Dinner

Hearty Irish Lamb Stew Recipe

Name: Hearty Irish Lamb Stew Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes; 4 large potatoes, peeled and quartered; 3 carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 parsnips, peeled and sliced; 1 large onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups beef or lamb broth; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped; 2 bay leaves; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Bynova cole January 28, 2026January 28, 2026

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Introduction

This hearty Irish lamb stew is a comforting classic, perfect for chilly days when you crave a warm, satisfying meal. Tender lamb shoulder simmers with root vegetables and fragrant herbs, creating a rich and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and delicious to share.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with a hearty stew featuring several large, smooth, yellow potatoes as the main layer at the bottom, mixed with thick, soft-looking chunks of carrot and celery in orange and pale green tones. Scattered among the vegetables are bite-sized pieces of browned meat with a slightly crispy texture, all coated in a rich, glossy brown sauce. The whole dish is sprinkled with fresh, finely chopped green herbs on top, adding a pop of color. The bowl is set against a white marbled surface with a blurred orange object in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 parsnips, peeled and sliced
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef or lamb broth
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
2 bay leaves
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the lamb cubes with salt and black pepper, then brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the lamb and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Return the browned lamb to the pot.
Step 3: Add the potatoes, carrots, parsnips, fresh thyme, bay leaves, and broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the lamb is tender and the vegetables are soft.
Step 4: Stir in Worcestershire sauce if using, and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Step 5: Serve the stew hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a thicker stew, mash a few potatoes against the side of the pot and stir to naturally thicken the broth.
Substitute parsnips with turnips or celery root for a different root vegetable flavor.
Use fresh rosemary in place of thyme for a more aromatic twist.
Adding a splash of Guinness or stout while simmering enriches the stew with deeper Irish character.

Storage

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little broth or water if it has thickened too much. This stew also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A dark bowl holds a stew with three main layers: at the bottom are soft, yellowish potato pieces surrounded by a light brown broth, in the middle are bright orange carrot chunks mixed with translucent onion slices, and on top are three browned beef pieces. A small bunch of fresh green parsley rests on one side of the bowl. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl, and a silver fork is set beside the bowl on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of lamb for this stew?

Yes, lamb shoulder is ideal because it becomes tender with slow cooking. However, lamb shanks or neck are good alternatives for a rich, flavorful stew.

Do I need to brown the lamb before simmering?

Browning the lamb adds depth and complexity to the flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. Just keep in mind the stew may be less rich in taste.