Are you craving a warm, hearty, and incredibly flavorful meal that practically cooks itself? Then look no further than this delicious Crock Pot Irish Stew! This classic Irish dish is perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or lazy weekends. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; this easy recipe delivers a rich and satisfying stew with minimal effort. It's a perfect example of healthy meals made simple, showcasing the best of homemade cooking. This recipe is a go-to for quick dinner ideas and promises a delicious dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 lb lean lamb stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
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Sear the Meat (Optional but Recommended): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb cubes in batches. This step adds a beautiful depth of flavor to the stew. Set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
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Combine in the Crock Pot: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the browned lamb, potatoes, beef broth, peas, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
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Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
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Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and enjoy your delicious Crock Pot Irish Stew! Serve with crusty bread for dipping – the perfect complement to this hearty stew.
Cooking Tips for the Best Irish Stew:
- Cut the meat into uniform pieces: This ensures even cooking.
- Don't overfill the slow cooker: Leave some space at the top to allow for proper steam circulation.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking before serving.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like turnips, parsnips, or mushrooms.
- Use a good quality beef broth: This will greatly enhance the flavor of the stew.
Variations:
- Beef Stew: Replace the lamb with 1.5 lbs of beef stew meat.
- Vegetarian Stew: Omit the meat and add 1 cup of lentils or other hearty vegetables like butternut squash.
- Spicy Stew: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This Crock Pot Irish Stew recipe is perfect for those looking for easy recipes that are both delicious and healthy. It's a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and a comforting meal that will become a family favorite. The ease of homemade cooking combined with the rich flavors makes this a true crowd-pleaser, showcasing the best of comforting food. Enjoy!