Name: Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 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; 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 cup whole milk; salt and pepper to taste

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If you’re craving the kind of soulful, stick-to-your-ribs comfort that only authentic Irish fare can provide, you have to try this Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes. Every spoonful of this classic dish delivers melt-in-your-mouth beef, hearty root vegetables, and a rich, savory broth crowned atop a cloud of creamy, buttery mash. Not only is it a flavorful tribute to time-honored Irish cooking, but it’s also perfect for cozy family dinners and festive gatherings alike.

Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe celebrates simple, honest ingredients that come together to make something truly special. Each component—from the tender beef to the rustic veggies and silky mashed potatoes—plays its part in building the irresistible flavor of Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes.

Olive oil: Gives the beef a beautiful sear and adds a hint of richness to the base of the stew.
Beef chuck: The star protein, chosen for its marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture after a long, slow braise.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
Yellow onion: Lends a subtle sweetness and depth to the stew as it softens and caramelizes.
Garlic: Provides a delicate aromatic foundation that elevates the entire dish.
Tomato paste: Adds a concentrated touch of sweetness and helps thicken the sauce with a hint of acidity.
All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickener, giving the stew its signature heartiness.
Beef broth: Forms the deep, savory backbone of the stew and infuses every bite with umami goodness.
Guinness stout or other dark beer: Offers that classic Irish richness and subtle malty notes (or swap for more broth for an alcohol-free version).
Carrots: Add color, gentle sweetness, and a satisfying bite.
Parsnips: Bring a mild earthiness and a unique twist from traditional stew.
Celery: Offers aromatic depth and rounds out the veggie medley perfectly.
Fresh or dried thyme: Adds a fragrant, woodsy note that pairs beautifully with beef and root vegetables.
Bay leaf: Infuses the stew with subtle herbal complexity—just don’t forget to remove it before serving!
Yukon gold potatoes: Naturally buttery and smooth, these make the ultimate creamy mash.
Unsalted butter: For richness and that luxurious finishing touch in your potatoes.
Whole milk: Helps create luscious, fluffy mashed potatoes with just the right consistency.
Salt and pepper (for potatoes): Simple, but essential for that perfectly seasoned mash.

How to Make Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by seasoning your beef chuck cubes generously with salt and black pepper. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan—this caramelization is where much of the flavor magic happens! Once all the pieces are seared on all sides, transfer them to a plate to rest.

Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and let it cook for 3–4 minutes, or until it turns soft and slightly golden. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, letting them cook together for about a minute. This step lays down even more fragrant flavor and a touch of complexity.

Step 3: Thicken and Deglaze

Sprinkle the flour over the onions, garlic, and tomato paste, stirring vigorously so the flour coats everything evenly. Slowly add the beef broth and Guinness, using your spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot—these bits are flavor gold for your Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes!

Step 4: Add Veggies and Simmer

Return the browned beef (and any juices on the plate) to the pot. Add in the sliced carrots, chopped parsnips, celery, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir everything together, bring the stew to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the stew is beautifully thickened, stirring occasionally for even cooking.

Step 5: Make the Mashed Potatoes

About 30 minutes before the stew is done, peel and cube your Yukon gold potatoes. Boil them in salted water until they’re tender (about 15–20 minutes). Drain and return the potatoes to the pot, then mash with butter and warm milk until ultra-smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste—creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate base for soaking up all that hearty stew!

Step 6: Serve with Style

Once the stew is ready (don’t forget to remove the bay leaf!), ladle it generously over scoops of fluffy mashed potatoes. Every serving of Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes promises a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for sharing around your dinner table.

How to Serve Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme makes a world of difference, adding a pop of color and a kiss of herbal brightness on top. For a little extra flair, try a swirl of olive oil or cracked black pepper just before serving your Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes.

Side Dishes

While this stew is perfectly filling on its own, a slice of Irish soda bread for mopping up the sauce or a crisp green salad can make your meal feel complete. Both provide a lovely contrast and complement the rich flavors at the heart of Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting dinner party touch, consider serving the stew and mash in individual bowls or ramekins. Or, build a “stew bar” with toppings like grated cheddar, chopped chives, or sour cream so guests can personalize their bowls of Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store the stew and the mash in separate airtight containers to preserve the best texture, and enjoy easy, hearty meals all week long!

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, the stew itself is freezer-friendly for up to three months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. The mashed potatoes can also be frozen, though they’re best eaten fresh—just reheat with a splash of extra milk to restore their creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat the stew, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen it up. For the mashed potatoes, a quick spin in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop (with a bit more butter or milk) brings back their luscious creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While beef chuck is traditional for its marbling and tenderness, brisket or stewing beef cubes work well too. Just look for well-marbled meat that can stand up to slow braising.

Is there an alcohol-free substitute for the Guinness?

Certainly—simply swap the beer for an extra cup of beef broth. You’ll still end up with a delicious, deeply flavored Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes that’s family-friendly.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry to thicken the stew, and be sure your broth and any added ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What’s the best potato for mashed potatoes?

Yukon golds are the star choice here—they’re naturally creamy, slightly buttery, and make mashed potatoes that are smooth but never gluey. They pair perfectly with the stew’s flavors.

How can I deepen the flavor even more?

For a next-level taste, prepare the Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes a day ahead of time and let it rest in the fridge overnight—the flavors meld together beautifully, making the stew even richer when reheated!

Final Thoughts

Give this recipe a try whenever you’re looking for a meal that’s both nourishing and celebratory. Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes is more than just dinner—it’s pure comfort in a bowl, sure to win hearts around your table. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a staple in your kitchen!

Irish Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and hearty Irish beef stew served over creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Season the beef: Season the beef with salt and pepper.
Sear the beef: In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil and sear the beef until browned. Transfer to a plate.
Cook the stew: Cook onion, garlic, tomato paste, and flour. Add broth, Guinness, vegetables, herbs, and beef. Simmer covered until beef is tender.
Prepare mashed potatoes: Boil potatoes, mash with butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Serve stew over mashed potatoes.