Hearty Irish Beef Stew
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Hearty Irish Beef Stew, a timeless classic that warms the soul. This stew features tender chunks of beef, simmered to perfection with hearty vegetables and enriched with a subtle hint of sherry. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this dish embodies the spirit of a traditional Irish pub. Serve it with freshly baked Irish Soda Bread to soak up the rich flavors, and enjoy a taste of Ireland right at your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef
1.5 lbs (cut into chunks (choose a high-quality cut for best results))
butter
1/4 cup (unsalted)
tomato soup
1 can (10.5 ounces) (condensed)
water
1 can (10.5 ounces) (warm)
carrots
4 (cut into chunks)
potatoes
4 large (cut into chunks (peeling optional))
celery
2 stalks (cut into chunks)
onions
4 (cut into chunks)
salt
2 teaspoons
black pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped finely)
cooking sherry
1/4 cup (good quality)
bay leaves
2
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
In a large, heavy skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks in batches and brown them on all sides for added flavor, about 5-7 minutes total.
3
Once the beef is browned, reduce the heat and stir in the tomato soup and water until well combined.
4
Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, onions, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, cooking sherry, and bay leaves to the skillet. Stir gently to mix all ingredients, allowing them to combine for about 5 minutes on low heat.
5
Transfer the entire mixture to a cast iron Dutch oven or an oven-safe pot. Cover it with a lid and place it into the preheated oven.
6
Let it cook for 5 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
7
Once cooked, carefully remove from the oven. Discard the bay leaves before serving the stew hot and steamy. Pair with Irish Soda Bread and butter for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of meat is used in Hearty Irish Beef Stew?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of beef, preferably a high-quality cut, cut into chunks.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 300°F (150°C).
How long does the stew need to cook in the oven?
The stew should cook for 5 hours to ensure the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined.
Do I need to brown the beef before putting it in the oven?
Yes, you should brown the beef chunks in butter in a large skillet for 5-7 minutes for better flavor.
What kind of soup base is used?
The recipe uses one 10.5-ounce can of condensed tomato soup mixed with water.
Should I peel the potatoes for this stew?
Peeling the potatoes is optional; you can choose based on your preference.
What type of butter should be used?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
What is the purpose of adding cooking sherry?
Cooking sherry is added to provide a subtle hint of richness and depth to the stew's flavor.
How many bay leaves are required?
Two bay leaves are used during the cooking process.
When should I remove the bay leaves?
Discard the bay leaves after the 5-hour cooking period and before serving the stew.
How many onions are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires four onions, cut into chunks.
How many carrots should I prepare?
You should use four carrots, cut into chunks.
What is the recommended size for the vegetable pieces?
The carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions should all be cut into hearty chunks.
Can I use cold water to mix with the soup?
The instructions recommend using warm water for the best consistency when mixing with the condensed soup.
What is a good side dish for Irish Beef Stew?
It is traditionally served with freshly baked Irish Soda Bread and butter.
Should the stew be stirred while it is in the oven?
Yes, you should stir it occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
What kind of pot is best for baking this stew?
A cast iron Dutch oven or any oven-safe pot with a lid is ideal for this recipe.
How much salt is included in the seasoning?
The recipe calls for two teaspoons of salt.
What type of pepper is best for this recipe?
One teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper is recommended.
How much parsley is needed and what kind?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley.
Is this a fast-cooking recipe?
No, this is a slow-cooked recipe that requires 5 hours in the oven.
Does the recipe contain dairy?
Yes, it includes 1/4 cup of butter.
How many stalks of celery are used?
The recipe requires two stalks of celery, cut into chunks.
How many potatoes are used?
The recipe calls for four large potatoes.
What makes this stew 'Irish' style?
The combination of beef, root vegetables, and slow-cooking style embodies the spirit of a traditional Irish pub dish.
Can I substitute the cooking sherry?
While the recipe calls for cooking sherry, you can use a high-quality dry white wine or beef broth as a substitute.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 total ingredients in this recipe.
Should the pot be covered while in the oven?
Yes, the pot must be covered with a lid to keep the moisture in while it slow-cooks.
What heat setting is used to brown the beef?
The beef is browned over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
What is the very first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).