This Guinness Lamb Stew is hearty and savory, with tender lamb simmered in a rich stout broth with potatoes and vegetables.
Prep Time30 minutesmins
Cook Time2 hourshrs
Total Time2 hourshrs30 minutesmins
Course: Mains, One Pot
Cuisine: American, Irish-Inspired
Keyword: Dinner, Easy, Irish, Irish Stew, Lamb, Mains, Meat, One Pot Recipe, Simple, St Patrick's Day, Stew, Supper
Servings: 12
Calories: 224kcal
Author: Eva Filer
Equipment
Large Dutch Oven with lid
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
4tablespoonvegetable oil
4tablespoonbutterunsalted
2poundslamb shouldercut into chunks
2cupscarrotspeeled and cut into ¼” thickness (larger round I cut in half)
1largeyellow oniondiced
2tablespoongarlicminced
3tablespoontomato paste
4cupsbeef brothlow sodium
1cupdark stout beersuch as Guinness (can sub for more stock)
2sprigsfresh rosemaryoptional to wrap in cheesecloth or string
1tablespoonWorcestershire sauce
2teaspoonsea salt
1teaspoonground black pepper
1poundbaby potatoes
3-4tablespoongluten free all-purpose flourcan use regular, optional (see notes)
2cupsfrozen peas
1-2cupswaterif desired
Instructions
Optional Step: Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and some oil and butter while working in batches and lightly sear the meat on all sides (I find it saves time to use bigger chunks and allow them to rest then cut into bite-sized pieces, but you can do that in reverse).Once complete with all the meat, transfer to plate (if desired lightly salt the meat while resting).
If desired, you can remove some of the fat that has gathered from the meat, then add carrots and onion and cook until soft, then garlic for 1 minute. Reduce the heat to medium if needed.
Cook tomato paste for 2 minutes, then add beer and deglaze the pan for about 3 minutes scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan (it should be thick).
Add browned lamb and rosemary sprigs, Worcestershire, salt and pepper. Mix well and bring to a boil, then reduce to low and cook for an hour, covered (keep a light boil going the whole hour).
Remove the rosemary sprigs and add potatoes to the Dutch oven and cook for an additional 45-60 minutes, uncovered or until the potatoes are almost fork tender.
Once the potatoes are cooked, taste and add any additional season, or water if desired at this time. Then combine flour and ½ cup water to a spouted measuring cup and whisk. Pour this into the pot and bring to a rolling boil (not too aggressive) for about 15-20 minutes or until it has thickened slightly.
When ready to serve add in the peas and stir to combine (they will warm up and soften quickly). Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Cook the Tomato Paste: Letting it darken slightly removes acidity and adds richness.
Remove the Rosemary: Pulling the sprigs before thickening prevents overpowering herbal notes.
Thicken Gently: Bring the stew to a controlled boil so it thickens without becoming heavy.
Sear in Batches: To properly build deep flavor in the finished stew.
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
Browning: While browning of the meat is optional, we highly recommend it, it add so much additional flavor.