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Slow Cooker Irish Stew

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  • #33321

Get ready for a stew that fights back with flavor. This Irish Stew packs a punch with its no-nonsense mix of meat, potatoes, and carrots, all brazenly bathing in a tomatoey bliss.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  over 5 hrs
Rating: 5/5

2 reviews
1 comment

ingredients

1 pound lean stew meat, round steak or London broil, cut into 1-inch pieces
salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, as desired
all-purpose flour
cooking oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 medium potatoes, cubed
12 baby carrots, cut in half (or use sliced carrots)
1 can (28 ounce size) crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15 ounce size) diced tomatoes, undrained

directions

Season the meat as desired with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Place some flour in a zip-top plastic bag. Add the seasoned meat and shake to coat in the flour.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to just coat the bottom.

Remove the meat from the bag and shake off any excess flour. Add the meat to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Drain off any excess fat.

Add the onion, carrots, and potatoes to the crock pot. Place the browned meat on top of the vegetables.

Pour the crushed and diced tomatoes over the meat.

Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 1 hour. Stir gently then reduce the heat to low and cook for 4-6 hours or until the vegetables are tender and the meat is cooked through.

Adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.


crock pot notes

Crock pots/slow cookers all heat differently. There is no standard among manufacturers. Cooking times are suggested guidelines based on our testing. Please adjust cooking times and temps to work with your brand and model of slow cooker.

recipe tips


To add flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine or beef broth after browning the meat and before adding it to the crock pot.

For a richer stew, you can stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the crushed and diced tomatoes.

If you prefer a thicker broth, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste or use a bit more flour when coating the meat.

If you find the stew's flavor too acidic due to the tomatoes, a pinch of sugar can help balance it.

For a heartier stew, you can also add a cup of chopped celery along with the carrots and onions.

common recipe questions


What type of meat is best for Irish stew?

Lean stew meat, round steak, or London broil cut into 1-inch pieces are ideal because they become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. You'll need about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes, blanched, peeled, and crushed for the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, and approximately 1 pound diced for the 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes. You may need to add some liquid to the crock pot if the tomatoes are not very juicy.

How can I thicken the stew if it's too thin?

If the stew is too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stirring it into the stew. Let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on high to thicken.

What can I serve with Irish stew?

Irish stew is traditionally served with crusty bread, such as soda bread, for dipping into the broth.

Can I prepare this stew in advance?

Yes, Irish stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Is it possible to make this stew in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this stew in an Instant Pot. Use the saute function to brown the meat and then add the rest of the ingredients. Cook under high pressure for 35 minutes followed by a natural release.

Can I freeze Irish stew?

Irish stew freezes well. Cool the stew completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

How do I make sure the meat is tender?

The key to tender meat in stew is slow cooking at a low temperature. If cooking in a crock pot, make sure to follow the recommended cooking times and avoid lifting the lid frequently, as this can extend the cooking time.

Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

Feel free to add other root vegetables such as parsnips or turnips to the stew. Add them with the potatoes and carrots to make sure they cook through.

What if I don't have a crock pot?

If you don't have a crock pot, you can make this stew in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven on the stove. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat and vegetables are tender.


nutrition data

550 calories, 25 grams fat, 46 grams carbohydrates, 39 grams protein per serving.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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reviews & comments

  1. Debra

    I have a question, where does the liquid come from and can you add Guinness to this for the crock pot version

    • The tomatoes are undrained so they provide the liquid. You could add Guinness, it will make it more soupy of course unless you substitute it for the liquid from the tomatoes.

  2. BLUE REVIEW:

    AMAZING stew! Best I've tried. I think it was a combination of the cooking method and the seasonings. Just overall excellent recipe.

  3. StuckInUtah REVIEW:

    The best slow cooker Irish Stew recipe I have made! I added some Kitchen Bouquet - which gave me the darker color. This is a must try recipe!

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