Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew

Name: Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 255 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 2 pounds beef chuck roast (cut in 2-inch cubes); 1 tablespoon salt (divided); 2 teaspoons pepper (divided); 3 medium carrots (peeled and cut in 2-inch pieces); 1 large onion (cut in large chunks); 12 small potatoes; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (minced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 6 ounces Irish stout (such as Guinness) (optional); 2 cups green peas (fresh or frozen)

The ultimate one-pot dinner recipe, this slow cooker Irish beef stew is filled with hearty vegetables, creamy potatoes, and tender beef.

A white shallow bowl filled with slow cooker Irish beef stew.

Table of Contents

While I certainly focus most on my Lebanese and Jewish heritage, I am also 8% Irish. So when St Patrick’s day comes around, we like to celebrate with food! I’m sharing one of our favorite meals: Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew. What’s great about this one-pot dish is that the slow cooker does all of the work. Not to mention this dish tastes even better the next day and freezes extremely well!

Want some green recipes for St Patrick’s Day? Try my Shamrock Shake Healthy Copycat or Italian Herb Roasted Broccoli.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew

Easy to make ahead of time or start in the morning and then walk away!
Searing then slow cooking the beef makes it melt-in-your-mouth tender.
It’s a hearty stew that will leave you full and satisfied!

Ingredients

Beef: I always use a beef chuck roast cut into cubes for easy searing.
Veggies: A good mix of hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onions, and peas.
Beef broth: Acts as the flavorful base of the stew.
Tomato paste: Adds umami flavor and thickens the broth just a bit.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds more umami, savory flavor to the broth.
Garlic: Tastes a bit nutty and sweet when cooked.
Thyme: A bit woodsy and earthy in flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew

Step 1. Wash and cut your vegetables, then set aside.

Step 2. In a deep skillet, melt the butter and sear your beef on all sides.

Ingredients for Irish beef stew in a slow cooker bowl.

Step 3. Add the seared beef and prepared veggies to the bowl of your slow cooker, along with some salt and pepper.

Grating garlic cloves into slow cooker bowl with veggies.

Step 4. Add the fresh thyme and use a microplane to grate in your garlic.

Liz pouring Irish stout into slow cooker with beef and veggies.

Step 5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth, tomato paste, and worcestershire sauce and add it to the pot. If you’re using stout, now is when you’ll add the Guinness.

Stirring all ingredients for beef stew together in slow cooker.

Step 6. Toss it all together, then close the lid. Cook on low for 8 hours, or high for 4. About 15 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas.

Slow cooker Irish beef stew garnished with a sprig on thyme.

Serve garnished with any fresh herbs, and enjoy your Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between beef stew and Irish beef stew?

While Irish stew can be made with beef, it can also be made with lamb or mutton, which is really the only difference.

What is the best cut of beef for stew?

Beef chuck roast is the perfect balance between lean and fat so that it can withstand the slow cooking nature, and ends up being perfectly tender.

Does beer make stew bitter?

It can if you use too much, or over cook it. But it usually just adds an extra depth of rich flavor!

More Slow Cooker Recipes

Did you try this recipe and like it? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your dish.

The perfect meal to keep your whole family satisfied, give my Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew a try!

Your spoon is waiting.