Q: Can I make this Irish lamb stew without Guinness?

A: Yes, simply replace Guinness with extra broth. You’ll still get a rich, hearty flavor for a classic old fashioned lamb stew.

Q: What cut of lamb is best for this recipe?

A: Lamb shoulder is ideal due to its tenderness and marbling, which makes the stew succulent and flavorful.

Q: Can I prepare this stew in a slow cooker?

A: Absolutely! Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours. Add vegetables halfway through for best texture.

Q: Can I freeze Irish lamb stew?

A: Yes, cool completely and store in airtight containers. Freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven.

Irish Lamb Stew – Easy, Hearty, Old Fashioned Recipe 2026

Name: Irish Lamb Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into large chunks; 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 large carrots, sliced; 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chunked; 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional); 4 cups beef or lamb broth; 1 cup Guinness stout (optional); 2 teaspoons fresh thyme; 2 bay leaves; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Description

A hearty, old fashioned Irish lamb stew made with tender lamb shoulder, potatoes, carrots, and onions slowly simmered in a rich, savory broth. This traditional Irish stew recipe is simple, rustic, and deeply comforting — the kind of meal that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6):

For the Stew:

2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into large chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 large carrots, sliced
2 lbs Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and chunked
2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for depth)
4 cups beef or lamb broth
1 cup Guinness stout (optional, for Irish lamb stew with Guinness)
2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
2 bay leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional additions:
1 cup chopped celery
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Lamb

Pat lamb shoulder pieces dry and season with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb in batches until nicely seared on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Base

In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

Step 3: Simmer the Stew

Return lamb to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, thyme, bay leaves, and broth. Pour in Guinness if using. The liquid should just cover the ingredients.

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1½–2 hours, until lamb is fork-tender and the broth thickens naturally from the potatoes.

Step 4: Finish & Serve

Remove bay leaves. Adjust salt and pepper. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Serve hot with crusty Irish soda bread.

Notes

• Best Cut: Lamb shoulder is ideal for slow cooking — it becomes meltingly tender.
• Thicker Stew: Mash a few potatoes directly in the pot to naturally thicken.
• Make Ahead: Like grandma’s old fashioned lamb stew, it tastes even better the next day.
• Slow Cooker Option: Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
• No Guinness? Replace with extra broth for a classic easy Irish lamb stew recipe.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1½–2 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmered / One-Pot
Cuisine: Irish