Traditional Irish Dinner

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Author: Olivia
Published:
Plate of traditional Irish dinner with soda bread, stew, and vegetables.

This simple, warm Irish stew fills the house with good smells and feeds a family.

introduction

This Traditional Irish Dinner is a slow-cooked beef stew with potatoes and carrots. It tastes like home and is easy to make for a weeknight or a small gathering. For simple party ideas that pair well with this meal, see anti-Valentines Day party ideas.

why make this recipe

  • It uses simple, cheap ingredients you can find easily.
  • It makes a lot and feeds several people.
  • It is warm and filling on cold days.
  • You can make it ahead and warm it later.

how to make Traditional Irish Dinner

Brown the meat first to build flavor. Cook the onion until soft and stir in tomato paste and thyme. Add the browned meat back, pour in beef broth, and add the potatoes and carrots. Let it simmer slowly until the meat is tender and the vegetables are soft. Taste and add salt and pepper at the end.

Ingredients :

  • 1.5 lbs beef stew meat
  • 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 carrots, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions :

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides.
  2. Remove the meat and add the onion, cooking until translucent.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and thyme. Return the beef to the pot.
  4. Add the beef broth, potatoes, and carrots. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

how to serve Traditional Irish Dinner

Serve the stew hot in bowls. Add chopped fresh parsley on top. Offer crusty bread, buttered soda bread, or a simple green salad on the side. This stew also goes well with mashed potatoes or steamed greens.

how to store Traditional Irish Dinner

Cool the stew to room temperature, then put it in airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To keep longer, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

tips to make Traditional Irish Dinner

  • Brown the meat well for better flavor.
  • Cut vegetables to similar sizes so they cook evenly.
  • Simmer slowly; low heat makes the meat tender.
  • Taste near the end and adjust salt and pepper.
  • If the stew is too thin, simmer uncovered a bit to reduce; if too thick, add a little more broth.

variation (if any)

  • Add a splash of stout beer for richer flavor.
  • Use lamb instead of beef for a different taste.
  • Add peas or parsnips near the end for more vegetables.
  • For a lighter version, use leaner beef and less oil.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
A: Yes. Brown the meat first, then put all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Q: How do I know when the meat is done?
A: The meat is done when it is fork-tender and pulls apart easily.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes. Peas, parsnips, or turnips work well. Add softer vegetables near the end so they do not overcook.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. The stew tastes better the next day after the flavors rest. Refrigerate and reheat when ready to serve.

Print
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Traditional Irish Dinner

  • Author: arianarecipes
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 120 minutes
  • Total Time: 135 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Irish
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

A warm, hearty Irish stew with beef, potatoes, and carrots, perfect for cold days and family gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs beef stew meat
  • 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 carrots, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides.
  2. Remove the meat and add the onion, cooking until translucent.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and thyme. Return the beef to the pot.
  4. Add the beef broth, potatoes, and carrots. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 90 to 120 minutes, or until the meat is tender.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Cool the stew to room temperature, then store in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Ariana’s Delicious Moments
Hi, I’m Ariana!

A self-taught home cook who loves creating everyday recipes that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly. This blog is where I share the meals I actually make from quick weeknight dinners to sweet weekend treats.Let’s cook together!

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