Name: Irish Beef Stew Recipe from Bacon by the Box
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 150 min
Total time: 170 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 pounds (900 grams) beef stew meat; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 large onion; 4 cloves garlic; 4 carrots; 4 potatoes; 2 cups beef broth; 2 bay leaves; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; Salt and black pepper; Chopped fresh parsley

Irish Beef Stew is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together tender chunks of beef, flavoursome vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a rich and savoury broth. This traditional Irish recipe has stood the test of time, warming countless hearts and bellies with its robust flavours and comforting textures.

Irish Beef Stew Ingredients

2 pounds (900 grams) beef stew meat, cut into chunks
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
4 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 cups beef broth
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions/Method

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced beef and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring well to coat everything. Cook for another minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
Return the beef to the pot and add the carrots and potatoes. Stir everything together.
Pour in the beef broth. Add the bay leaves and thyme. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavours have melded together. Stir occasionally and add more broth if needed to keep the stew from drying out.
Once the stew is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
Serve the Irish beef stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. It pairs well with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.