Hearty Irish Lamb Stew Recipe: A Cozy Classic Made Simple

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty irish lamb stew that warms souls on chilly evenings.

Rich aromas of tender meat and root vegetables fill the kitchen with promises of traditional goodness.

Generations of Irish cooks have perfected this classic dish, blending simple ingredients into a robust meal.

Succulent lamb slowly simmers with potatoes, carrots, and herbs, creating layers of deep, satisfying flavor.

Each spoonful tells a story of rustic countryside cooking and culinary heritage.

The stew transforms humble ingredients into a celebration of Irish culinary tradition.

Savor this delicious recipe that connects you to the heart of Irish home cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients Used In Irish Lamb Stew

• Lamb: Select tender, marbled cuts for rich, succulent flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Choose shoulder or leg cuts for optimal tenderness.
• Flour: Creates golden crust and helps thicken stew's delectable sauce. Use all-purpose flour for smooth coating.

• Onion, Garlic: Build deep, complex flavor foundation with sweet and pungent notes. Choose firm, fresh produce without soft spots.
• Thyme, Rosemary: Introduce earthy, woodland herbal tones. Select vibrant green herbs with strong fragrance.
• Bay Leaves: Add subtle complexity and rounded depth to stew's profile. Use dried leaves for concentrated flavor.

• Potatoes, Carrots, Celery, Pearl Onions: Create robust, satisfying texture and nutritional balance. Pick firm, fresh vegetables without blemishes or soft areas.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers tangy, umami undertone that elevates overall taste experience. Select high-quality, traditional brand.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking base and subtle fruity undertone. Choose extra virgin variety for best flavor.
• Broth, Beer: Develop rich, layered liquid base. Select low-sodium broth and dark stout for authentic Irish character.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies color and adds concentrated sweetness. Pick organic, deep-red paste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced flavor profile. Use freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish with fresh, clean finish. Choose crisp, vibrant green leaves.

Gear You’ll Need For Irish Lamb Stew

• Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Essential for even heat distribution and creating rich, deep flavors in the stew.
• Paper Towels: Perfect for patting lamb dry before seasoning and coating with flour.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery.
• Sharp Kitchen Knife: Crucial for precise vegetable and meat preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helpful for accurately portioning ingredients.
• Ladle: Ideal for serving the stew into bowls.

How To Cook Irish Lamb Stew Easily

• Prepare the Meat

Grab your lamb pieces and give them a good pat dry. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then dust with a light coating of flour to create a delicious golden crust.

• Brown and Sizzle

Heat up a heavy pot with olive oil until it’s dancing hot. Toss in the lamb pieces and let them sear until they’re beautifully browned on all sides. Pull them out and set aside.

• Create Flavor Base

In the same pot, toss in onions and garlic. Let them sweat and release their aromatic magic, creating a rich foundation for your stew.

• Build the Liquid Gold

Pour in broth and a splash of beer. Stir in tomato paste and herbs, bringing the lamb back to the party. Let everything mingle and get acquainted.

• Vegetable Party

Drop in potatoes, carrots, celery, and pearl onions. These hearty friends will make your stew thick and satisfying.

• Slow Cook to Perfection

Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat. Cover and let the stew simmer lazily for about two hours, allowing the meat to become meltingly tender.

• Final Touches

Taste and tweak the seasoning. If it looks too thin, let it bubble uncovered to thicken up beautifully.

• Serve with Love

Ladle into warm bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve alongside crusty bread for a true Irish comfort meal.

Flavor Tips For Irish Lamb Stew

• Meat Mastery: Choose fatty lamb cuts like shoulder or leg for maximum tenderness and rich flavor that melts in your mouth.
• Slow Cooker Magic: Transform this stew into a hassle-free meal by transferring ingredients to a slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours for ultra-soft meat.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising taste.
• Veggie Protein Swap: For vegetarian friends, substitute lamb with hearty portobello mushrooms or seitan chunks to maintain the stew's robust texture and depth of flavor.
• Low-Carb Twist: Reduce potato quantity and add extra root vegetables like turnips or cauliflower to create a lower-carbohydrate version that's equally satisfying and nutritious.

Serving Irish Lamb Stew Hot

• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice up some hearty sourdough or crusty Irish soda bread to soak up the rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for mopping up every delicious drop.
• Herbal Green Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the stew's deep, meaty flavors. The green herbs create a beautiful color contrast.
• Cozy Side Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the stew's richness. The fresh, tangy salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, comforting lamb.
• Winter Warmth Suggestion: Enjoy this stew by the fireplace with a glass of robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or an Irish stout. The drink complements the hearty flavors and creates a perfect cold-weather dining experience.

Keep Irish Lamb Stew Fresh

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftover stew in airtight containers for 3-4 days, ensuring tight sealing to maintain flavor and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Freezer Champion: Stash portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months. Separate into individual servings for easy thawing and reheating.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth if stew seems dry to restore original consistency and prevent meat from becoming tough.
• Flavor Renewal Trick: When reheating, sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley or add pinch of fresh thyme to revive the stew's aromatic profile and brighten its taste after refrigeration.

Hearty Irish Lamb Stew Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Irish Lamb Stew embodies comfort from generations of Irish culinary tradition. Tender meat, root vegetables, and rich broth combine in a soul-warming dish you’ll savor with genuine pleasure.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 grams) lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 cups beef or lamb broth
• 1 cup Guinness or another dark beer (optional)
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 cup pearl onions or diced white onions (optional)
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat lamb pieces dry and season comprehensively with salt and pepper. Dust evenly with flour, ensuring light, uniform coating.
2. Browning: Heat heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high flame. Drizzle olive oil and systematically brown lamb pieces in batches, creating caramelized exterior. Remove browned meat to separate plate.
3. Aromatic Foundation: In same pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent. Release fragrant undertones that will elevate overall dish complexity.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour broth and beer into pot. Blend tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves thoroughly. Return lamb pieces, submerging them completely in aromatic liquid mixture.
5. Vegetable Incorporation: Add potatoes, carrots, celery, and pearl onions. Splash Worcestershire sauce to enhance flavor depth. Stir ingredients to ensure harmonious distribution.
6. Simmering Process: Bring mixture to rapid boil, then immediately reduce to gentle simmer. Cover and allow flavors to meld, stirring periodically. Cook until lamb becomes remarkably tender and vegetables reach optimal softness.
7. Finishing Touches: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If sauce appears thin, reduce uncovered to achieve desired consistency. Remove herb sprigs before serving.
8. Presentation: Transfer stew to warm serving bowls. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for vibrant garnish. Serve alongside crusty bread for a complete, soul-warming dining experience.

Notes

• Meat Preparation: Pat lamb pieces completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect browning and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Batch Browning Strategy: Brown meat in small batches to maintain high pot temperature, creating a deep caramelized crust that locks in rich flavor and prevents overcrowding.
• Liquid Balance Control: Monitor stew’s consistency during simmering; add more broth if it becomes too thick or reduce uncovered if sauce needs thickening.
• Herb Infusion Technique: Allow herbs to steep slowly during long cooking process, releasing maximum flavor into the stew’s base while ensuring meat becomes incredibly tender.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg