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Hearty Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes — Classic Comfort Food

There’s nothing quite as soul-warming as a Hearty Irish Stew bubbling away on the stove. Rich, savory, and full of tender chunks of beef, sweet carrots, and fragrant herbs, this traditional dish captures the heart of Irish home cooking. What makes this recipe special is its comforting simplicity — slow-cooked beef stew served over creamy mashed potatoes. The flavors develop beautifully as the meat simmers gently in a thick, flavorful broth. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and your heart with warmth. Perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or weekend gatherings, this classic Irish comfort food is nourishing, rustic, and deeply satisfying.
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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
  

🥩 Meat
  • 3 lbs beef stew meat or lamb, cut into chunks
🥕 Fruits & Vegetables
  • 5 carrots peeled and sliced into thick rounds
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 batch mashed potatoes for serving
🧂 Seasonings & Spices
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
🥣 Canned & Broth
  • 4 cups beef broth
🌿 Cooking Base
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small bowl (for dredging flour)
  • Potato masher or hand mixer
  • Medium pot (for mashed potatoes)
  • Ladle

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Meat
  1. Pat the beef dry with paper towels to help it brown properly. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then toss it in a bowl with ¼ cup flour until evenly coated.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pot. Sear on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove the browned meat and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
  1. In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add a drizzle more oil if needed. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the rosemary and thyme. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
  1. Add the carrots and stir for another 3–4 minutes to lightly soften them and absorb the seasonings.
Step 5: Build the Stew Base
  1. Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the bay leaves and pour in 4 cups of beef broth. Stir well to loosen the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
Step 6: Simmer Slowly
  1. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 1½ to 2 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Add Peas and Final Herbs
  1. When the meat is tender, stir in frozen peas and the remaining rosemary. Cook for another 5–7 minutes until the peas are heated through. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Step 8: Make the Mashed Potatoes
  1. While the stew simmers, prepare the mashed potatoes in a separate pot:
  2. Boil peeled potatoes in salted water until soft, drain, and mash with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep warm until serving.
Step 9: Serve
  1. Spoon a generous serving of mashed potatoes into each bowl and ladle the Irish stew over the top. Garnish with a few rosemary leaves or freshly cracked black pepper.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
🥄 Variations
Lamb Version: Use lamb instead of beef for a more traditional Irish flavor.
Vegetable Boost: Add parsnips, turnips, or celery root for extra heartiness.
Creamy Touch: Stir in a spoon of Greek yogurt or cream cheese before serving.
Spiced Twist: Add smoked paprika or chili flakes for warmth.
One-Pot Shepherd’s Style: Top the stew with mashed potatoes and bake briefly for a crusty finish.
Slow-Cooker Version: Cook on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use lamb instead of beef?
Yes! Lamb gives a more authentic Irish flavor and pairs beautifully with herbs.
2. Do I need to marinate the meat?
Not necessary — browning the beef builds enough flavor.
3. How do I thicken the stew?
Simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes or mix 1 tablespoon flour with broth and stir in.
4. Can I make it ahead?
Yes — the flavor gets even better the next day.
5. What potatoes are best for mashing?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes yield a smooth, creamy mash.
6. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use olive oil or plant-based milk for the mash.
7. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely — cool completely before freezing.
8. Can I add mushrooms?
Yes, they add a rich umami depth to the stew.
9. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Use dried — just reduce the quantity by half.
10. How do I keep the meat tender?
Cook low and slow. Toughness means it needs a bit more time to break down.
🏁 Conclusion
This Hearty Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort meal — a bowl of rich, tender beef and hearty vegetables simmered to perfection. The creamy mashed potatoes soak up every drop of the flavorful broth, creating a dish that’s satisfying, rustic, and heart-warming.
It’s the kind of recipe that brings family to the table, warms cold evenings, and fills every spoonful with love. Simple, timeless, and undeniably delicious — true Irish comfort food at its best.