Name: The Coziest Instant Pot Irish Stew for Chilly Nights
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: Stew meat (beef or lamb) – 1.5 lbs (680g); Potatoes – 4 medium, peeled and cubed; Carrots – 3 large, peeled and chopped; Onions – 1 large, chopped; Garlic – 3 cloves, minced; Fresh thyme – 2 teaspoons (or 2-3 sprigs); Beef broth – 4 cups; Guinness beer (optional) – 1/2 cup; Worcestershire sauce – 2 tablespoons; Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons

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There’s nothing quite like a bowl of rich, hearty Irish stew to warm you up on a chilly evening. With tender chunks of beef or lamb, hearty root vegetables, and a savory broth infused with herbs, this Instant Pot version makes it easier than ever to enjoy this comforting classic without waiting hours for it to simmer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Thanks to the Instant Pot, you get all the deep flavors of a slow-cooked stew in a fraction of the time.
Rich and Flavorful: The combination of seared meat, aromatic herbs, and a hint of Guinness (if you’re feeling traditional) creates an irresistible depth of flavor.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This stew only gets better with time, making it a great make-ahead meal.
One-Pot Simplicity: Less mess, less cleanup—just delicious results!

Ingredients

You’ll need a handful of simple ingredients to create this cozy dish. Here are some highlights—find the full list below:

Stew meat (beef or lamb)
Potatoes, carrots, and onions
Garlic and fresh thyme
Beef broth and Guinness beer (optional)
Worcestershire sauce
Tomato paste

Directions

Sear the Meat

Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat a little oil. Brown the meat in batches to develop deep, rich flavor. Once done, remove and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onions, carrots, and garlic to the pot. Cook until fragrant, then stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.

Deglaze and Build the Broth

Pour in a splash of beef broth (or Guinness) to loosen all those flavorful bits from the bottom. Then, add the remaining broth, potatoes, and browned meat.

Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for about 35 minutes. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes before opening the lid.

Serve and Enjoy

Give the stew a good stir, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve piping hot with crusty bread!

Expert Tips and Tricks

For even more flavor, marinate the meat in Guinness and garlic for an hour before cooking.
Don’t skip the browning step! It adds depth and richness to the final dish.
Thicken the broth by mashing a few potatoes into the liquid before serving.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Make it gluten-free by skipping the beer and ensuring your Worcestershire sauce is GF-friendly.
Use lamb instead of beef for a more traditional Irish stew experience.
Swap in sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter twist.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This stew is amazing on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

Freshly baked soda bread or crusty sourdough
A side of buttered peas or roasted Brussels sprouts
A pint of Guinness or a bold red wine

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This stew freezes well for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I make this without an Instant Pot? Yes! Simply simmer everything on the stovetop for about 2 hours until the meat is tender.

What’s the best meat for Irish stew? Lamb is traditional, but beef works just as well for a rich and hearty version.

Can I add other veggies? Absolutely! Try parsnips, turnips, or even mushrooms for extra flavor.

How do I thicken the stew? You can mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry for a thicker consistency.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Irish Stew is everything you want in a cozy, comforting meal—rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for St. Patrick’s Day or just craving something warm and filling, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy!

The Coziest Instant Pot Irish Stew for Chilly Nights

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A rich, hearty Irish stew with tender chunks of beef or lamb, hearty root vegetables, and a savory broth infused with herbs. Made in the Instant Pot for a quick and easy take on this classic dish.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes (plus natural release)
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Instant Pot
Cuisine: Irish
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Sear the Meat: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat oil. Brown the meat in batches to develop deep, rich flavor. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add chopped onions, carrots, and garlic to the pot. Cook until fragrant, then stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.
Deglaze and Build the Broth: Pour in beef broth (or Guinness) to loosen browned bits. Add remaining broth, potatoes, and browned meat.
Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
Serve and Enjoy: Stir the stew, adjust seasoning, and serve with crusty bread.