Made with cuts of tender beef and loaded with hearty vegetables, this easy crockpot Irish beef stew recipe is the perfect cozy dinnertime meal.
Easy Crockpot Irish Beef Stew
There’s nothing better than a warm, hearty meal, and this easy slow cooker beef stew is comfort food at its best.
Packed with tender beef, flavorful broth, and plenty of veggies, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy dinner at home.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or something to simmer away on a busy weekend, this stew is sure to hit the spot!
Why You’ll Love This Irish Stew Slow Cooker Recipe
The crockpot does most of the work with this Irish stew slow cooker recipe, ut you get all the credit for serving up a delicious home-cooked meal.
Win-win!
A traditional Irish stew recipe is often made with lamb, but if that’s hard to find—or if you simply prefer beef—this recipe is the perfect alternative.
It keeps all the rich, hearty flavors of a classic stew while using an ingredient that’s more readily available.
My whole family loves this stew….even my two picky eaters give it two thumbs up, so I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
Ingredients for Easy Crockpot Irish Beef Stew
Here is a quick look at all of the ingredients you need to make this easy Irish beef stew.
- 2 lbs. beef stew meat
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 lb. baby potatoes, cubed
- 1/2 lb. carrots, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 Tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Easy Crockpot Irish Beef Stew
Step 1: Sear Your Beef
Add olive oil to a sauté pan and heat over medium heat.
Once hot, add in the beef stew meat, and season with salt and pepper.
Sear the beef on all sides, for about 3 minutes, until browned.
To simplify the recipe, I prefer to use the pre-cut beef stew meat.
I just grab a few packages from the meat department at my local grocer, but you can also purchase and cut your own beef, like a chuck roast.
Just make sure to trim away any excess fat so you don’t end up with a greasy stew.
Step 2: Add Beef and Vegetables to the Slow Cooker
Next, line your crockpot with a slow cooker liner and add the seared beef to the crockpot, along with the chopped onion, potatoes, and carrots.
Step 3: Mix the Stew Base and Cook
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, minced garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
Pour over the beef cubes and vegetable mixture and add the bay leaf on top.
Then cover and cook your beef stew on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Step 4: Thicken the Stew
Just before serving, remove the bay leaf.
Then, combine the cornstarch and 3 tbsp water in a small bowl and pour into the beef stew to thicken it, and stir to combine.
Step 5: Add Your Peas
To finish, add in the frozen peas and cover again.
Once the peas are heated through and the stew has thickened, garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
What to Serve with Your Easy Slow Cooker Irish Stew
For a complete meal, pair this stew with my flaky Irish cheddar biscuits. They’re buttery, cheesy, and perfect for soaking up every last drop of that rich, flavorful broth.
Add a harvest apple salad on the side for a fresh and tangy contrast, and if you’re in the mood for something extra cozy, a glass of red wine, a winter white sangria, Guinness beer, or a dark stout is a great match.
And of course, no meal is complete without dessert.
A warm mini caramel apple pie or a slice of rich chocolate Guinness cake is the perfect sweet ending to this hearty, comforting dinner.
Irish Beef Stew: Easy, Comforting, and Delicious
This slow cooker Irish beef stew is the ultimate comfort food. It is hearty, flavorful, and so easy to make.
Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or a meal to warm you up on a chilly day, this stew is always a good idea.
Pair it with flaky Irish cheddar biscuits, a fresh harvest apple salad, and a delicious dessert for a meal that is sure to satisfy.
Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Cheers!
Printable Recipe Card for Easy Crockpot Irish Beef Stew
Easy Crockpot Irish Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. beef stew meat
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (chopped)
- 1 lb. baby potatoes (cubed)
- ½ lb. carrots (diced)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 teaspoons garlic (minced)
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 Tablespoons water
- 1 ½ cups frozen peas
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Add olive oil to a saute pan and heat over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in the beef stew meat, and season with salt and pepper. Sear the beef on all sides, for about 3 minutes, until browned.
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Add the beef to the crockpot, along with the onion, potatoes, and carrots.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, minced garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Pour over the beef and vegetable mixture and add the bay leaf on top. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
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20 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaf. Combine the cornstarch and 3 tbsp water in a small bowl and pour into the beef stew. Stir to combine.
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Add in the frozen peas and cover again. Once the peas are heated through and the stew has thickened, garnish with fresh parsley and serve.