Irish lamb stew recipe

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This easy Irish lamb stew recipe is a comforting, hearty dinner that is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, or any winter evening. Full of vegetables and tender chunks of lamb, this is a cozy meal that is packed with flavor. Serve this stew with a loaf of Irish soda bread to soak up every last bit.

Irish lamb stew recipe with vegetables in white bowls.

This lamb stew is even better the next day, so make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers.

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Irish lamb stew

It’s the perfect time of the year to make this delicious Irish stew with lamb. We often make this on St. Patrick’s Day instead of the traditional corned beef dinner, because there are only two of us and this is more manageable.

If lamb isn’t available to you, or you prefer beef, you can certainly make the swap and carry on with the recipe.

Ingredients

This easy Irish lamb stew is made with ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, which is why I love recipes like this.

Irish butter (obviously)
Chicken or beef stock – homemade or store-bought
Frozen peas
Flour
Carrots
Thyme
Bay leaves
Lamb meat for stew – can be shoulder, leg of lamb or chops. Use what is available to you.
Onions
Potatoes
Alcohol (not pictured) – Options include red wine, white wine and Guinness, of course.

How to make lamb stew

First, you’ll want to heat a bit of oil in a Dutch oven, or a heavy-bottomed pot. Season the lamb meat with salt and pepper and sear it on all sides.

Then, add the butter and flour to make a roux.

Photo instructions how to make lamb stew.

Next, add in the vegetables and stir to coat with the roux and let them cook for a few minutes to soften slightly. Finally, add the stock and the remaining ingredients.

Vegetables and lamb simmering in stockpot for stew.

Add the browned lamb back into the pot, give it a stir and cover. Let it simmer for about an hour, until the vegetables and lamb are tender.

More lamb recipes we love: Grilled lamb loin chops // Middle Eastern lamb burgers // lamb meatballs // Garlic and rosemary lamb chops

Lamb stew recipe FAQ’s

Can I make this Irish lamb stew recipe in a crockpot?

Yes. Sear the lamb in a pan, then make a roux. Dump everything into the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 hours.

How can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Turn the Instant Pot to “sauté” function. Add the oil and brown the lamb. Remove the lamb and set aside. Add the butter and flour to make a roux. Add all of the remaining ingredients to the pot, along with the browned lamb. Put the lid on, seal and set the manual timer for 30 minutes. Release for 15 minutes.

Can I freeze this lamb stew?

If you want to make a batch to freeze, I would omit the potatoes. They have a tendency to become grainy when thawed. Make the stew without them and add them in when you warm up the stew before serving.

Irish lamb stew in white bowl on top of a wooden board with a grayish blue napkin.

Recipe variations

You have a few options for changing up this stew. First, you can use chicken stock, beef stock or a combination. I used half chicken and half beef, because it’s what I had opened in the fridge.

For the alcohol, you can use white or red wine, or Guinness stout.

Each of these will give your stew a different layer of flavor. They vary quite a bit in their taste and thus, your stew will as well. It adds depth to the stew, but keep in kind that you will taste the alcohol, so choose something that you like.

My recommendations for pairings would be: chicken stock + white wine, red wine + beef stock (or a combo), which is what I did or Guinness + beef stock.

What can I serve with this stew?

A loaf of soda bread is a must, but here are two terrific sweets to serve after the meal.

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Yield: 10 cups (2.5 quarts)