Growing up, there was always something about the comfort of a hearty stew that made every Sunday feel like a special occasion. My mom would make Irish stew on those chilly afternoons, and the smell of tender lamb, vegetables, and savory herbs would fill the house.

The thought of that savory, rich stew with a side of creamy mashed potatoes always made me feel like I was wrapped in a warm blanket. I decided to experiment with beef and kept the classic ingredients like carrots, peas, and hearty potatoes.

As the stew simmered, filling my kitchen with its comforting aromas, I couldn’t help but feel that sense of nostalgia all over again. This Cozy Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes, paired with perfectly mashed potatoes, is now one of my go to meals when I need something that feels like home.

Cozy Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes - PP133 Thumb Cozy Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes

Short Description

This Cozy Irish Stew is a heartwarming dish made with tender stew meat (lamb or beef), carrots, peas, and a rich blend of savory seasonings, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes.

Key Ingredients

For the Stew:

Stew Meat (Lamb, preferably, or Beef)
¼ Cup All Purpose Flour
½ tsp Sea Salt
½ tsp Pepper
½ tsp Onion Powder
½ tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Dried Rosemary
1 tsp Dried Thyme
1 ½ Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Bay Leaves
4 Carrots, peeled and chopped
1 Cup Frozen Peas
4 Cups Beef Broth (or more if needed)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

4 Large Potatoes, peeled and cubed
¼ Cup Milk
2 Tbsp Butter
Salt and Pepper to taste

Tools Needed

Large Dutch Oven (or large pot)
Large Ziplok Bag
Wooden Spoon
Potato Masher (for mashed potatoes)
Knife and Cutting Board
Measuring Cups and Spoons

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Heat the Oil

In a large Dutch oven (or a large pot), heat 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2: Coat the Stew Meat

In a large Ziplok bag, combine the flour, sea salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, rosemary, and thyme.

Step 3: Brown the Stew Meat

Add the coated stew meat to the heated oil in your Dutch oven. Sear the meat on all sides, allowing it to develop a golden brown crust.

Step 4: Add the Beef Broth

Once the meat is browned, slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Add the Carrots and Bay Leaves

Toss in the chopped carrots and add the bay leaves to the pot. Bring everything to a boil over medium high heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Simmer the Stew

Once the stew reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium low to let it simmer. Cover the pot with a lid, and let it cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Add the Peas

With about 5 minutes remaining on the cooking time, add the frozen peas to the stew.

Step 8: Remove the Bay Leaves

Before serving, be sure to remove the bay leaves from the stew.

Step 9: Prepare Mashed Potatoes

Boil them in a large pot of salted water for 15-20 minutes or until fork tender.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the savory stew with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes on the side. For an authentic Irish touch, pair with a slice of Irish Soda Bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting & Hearty: This stew is the perfect dish for cold weather. With tender meat, flavorful broth, and creamy mashed potatoes, it’s both filling and comforting.

Versatile: While lamb is traditional, you can easily swap it out for beef or even a mix of both depending on your preference.

Easy to Make: The process is simple, with minimal ingredients and steps, making it an ideal meal for both novice and experienced cooks.

Packed with Nutrients: The carrots and peas add not only color but also essential vitamins and minerals, while the meat provides protein and iron.

Meal Prep Friendly: This stew reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for leftovers.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Not Browning the Meat Enough
If you don’t allow the stew meat to brown properly, it won’t develop that deep, savory flavor that adds richness to the stew.

Solution: Take your time to brown the meat on all sides, making sure it forms a nice golden crust.

Mistake 2: Adding Peas Too Early
If you add peas too early, they can become mushy and lose their vibrant color.

Solution: Add the peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking to maintain their texture and color.

Mistake 3: Not Removing the Bay Leaves
Bay leaves should be removed before serving because they can be tough to chew and have a sharp, overpowering flavor.

Solution: Be sure to remove the bay leaves before serving the stew.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve the stew alongside creamy mashed potatoes, which help to soak up the flavorful broth.

Pair with a slice of warm Irish Soda Bread for a truly Irish meal.

For drinks, a light Irish ale or a glass of red wine (like a Cabernet Sauvignon) complements the rich flavors of the stew.

This dish can be served family style in a large bowl, perfect for sharing around the dinner table.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Allow any leftover stew to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: If you want to freeze the stew, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if necessary to thin it out. For mashed potatoes, reheat in the microwave, adding a little extra butter or milk to keep them creamy.

FAQs

1. Can I use a slow cooker for this stew?
Yes, you can! Brown the meat first in a skillet, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the meat is tender.

2. Can I make this stew with chicken instead of beef or lamb?
Yes, chicken thighs or chicken breasts will work as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly lighter but still delicious.

3. Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely! You can add parsnips, turnips, or potatoes for additional flavor and texture.

4. Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the mashed potatoes a day ahead. Store them in the fridge and reheat them on the stove or in the microwave with a little added milk and butter.

5. Is this stew gluten free?
You can easily make it gluten free by using a gluten-free flour blend to coat the meat.

Tips & Tricks

Enhance Flavor with Herbs: If you love fresh herbs, add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme while the stew is simmering for an extra burst of flavor.

Use Bone In Meat for Extra Richness: If you’re using lamb or beef, consider using bone in cuts like shanks or stew bones. The bones add more depth to the broth.

Thicken the Stew: If your stew is too thin, make a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of flour with a little cold water and stirring it into the stew to thicken it.

Recipe Variations

Vegetable Irish Stew:

For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and potatoes. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a rich and satisfying stew.

Spicy Irish Stew:

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some finely chopped chili peppers to give the stew a subtle kick of heat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about a steaming bowl of Irish stew on a chilly evening. The way the tender meat, carrots, and peas simmer in the savory broth, paired with the creamy mashed potatoes, makes every spoonful feel like a cozy hug.

The flavors meld together over time, so the leftovers are just as comforting the next day.