Home - World Recipes - Hearty Guinness and Lamb Irish Stew Recipe– A Taste of Ireland in Every Spoonful
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Home - World Recipes - Hearty Guinness and Lamb Irish Stew Recipe– A Taste of Ireland in Every Spoonful
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Irish stew is considered one of Ireland’s national dishes. Traditionally, it’s made with lamb or mutton, potatoes, onions, and carrots (sometimes parsnips, too). The recipe dates back to the early 1800s, when it was a simple, rustic peasant dish cooked slowly over the fire in a single pot — the kind of meal meant to feed big families on modest means.
Now, the reason you might see versions made with Guinness or Irish stout is because over time, chefs and home cooks started adding beer to deepen the flavor and give the stew a richer, darker broth. That addition doesn’t make it “not Irish” — in fact, it’s just a modern twist on an old favorite. The Guinness version became especially popular in Irish pubs and among tourists, so that’s the one most people outside Ireland recognize.
There’s a real charm in spotting the difference between authentic Irish stew and the pub-style Guinness version you’ll find outside Ireland. Once you know what to look for, it’s easy to tell which one you’re being served.
Here’s the inside scoop:
Meat: Always mutton (from an older sheep) or lamb, usually on the bone for flavor. In older times, every part was used — neck, shank, shoulder.
Base: No flour, no stock cubes, no wine or beer. Just water and patience. The meat itself creates a rich broth after slow simmering.
Veggies: Just potatoes, onions, and carrots — maybe parsnips. Some recipes layer the potatoes top and bottom, letting them thicken the stew naturally.
Color: Pale and milky-white rather than brown. The starch from the potatoes creates that cloudy, comforting texture.
Texture: Brothy, light, and soothing — think farmhouse comfort food rather than a restaurant dish.
Flavor: Pure, earthy, and sweet from the vegetables and slow-cooked lamb.
Meat: Lamb or beef — often boneless cubes for convenience.
Base: Uses Guinness, beef stock, flour, and herbs for a thicker, darker sauce.
Veggies: Carrots, celery, onions, sometimes peas or even mushrooms.
Color: Deep brown from the beer and caramelized ingredients.
Texture: Rich, thick, and gravy-like — perfect for soaking up with crusty bread.
Flavor: Malty, robust, slightly bitter from the stout — more of a pub comfort dish than a traditional family one.
🎒 Travel Tip(s):
If you’re in Ireland and the stew arrives dark brown, it’s not the old-fashioned one locals grew up on — it’s the Guinness variety. For the true taste of Irish heritage, look for a Traditional Irish Lamb Stew on the menu at small country pubs or in local homes. Dublin and rural counties like Kerry or Clare sometimes still serve the original, pale version — especially during colder months.
When you crave the kind of comfort that wraps around you like a soft wool blanket, an Irish stew is hard to beat. This version, made with tender lamb, rich Guinness, and earthy vegetables, tastes like something simmered all afternoon in a stone cottage kitchen — even if you’re just cooking it on a weekday evening at home.
What I love most about this stew is how each spoonful feels both rustic and indulgent. The Guinness deepens the flavor without overpowering it, and the slow-cooked lamb practically melts into the broth. Pair it with a warm slice of Irish soda bread and you’ll understand why the Irish call this a hug in a bowl.
2 lb / 900 g lamb shoulder, cut into 1½-inch / 4 cm cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
1 large onion, thinly sliced
4 cups / 1 litre beef stock, divided
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 bottle (11.2 oz / 330 ml) Guinness beer or Irish stout
2 bay leaves
3 carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch / 8 cm chunks
2 large potatoes (about 1½ lb / 700 g), peeled and cut into bite-size pieces
2 sprigs fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
¼ cup / 15 g chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Brown the meat:
Season the lamb generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Sear the lamb in batches until browned all over. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Soften the onions:
Add the remaining oil to the pot. Toss in the onions and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened and golden. Remove and set aside with the lamb.
Deglaze the pot:
Pour in a splash (about 2 tablespoons) of the beef stock and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom — that’s pure flavor. Let most of the liquid cook off.
Make the base:
Add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Lower the heat and slowly whisk in the beer, followed by the remaining stock, a little at a time. The mixture will look thick at first, but it smooths out beautifully as you add more liquid.
Simmer the stew:
Return the lamb and onions to the pot. Add bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 1½ hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
Add the vegetables:
Stir in the potatoes and carrots. Continue cooking for another 20–25 minutes, until the veggies are soft and the broth has thickened slightly.
Finish and serve:
Stir through the parsley just before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve piping hot with a thick slice of Irish soda bread to mop up the rich sauce.
👩🏻🍳 Foodie Tip(s):
When deglazing, only add a little liquid — enough to loosen the browned bits without flooding the pot.
The stew will naturally thicken as the potatoes cook. If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir in gradually while the stew simmers.
Skim off any excess fat before thickening if your lamb is very fatty.
For a pop of color, stir in a handful of thawed peas right before serving — no need to cook them further.
There’s something beautifully grounding about this stew — it connects you to the heart of Irish comfort cooking. Whether you make it for a quiet weekend dinner or to impress friends, it’s one of those recipes that gets better each time you cook it.
If you’ve tried this version — or have your own twist on Irish stew — I’d love to hear about it! 💬
Drop your thoughts, tips, or family variations in the comments below. Your idea might just inspire someone’s next cozy night in.
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