There’s something timeless about Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes—a dish that warms you from the inside out. It’s rustic, filling, and full of deep, rich flavors that only get better with time. Whether you’re looking for the perfect cozy dinner for chilly nights or planning a traditional Irish meal for St. Patrick’s Day, this stew hits all the right notes. Tender chunks of beef or lamb, simmered slowly with carrots and peas in a savory broth, served over buttery mashed potatoes—this recipe brings together the best of comfort food and Irish tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot simplicity: It’s all made in a single Dutch oven or pot, meaning easy cooking and cleanup.
- Rich, developed flavor: Browning the meat first creates a depth of flavor that takes this stew to the next level.
- Perfectly paired with mashed potatoes: The creamy potatoes soak up every drop of the hearty gravy.
- Customizable: You can use beef or lamb, switch up the veggies, and even adjust the seasonings to your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 lb beef stew meat (or lamb for a more traditional version)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups beef broth
- 5 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 bay leaves
- Mashed potatoes, for serving
How to Make Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Meat
Place the stew meat in a large resealable plastic bag. Add the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, and thyme. Seal the bag and shake until the meat is well coated with the flour and seasoning mixture.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the floured meat in batches, browning it on all sides. This step is essential for building flavor.
Step 3: Add Broth and Veggies
Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift all those tasty browned bits. Add the chopped carrots and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Simmer the Stew
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Add the Peas
During the final 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the peas. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Step 6: Serve with Mashed Potatoes
Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate or bowl, then ladle the hot stew over the top. The creamy texture of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the rich, meaty stew.
Optional Tips and Variations
- Use lamb for authenticity: Lamb shoulder or stew meat offers a more traditional flavor.
- Thicken the stew: If you prefer a thicker gravy, stir in a tablespoon of instant mashed potato flakes or a cornstarch slurry at the end.
- Add Guinness or Worcestershire sauce: For deeper umami notes, add a splash of either to the broth.
- Swap out the veggies: Add celery, parsnips, or even mushrooms depending on what’s in season.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well—just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot throughout.
Mashed potatoes can also be stored separately in the fridge and reheated with a splash of milk to keep them creamy.
What to Serve with Irish Stew
While mashed potatoes are the classic pairing, Irish stew also goes great with:
- Fresh crusty bread or soda bread
- Buttered green beans or sautéed cabbage
- A pint of your favorite dark beer or ale
Final Thoughts
Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes is a recipe that brings comfort, tradition, and flavor to your table. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners, yet hearty and impressive enough for special occasions. Once you make it, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen—especially when you need a little extra warmth and nourishment.
So grab your pot, chop your veggies, and get ready to enjoy a steaming bowl of Irish comfort!