This Dutch oven Irish stew is the ultimate comfort food, made with tender beef and chunks of potato, carrot, and celery in a warm, rich broth flavored with Guinness beer.

Each bite is a blend of hearty ingredients, with hints of thyme and garlic. It’s an insanely satisfying (and easy) dinner without any fuss.

But First, A Brief History Lesson About Irish Stew

This hearty meal has been a staple in Ireland for quite literally, centuries you guys. Traditionally, Irish stew was a simple dish made from humble ingredients that were readily available to farmers and households, and in fact, it still is.

Originally, Irish stew was lamb-based because of the abundance of sheep in Ireland. However, over time, variations emerged, with beef and even game meats finding their way into the stew. Despite these adaptations, Irish stew remains relatively unchanged – a comforting medley of meat, potatoes, and vegetables, all simmered to perfection on one pot.

The Ingredients You’ll Need For This Dutch Oven Irish Stew

• Olive oil
• Beef chuck stew meat
• Yellow onion
• Carrots
• Celery stalks
• Garlic
• Russet potatoes
• Beef broth
• Tomato paste
• Guinness beer
• Flour
• Thyme
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Here’s How To Make Dutch Oven Irish Stew

1. Begin by heating a little olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef chunks and sear them until they’re golden brown on all sides. Once done, transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside for later.

1. In the same Dutch oven with the beef drippings, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them all until they’re soft and tender, which should take 5 ish minutes. Next, add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

1. Then, sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to fully incorporate the flour.
2. Return the seared beef to the pot and toss in the chopped potatoes.

1. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and thyme over the beef and potatoes. Then, stir in the beef broth and tomato paste.

1. Finally, pour in the can of Guinness beer and mix it all up gently.

1. Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the Dutch oven and simmer for about an hour, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender.

The Best Side For This Stew

There’s nothing quite like pairing a steaming bowl of Irish beef stew with a slice of traditional Irish brown bread. The hearty, slightly sweet flavor of the bread complements the rich flavors of the stew perfectly (especially toasted with butter).

However, if you’re looking to switch things up or add some variety to your meal, there are plenty of other delicious sides that pair beautifully with Irish stew. Crusty baguette slices or rustic soda bread are excellent alternatives to brown bread. And for a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a refreshing addition to any hearty stew.

Beef stew is such a great meal – it has a way of bringing warmth and comfort to the table (all year long) and with its rich flavors, wholesome ingredients, and easy preparation beef stew really does make the perfect dinner. Grab your Dutch oven and make a pot tonight and let me know what you think!