This Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes is the perfect comfort food that warms your soul. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a cozy night in, this dish brings hearty flavors and a touch of tradition to your table. Packed with tender beef and vibrant vegetables, it’s an easy recipe that everyone will love.

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 and Vegetables
- Step 5: Simmer
- Step 6: Add Peas
- Step 7: Serve
- How to Serve Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes
- Family Style
- Individual Bowls
- With Crusty Bread
- Side Salad
- 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 lamb instead of beef in Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes?
- What type of potatoes work best for mashed potatoes?
- How can I customize my Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes?
- What is the best way to thicken my Irish Stew?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Satisfying: This dish is filled with tender beef and fresh vegetables, making it a complete meal that satisfies hunger.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create a delicious stew without hassle.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this stew suits any occasion.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of herbs and spices enhances the taste, delivering authentic Irish flavors.
- Comforting Side: Served with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s the ultimate cozy meal for chilly evenings.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare this delightful dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch Oven
- Large Ziploc Bag
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch Oven: Ideal for slow cooking, it distributes heat evenly for tender meat and flavorful broth.
- Large Ziploc Bag: Great for coating the meat with flour and seasonings without mess.
- Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise chopping of vegetables for uniform cooking.

Ingredients
This Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes recipe warms you to your soul. It’s comfort food that’s good any time of year.
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
Add the stew meat, flour, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, rosemary, and thyme to a large Ziploc bag. Shake 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 and Vegetables
Slowly stir in the beef broth while continually stirring. Then add the carrots and bay leaves. Bring to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer
Reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Add Peas
Five minutes before serving, add frozen peas to the pot.
Step 7: Serve
Remove bay leaves from stew. Serve hot over creamy mashed potatoes for an irresistible meal!
How to Serve Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes
Serving Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes is a delightful way to enjoy a comforting meal. The rich flavors of the stew pair perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, making it a satisfying dish for any occasion.
Family Style
- Serve the stew in a large pot on the table, allowing everyone to help themselves. This creates a warm, communal dining experience.
Individual Bowls
- Present the stew in individual bowls topped with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh herbs for an appealing look.
With Crusty Bread
- Accompany your stew and mashed potatoes with slices of crusty bread. This is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
Side Salad
- Add a light side salad for a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew. A simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette works well.
How to Perfect Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes
To make your Irish Stew even better, consider these helpful tips. Small adjustments can elevate your dish to new heights.
- Choose quality meat: Opt for fresh beef or lamb from local sources for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Brown the meat well: Searing the meat until golden enhances its flavor and adds depth to the stew.
- Use homemade broth: If possible, use homemade beef broth instead of store-bought for richer taste.
- Add seasonal vegetables: Incorporate root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for added flavor and nutrition.
- Let it simmer: Allowing the stew to simmer longer can deepen the flavors and create a more tender texture.
- Season gradually: Taste as you go and adjust seasoning towards the end of cooking for balanced flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes
Complementing your Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great side dishes that pair wonderfully.
- Colcannon
A traditional Irish dish made with mashed potatoes and cabbage or kale, adding extra flavor and nutrients. - Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts bring a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the softness of mashed potatoes. - Caramelized Carrots
Sweet caramelized carrots add a touch of sweetness that balances out the savory flavors of the stew. - Garlic Bread
Warm garlic bread is perfect for dipping into leftovers, enhancing the overall hearty experience. - Green Beans Almondine
Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with almonds provide freshness and texture alongside the rich stew. - Beet Salad
A refreshing beet salad dressed in vinaigrette offers vibrant color and earthy sweetness that pairs well with beef stew. - Cucumber Salad
A cool cucumber salad adds crunch and refreshment, helping to lighten up this robust meal. - Irish Soda Bread
Serve slices of this classic bread as an accompaniment; it’s perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to keep in mind:
- Ignoring the seasoning: Failing to properly season the meat before cooking can lead to bland stew. Always ensure you coat your meat with salt, pepper, and spices for enhanced flavor.
- Overcrowding the pot: Adding too much meat at once can cause steaming instead of browning. Cook the meat in batches if necessary to achieve that rich sear.
- Not using enough liquid: Insufficient broth can result in dry stew. Make sure to add enough beef broth to cover the ingredients and keep it moist throughout cooking.
- Skipping the resting time: Serving immediately after cooking can lead to a less flavorful dish. Allowing the stew to sit for a few minutes enhances its flavors.
- Neglecting the vegetables: Overcooking or undercooking vegetables can ruin their texture. Add them at appropriate times during cooking for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The stew will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes
- Place cooled stew in freezer-safe containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months; just remember to label the date.
Reheating Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 25-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop: Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot, about 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about preparing this delicious dish, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:
Can I use lamb instead of beef in Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes?
Yes! Lamb adds a unique flavor and is a traditional choice for Irish stew.
What type of potatoes work best for mashed potatoes?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal as they provide a creamy texture when mashed.
How can I customize my Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes?
Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips or turnips for extra flavor and nutrition!
What is the best way to thicken my Irish Stew?
You can use cornstarch mixed with water or let it simmer uncovered for a while to reduce liquid naturally.
Final Thoughts
Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings warmth and satisfaction any time of year. This recipe allows room for customization, so feel free to experiment with different herbs or vegetables. Give it a try, and enjoy this delightful dish with family and friends!
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Irish Stew With Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Discover the warmth and comfort of our Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes, a dish that embodies hearty flavors and wholesome ingredients. This stew features tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, creating a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Paired with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s an ideal choice for cozy nights or festive gatherings. Simple to prepare yet packed with flavor, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 pounds beef stew meat (or lamb)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 5 carrots (peeled and cut into chunks)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- In a large Ziploc bag, combine stew meat with flour and seasonings; shake to coat evenly.
- Sear the seasoned meat in the hot oil until browned on all sides.
- Gradually stir in beef broth, then add carrots and bay leaves; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes.
- Stir in frozen peas five minutes before serving.
- Remove bay leaves; serve hot over creamy mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg





