Classic Irish Beef Stew Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup Irish stout beer, optional
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Method:

1. Pat the beef dry and toss it with the flour, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches until deeply browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Add the onion and celery to the same pot. Cook for 4–5 minutes, then add the garlic and tomato paste. Stir for 1 minute.
4. Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and stout beer, if using. Add the bay leaves and thyme.
5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1½ hours.
6. Add the potatoes and carrots. Cover and continue simmering for 30–40 minutes, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
7. Remove the bay leaves, taste, and adjust the seasoning.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread.