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Classic Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes – Hearty, Comforting, and Family-Style

There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of Irish beef stew served over creamy mashed potatoes. This dish is rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying—perfect for family dinners, cold evenings, or when you want a meal that feels like a warm hug. Slow-simmered beef stew meat becomes incredibly tender, surrounded by a savory broth infused with herbs like rosemary and thyme. Sweet carrots, green peas, and aromatic bay leaves add balance and depth, while fluffy mashed potatoes soak up every drop of the flavorful sauce. This recipe is: Classic and timeless Perfect for family meals Rich, savory, and filling Ideal for make-ahead dinners
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • All ingredients are listed in English only and fully follow your rules.
Stew
  • 3 lbs beef stew meat
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 5 carrots peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Mashed Potatoes
  • Prepared mashed potatoes classic, smooth, and creamy

Equipment

  • Large heavy pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Potato masher or hand masher (for potatoes)

Method
 

  1. Follow these steps to make tender Irish beef stew with mashed potatoes.
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
  1. Pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a bowl, toss beef with flour, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add beef in batches and brown on all sides.
  3. Remove beef and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Stew Base
  1. In the same pot, add carrots.
  2. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring to release browned bits.
  3. Add garlic powder and onion powder.
Step 4: Simmer the Stew
  1. Return the beef to the pot.
  2. Pour in beef broth.
  3. Add bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme.
  4. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
  5. Cover and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender.
Step 5: Finish with Peas
  1. Stir in frozen peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Prepare Mashed Potatoes
  1. Prepare mashed potatoes separately using your preferred method.
  2. Keep warm until serving.
Step 7: Serve
  1. Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates or bowls.
  2. Ladle hot beef stew generously over the potatoes.
  3. Serve immediately.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Store mashed potatoes separately if possible.
Reheating
Reheat stew gently on the stovetop over low heat.
Add a splash of beef broth if thickened.
Freezing
Stew freezes well for up to 2 months.
Mashed potatoes are best made fresh.
🥄 Variations
Customize your Irish beef stew easily:
Extra Thick: Simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
Vegetable Boost: Add parsnips or turnips.
Herb Forward: Add extra rosemary for deeper aroma.
Rustic Style: Serve with chunky mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 8 hours.
❓ 10 FAQs
Is Irish stew usually beef?
Beef is a popular and hearty version.
Why coat beef in flour?
It helps thicken the stew naturally.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely, it’s mild and comforting.
Can I use fresh peas?
Yes, add them near the end.
Does the stew thicken as it cools?
Yes, reheat gently to loosen.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, great for gatherings.
What potatoes work best?
Starchy potatoes make the creamiest mash.
Can I skip mashed potatoes?
Yes, serve with bread or rice instead.
Is this a full meal?
Yes, it’s hearty and filling.
🏁 Conclusion
This Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. Tender beef, savory broth, and creamy potatoes come together in a timeless recipe that brings warmth to the table every time.
Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or cozy nights in, this is a meal you’ll come back to again and again.