If you have a craving for something rich, comforting, and downright soul-satisfying, this Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender chunks of hearty beef slowly simmered in a luscious, deeply flavored broth enriched with Guinness stout, and paired perfectly with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. It’s like a warm embrace on a plate, embodying everything we love about classic Irish cooking with a twist that makes it irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re serving a cozy family dinner or impressing friends, this stew will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a pivotal role in crafting layers of flavor and texture. From the robust beef chuck to sweet root vegetables and velvety mashed potatoes, every component adds something special.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for browning the beef and building the stew’s flavor foundation.
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes: The star protein that becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Basic seasoning to enhance all other flavors.
- 1 yellow onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a pungent warmth that’s key to savory dishes.
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste: Brings richness and a subtle acidity to balance the stew.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the stew for a luscious consistency.
- 3 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid base for simmering the stew.
- 1 cup Guinness stout or other dark beer: Adds complexity and that unmistakable Irish character.
- 3 carrots, sliced: Sweet earthiness that softens as it cooks into the stew.
- 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped: Offers a subtle nuttiness and unique texture.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Adds aromatic freshness and depth.
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried: Herby notes to brighten the stew.
- 1 bay leaf: Classic herb that lends a gentle, savory fragrance.
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed: Perfect for creamy mashed potatoes with a buttery texture.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Enriches the mashed potatoes with creaminess.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Lightens and smooths the mash for perfect mouthfeel.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Finishing seasonings for the mashed potatoes.
How to Make Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by seasoning the beef cubes with salt and pepper, because seasoning early ensures every bite is tasty. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, and then sear the beef in batches until it’s beautifully browned on all sides. Don’t crowd the pan—this helps develop those deep, caramelized flavors that make the stew so special. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Base Flavors
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and begins to turn translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, allowing the tomato paste to cook for about a minute. This step caramelizes the paste and garlic, creating a robust base that elevates the entire dish. Next, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to coat everything, which will help thicken the stew later.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the beef broth and Guinness stout, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—that’s pure flavor gold right there. Return the browned beef to the pot, then add the carrots, parsnips, celery, fresh thyme, and bay leaf. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover and turn the heat to low. Let it cook slowly for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours until the beef is meltingly tender and the stew has thickened into a rich, hearty masterpiece.
Step 4: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
While the stew is doing its magic, it’s time to make those dreamy mashed potatoes. Boil the peeled and cubed Yukon gold potatoes in salted water until they’re fork-tender, roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Drain them thoroughly and return them to the pot. Add the butter and whole milk, then mash until perfectly smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, making them just right to soak up that delicious stew gravy.
How to Serve Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top adds a refreshing herbal note and a pop of green that brightens the warm, rich colors of the stew. A light grating of fresh black pepper right before serving gives a touch of spice that complements the hearty flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes Recipe shines as a complete meal all on its own, but if you want to round it out, crisp green vegetables like sautéed kale or steamed green beans are ideal. A crusty loaf of bread or traditional Irish soda bread can also be a fantastic way to mop up the savory sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner, serve the stew ladled over a generous mound of mashed potatoes in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the colors and textures. Alternatively, you can plate the mashed potatoes as a bed and spoon the beef stew neatly on top, creating a layered look that’s rustic yet elegant enough for special occasions. Adding a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of mustard on the side can add an extra dimension of flavor fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stew actually develops even more flavor after sitting, so leftovers are a treat. Store cooled stew and mashed potatoes in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay good for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate helps maintain the texture of the potatoes.
Freezing
The stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Mashed potatoes can be frozen as well, but may separate slightly; re-whip them with a splash of milk when reheating. Labeling your containers with the date makes it easy to enjoy this homemade comfort food later.
Reheating
Reheat the stew gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through and sauce is silky. For mashed potatoes, warming slowly in a low oven or microwave with a little added milk and butter ensures they stay creamy and smooth. Bring everything together on the plate just before serving for that fresh-from-the-kitchen feel.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of beef for this stew?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness and marbling, you can use brisket or short ribs if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so the meat becomes perfectly tender and not tough.
Is it necessary to use Guinness beer?
Guinness adds a unique depth and slight bitterness that transforms this stew into an authentic Irish experience, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute an equal amount of beef broth. The stew will still be delicious, just a little lighter in character.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Also, check that the beef broth and beer you use are gluten-free to keep the dish safe for sensitive diets.
How do I know when the beef is cooked perfectly?
The beef should be fork-tender and easily pull apart with a little pressure when the stew is done. Cooking times can vary slightly, so check tenderness around the 2-hour mark and continue simmering if needed until it reaches that melt-in-your-mouth stage.
What’s a good wine pairing with Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes Recipe?
This hearty, savory stew pairs wonderfully with a bold red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Malbec. These wines complement the rich beef and robust flavors without overpowering them, making for a beautifully balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
This Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes Recipe is a genuine celebration of comfort food that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Its tender beef, rich broth, and creamy potatoes come together to create something truly special you’ll want to make again and again. So gather your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and enjoy the magic of this timeless Irish classic with those you love.
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Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and traditional Irish beef stew served over creamy mashed Yukon gold potatoes. This comforting meal features tender beef chuck simmered with vegetables, Guinness stout, and fresh herbs, perfect for a cozy winter dinner.
Ingredients
For the stew:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup Guinness stout or other dark beer
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 bay leaf
For the mashed potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season and brown the beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef until browned on all sides, then transfer to a plate.
- Sauté vegetables and build flavor: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.
- Thicken and deglaze: Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir to coat evenly. Pour in the beef broth and Guinness stout, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to add rich flavor.
- Combine stew ingredients and simmer: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add sliced carrots, chopped parsnips, celery, fresh thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until the beef is tender and the stew has thickened. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Prepare mashed potatoes: While the stew simmers, place peeled and cubed Yukon gold potatoes in a pot of salted water. Boil until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well and return potatoes to the pot.
- Mash potatoes and finish: Add unsalted butter and whole milk to the drained potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon a generous serving of the hearty beef stew over a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes and enjoy hot.
Notes
- For richer flavor, prepare the stew a day ahead and reheat before serving.
- If you prefer, substitute the beer with additional beef broth to make the dish alcohol-free.
- To make this stew gluten-free, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener instead of all-purpose flour.
