carrots, and earthy potatoes, all simmered low and slow for maximum flavor. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again.

A white bowl filled with a stew made of three main layers: large chunks of light yellow potatoes, whole baby carrots with a bright orange color, and pieces of dark brown cooked meat scattered on top, all sprinkled with fresh chopped green herbs. The bowl sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a round loaf of bread with a rough brown crust on a wooden board, a block of cheese on a cutting board, and a transparent glass filled with a dark brown drink. A silver spoon rests next to the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Irish Beef Stew Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hearty Irish Beef Stew Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hearty Irish Beef Stew Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m always on the lookout for recipes that feel like a warm hug—and this Irish stew hits all the right notes. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Rich, Deep Flavors: Slow cooking the beef and broth lets every bite soak up incredible taste.
Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of basics you likely already have in your pantry.
Perfectly Tender Beef: Using chuck roast means the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender without falling apart.
Hearty and Filling: Potatoes and carrots add just the right amount of substance to make it a full meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start chopping, here’s a quick rundown of the key ingredients and why I chose them. It’ll help you shop smart and understand how each one plays a role in creating that rich, comforting stew.

Flat lay of fresh boneless beef chuck roast cut into cubes, a small white ceramic bowl of unbleached all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, a small white ceramic bowl of black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, a whole brown onion, a small white ceramic bowl of rich beef broth, a fresh bay leaf, a handful of baby carrots, and four peeled russet potatoes cut into chunks, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless beef chuck roast: This cut has the perfect balance of fat and connective tissue to break down during slow cooking for tender, flavorful meat.
All-purpose flour: Coating the beef with flour before browning helps develop a lovely crust and thickens the stew naturally.
Salt and black pepper: Classic seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the beef and veggies.
Olive oil: For browning the beef and sautéing the onions, which adds depth to the stew.
Onion: Finely chopped for subtle sweetness and aroma as it cooks down.
Beef broth: We use this to create the savory base that simmers throughout the cooking process.
Bay leaf: A little herbaceous note that rounds out the flavor profile.
Baby carrots: They’re sweet, tender, and cook evenly alongside the potatoes.
Russet potatoes: These hold their shape while becoming soft and creamy inside, making them ideal for stews.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Hearty Irish Beef Stew Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to suit your tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to get creative and make it truly your own!

Vegetarian Twist: Swap the beef chuck roast for hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. I tried this for a cozy family dinner, and it was surprisingly rich and comforting, perfect for meatless Mondays.
Herbal Boost: Add fresh thyme or rosemary during the slow cooking and sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving. The herbs add a lovely aroma and brighten up the deep flavors wonderfully.
Spicy Kick: For those who like a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika stirred in with the broth gives the stew a subtle spicy warmth. I love how it wakes up the palate without overpowering the classic flavors.
Seasonal Veggies: Try adding parsnips or turnips alongside the carrots and potatoes for an earthy variation. They add a slightly sweet, nutty note that pairs beautifully with the tender beef.
Slow Cooker Alternatives: No slow cooker? No problem! This stew adapts well to a heavy Dutch oven simmered gently on the stovetop or baked low and slow in the oven.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Irish Beef Stew Recipe

A close-up of a black frying pan filled with many small brown meat cubes cooking on a metal countertop burner. A woman's hand is holding silver tongs gripping some meat pieces in the pan. Behind the pan, there is a white bowl with raw meat cubes and a red spatula inside it. On the right side, a white cutting board has chopped white onions on it. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Coat the Beef for a Perfectly Thickened Stew

Start by placing your 2 pounds of boneless beef chuck roast cubes, along with ¼ cup of unbleached all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper into a large zip-top bag or bowl. Seal it up and shake well or stir gently to make sure every cube is evenly coated. This simple step not only seasons the meat but also helps thicken the stew naturally as it cooks. It’s a little trick that makes a big difference in texture and flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Beef to Build Rich Flavor

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the beef cubes in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan!—and brown them on all sides. You’re aiming for a deep, golden crust that locks in juices and intensifies flavor. As each batch finishes, transfer the beef immediately to your slow cooker. This step sets the foundation for the hearty flavor that defines this stew.

Step 3: Sauté Onions in the Flavorful Beef Drippings

Next, add your finely chopped onion to the skillet with those rich beef drippings. Sauté over medium heat until the onions turn tender and translucent—this usually takes a few minutes and fills your kitchen with a savory aroma. Then, scrape the onions into the slow cooker with the browned beef. This step adds sweetness and depth to the stew.

Step 4: Add Broth, Bay Leaf, and Slow Cook Long and Low

Pour in ½ cup of beef broth and toss in a bay leaf. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This slow, steady cooking allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld into a rich, comforting base for your stew.

Step 5: Introduce the Vegetables for Color and Comfort

After the initial 4 hours, stir in 2 cups of baby carrots and 4 peeled russet potatoes cut into 1-inch chunks. Mix gently so you don’t break up the tender meat. Cover once again and continue cooking on low for another 2 to 4 hours, until both the meat and vegetables are tender and infused with that deep, hearty flavor we crave from a traditional Irish stew.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve Warm

Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste your stew. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to bring out the best flavors. Serve warm and enjoy a bowl full of comfort and tradition—a true Hearty Irish Beef Stew Recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!

Top Tip

When you're making this Hearty Irish Beef Stew Recipe, a few insider tips can really elevate your stew and make the entire cooking process smoother and more rewarding.

Brown the Beef in Batches: I’ve learned that browning the beef cubes in smaller batches prevents overcrowding, which means better caramelization and a richer, deeper flavor in the stew.
Coat with Flour Properly: Shaking the beef cubes with the flour mixture in a sealed bag ensures even coating throughout, helping to naturally thicken the stew without any extra fuss.
Low and Slow Cooking: Cooking the stew on low heat for a full 6 hours gives the beef and vegetables enough time to become tender and soak up all those cozy flavors.
Skip the Rush: Resisting the urge to open the slow cooker often keeps the temperature steady and speeds up tenderizing—patience really pays off for that perfect stew!

How to Serve Hearty Irish Beef Stew Recipe

The image shows a slow cooker pot filled with three main layers of food. The bottom layer consists of white chopped potatoes, cut into medium-sized pieces with a smooth texture. On top of this, there is a layer of orange baby carrots that are whole and have a soft, slightly shiny surface. The top layer consists of bite-sized brown cooked beef pieces that have a slightly rough surface with juices visible. The ingredients are mixed together but the different layers and colors are distinct inside the black slow cooker pot, which is placed on a dark surface but changed to white marbled texture in the final image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme right before serving adds a burst of color and freshness that perfectly complements the rich stew. For an extra touch, a dollop of creamy horseradish sauce or a few twists of freshly ground black pepper brings out layers of flavor.

Side Dishes

This stew shines as a hearty main dish, but pairing it with some rustic Irish soda bread or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the meal beautifully. For a heartier spread, buttery steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts work wonderfully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your cozy meal, store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Your Hearty Irish Beef Stew will keep well for up to 4 days, making it an ideal make-ahead comfort food for busy days.

Freezing

If you want to save your stew for longer, freezing is a great option. Transfer cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving space for expansion. Frozen stew will stay delicious for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for the best texture and flavor retention.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?

While you can experiment, beef chuck roast is ideal for its perfect balance of flavor and tenderness after slow cooking. Other cuts might be tougher or less flavorful.

Do I really need to coat the beef with flour?

Yes! Coating the beef with flour helps create a natural thickening agent for the stew and assists in browning, which enhances the hearty flavor and texture.

Can I make the stew without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a slow cooker, use a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid on low heat and cook gently until the beef and vegetables are tender, adjusting time as needed.

How can I add more herbs for extra flavor?

Fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley stirred in just before serving bring a fresh, vibrant note to the stew without overpowering its traditional flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Irish Beef Stew Recipe is more than just a meal — it’s a warm hug on a chilly day, filled with rich flavors and simple, nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or just indulging in some solo comfort food, this stew delivers satisfaction in every bite. So grab your slow cooker, stir up some magic, and enjoy every cozy spoonful!