This Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes recipe warms you to your soul. It’s comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The rich flavors of beef combined with hearty vegetables create a dish that not only nourishes but also delights the palate. Plus, serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes makes every bite even more satisfying.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Stew
- For Serving
- How to Make Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes
- Step 1: Heat the Oil
- Step 2: Prepare the Meat
- Step 3: Sear the Meat
- Step 4: Add Broth
- Step 5: Incorporate Vegetables
- Step 6: Simmer
- Step 7: Add Peas
- Step 8: Serve
- How to Serve Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes
- Classic Garnishes
- Accompanying Bread
- Vegetable Pairings
- How to Perfect Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes
- Best Side Dishes for Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes
- Reheating Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken instead of beef?
- What is the best way to make mashed potatoes?
- How do I customize my Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes?
- Can I use other meats in this Irish stew recipe?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Satisfying: This stew is loaded with tender beef and fresh vegetables, making it a filling meal for any time of year.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe can be made by cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize the vegetables or swap out the meat; this dish can easily adapt to your preferences.
- Great for Leftovers: The flavor deepens over time, making it even better the next day, perfect for meal prep.
- Comforting Experience: There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of stew on a chilly evening; it’s the ultimate comfort food.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delightful Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes, having the right tools can make a significant difference in ease and efficiency.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch Oven
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden Spoon
- Ziploc Bags
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch Oven: Ideal for slow-cooking, this heavy pot retains heat well, ensuring even cooking of your stew.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for tossing ingredients together without mess; it keeps everything organized during preparation.
- Wooden Spoon: Gentle on cookware while effectively stirring ingredients helps prevent scratches on your pots.
Ingredients
This Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes is made up of simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully.
For the Stew
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 3 Pounds Beef Stew Meat (or Lamb)
- 1/4 Cup All Purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 2 teaspoons Fresh Rosemary
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 4 Cups Beef Broth
- 5 Each Carrots (peeled and cut into chunks)
- 1 Cup Frozen Peas
- 2 Each Bay Leaves
For Serving
- Mashed Potatoes
How to Make Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Add the oil to a large Dutch Oven and turn the heat to medium-high.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat
In a large Ziploc bag, combine the stew meat, flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, rosemary, and thyme. Shake well to coat the meat evenly.
Step 3: Sear the Meat
Once the oil is hot enough, add the seasoned flour-coated stew meat to the pot. Sear all sides until browned.
Step 4: Add Broth
Slowly stir in the beef broth while mixing continuously to blend well.
Step 5: Incorporate Vegetables
Add the carrots and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 6: Simmer
Reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure nothing sticks.
Step 7: Add Peas
Five minutes before finishing cooking time, add in the frozen peas.
Step 8: Serve
Remove bay leaves before serving. Enjoy your delicious Irish stew alongside creamy mashed potatoes!
How to Serve Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes
Serving Irish stew with mashed potatoes is a delightful experience that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This hearty dish pairs well with various accompaniments, enhancing the flavors and making your meal even more satisfying.
Classic Garnishes
- Fresh Parsley – Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Chives – Sliced chives give a mild onion flavor that complements the stew.
Accompanying Bread
- Crusty Bread – A warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- Irish Soda Bread – This traditional bread adds a unique taste and texture to your meal.
Vegetable Pairings
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli offers a healthy crunch and bright color.
- Roasted Root Vegetables – Carrots, parsnips, and turnips roasted in olive oil provide a sweet contrast.
How to Perfect Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes
Perfecting your Irish stew with mashed potatoes can elevate this dish from good to great. Follow these tips for an outstanding result every time.
- Use Quality Meat – Opt for high-quality beef or lamb for richer flavor and tenderness.
- Sear the Meat Well – Browning the meat creates depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Let It Simmer – Allowing the stew to simmer longer develops a deeper flavor profile; aim for at least 1 hour.
- Adjust Seasonings – Taste as you go; adjusting salt, pepper, or herbs can make all the difference.
- Use Fresh Herbs – Fresh rosemary and thyme provide vibrant flavors compared to dried herbs.
Best Side Dishes for Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes
Pairing side dishes with your Irish stew can enhance your dining experience. Consider these delicious options to complement your meal.
- Colcannon – A traditional Irish dish made from mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale.
- Cucumber Salad – This refreshing salad adds a crisp contrast to the hearty stew.
- Garlic Green Beans – Tender green beans sautéed with garlic provide a savory touch.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes offer a contrasting sweetness that balances the savory stew.
- Cauliflower Gratin – Creamy cauliflower baked with cheese is indulgent yet complements the stew’s richness.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy Brussels sprouts bring out nutty flavors that pair beautifully with beef or lamb.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes, it’s easy to slip up. Here are a few common mistakes to dodge.
- Skipping the Searing: Not searing the meat before adding broth can lead to a less flavorful stew. Make sure to brown the beef or lamb first for maximum flavor.
- Overcooking Vegetables: Adding carrots and peas too early can make them mushy. To retain their texture, add peas just five minutes before serving.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Under-seasoning your stew can result in bland flavors. Always taste and adjust the seasoning as needed during cooking.
- Using Cold Broth: Adding cold broth can lower the temperature of the pot, affecting cooking time. Use room temperature broth for a smooth cooking process.
- Not Letting It Rest: Serving immediately after cooking can affect flavor development. Allow your stew to rest for a few minutes before serving for enhanced taste.
- Neglecting Garnish: A simple garnish, like fresh herbs, can elevate presentation and taste. Don’t skip this final touch!

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes
- Freeze in separate containers for stew and mashed potatoes.
- Ideal for up to 3 months; be sure to label with date.
Reheating Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Chicken works well as a lighter alternative while still providing great flavor.
What is the best way to make mashed potatoes?
Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. Boil, mash, and mix with butter and cream for richness.
How do I customize my Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes?
You can add different vegetables like parsnips or turnips. Adjust herbs based on your preference too!
Can I use other meats in this Irish stew recipe?
Absolutely! Lamb or turkey are excellent substitutes that will still create a hearty dish.
Final Thoughts
This Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes is perfect comfort food that warms you from the inside out. Its versatility allows for numerous ingredient variations based on your preferences. Give it a try and customize it to make it uniquely yours!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes, a classic dish that embodies heartiness and flavor. This recipe combines tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, simmered to perfection in rich beef broth. Paired with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. The best part? This dish is simple to prepare and allows for customization based on your preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 3 Pounds Beef Stew Meat (or Lamb)
- 1/4 Cup All Purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 2 teaspoons Fresh Rosemary
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 4 Cups Beef Broth
- 5 Each Carrots (peeled and cut into chunks)
- 1 Cup Frozen Peas
- 2 Each Bay Leaves
- Mashed Potatoes
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- In a Ziploc bag, combine beef stew meat with flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, and thyme; shake well.
- Sear the seasoned meat in the hot oil until browned on all sides.
- Gradually stir in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Add carrots and bay leaves; reduce heat to medium-low and cover.
- Simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add frozen peas 5 minutes before serving.
- Remove bay leaves and serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (400g)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg





