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Cozy Irish Whiskey Beef Stew

irish whiskey beef stew - featured image

A hearty and comforting Irish whiskey beef stew with root vegetables, perfect for cozy nights. The whiskey adds a subtle smoky warmth that balances the sweetness of carrots, parsnips, and celery root.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 medium parsnips, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup celery root (celeriac), peeled and diced (optional but recommended)
  • 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1/2 cup Irish whiskey (e.g., Jameson)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 34 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and toss with 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to coat evenly.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, about 3-4 minutes per batch, until deep golden crust forms. Remove and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in 1/2 cup Irish whiskey, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly and mellow the alcohol.
  5. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add 4 cups beef broth, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Return browned beef to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Cover the pot, lower heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is fork-tender. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if needed.
  7. About 30 minutes before the stew is done, add chopped carrots, parsnips, and celery root. Continue simmering uncovered to thicken stew and soften vegetables.
  8. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let stew rest off heat for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

If stew isn’t thickening, mix 1 tablespoon flour with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir in during last 10 minutes. Brown beef in batches to develop a rich crust. Use fresh thyme and bay leaves for best flavor. Rest stew off heat before serving to deepen flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish whiskey beef stew, beef stew, root vegetables, comfort food, slow cooked stew, hearty stew, whiskey recipe