Irish Beef Stew with Root Vegetables (Printable View)
Tender beef and root vegetables in a rich, savory broth. A classic hearty Irish comfort dish that's warming and satisfying.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 2.6 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1 inch cubes
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
03 - 2 large onions, chopped
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 3/4 inch chunks
06 - 3 parsnips, peeled and cut into 3/4 inch chunks
07 - 2 medium turnips, peeled and cut into 3/4 inch cubes
08 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4 inch cubes
09 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
→ Broth & Seasonings
10 - 3 tbsp tomato paste
11 - 5 cups low-sodium beef broth
12 - 1 tbsp alcohol-free Worcestershire sauce
13 - 2 bay leaves
14 - 1 tsp dried thyme
15 - 1 tsp dried rosemary
16 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
17 - Salt to taste
→ Finishing Touches
18 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
# How to Prepare:
01 - Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown half the beef cubes on all sides until deeply caramelized, then transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining oil and beef.
02 - Add onions and garlic to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
04 - Return beef to the pot. Add carrots, parsnips, turnips, potatoes, and celery. Stir thoroughly to combine.
05 - Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and salt to taste.
06 - Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
07 - Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The rich broth develops such incredible depth of flavor without any alcohol, proving you dont need wine for an exceptional stew.
- Each vegetable retains its unique character while creating a harmonious blend that even vegetable-averse eaters cant resist.
02 -
- Never skip the browning step - I once tried to save time by tossing everything in at once and ended up with pale, less flavorful meat that completely changed the character of the stew.
- Cutting all vegetables to roughly the same size ensures they cook evenly and you dont end up with some pieces mushy while others remain undercooked.
03 -
- Pat the beef completely dry with paper towels before browning - any moisture creates steam instead of caramelization and youll miss out on developing that crucial flavor foundation.
- For an incredibly rich finish, stir in a teaspoon of unsalted butter just before serving - it adds a silky mouthfeel that makes the stew feel even more luxurious without changing its character.