Lightened Irish Beef Stew

Introduction

Ah, Irish beef stew—a dish that wraps around you like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Growing up, my grandmother made a cozy pot of this comforting classic every winter, filling our home with the irresistible aroma of beef simmering alongside hearty vegetables. The scent alone could melt the stress of the day away! As the steam rose, we would gather around the kitchen table, our laughter mingling with the rich smells of herbs and spices, feeling grateful for the taste of home.

Now, as much as I adore a traditional Irish beef stew, I wanted to give it a little shake-up — something lighter without losing the heartiness that makes it so special. So, I’m excited to share my Lightened Irish Beef Stew recipe with you! It’s perfect for a cozy night in, a Sunday family dinner, or even an easy weeknight meal. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting flavors that warm your soul.
• Easy to throw together for a weeknight dinner.
• Budget-friendly ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Healthy swaps keep it light without sacrificing taste.
• Perfect for meal prepping and can be made in advance!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful stew:

• 1 pound lean beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing; feel free to use non-stick spray for fewer calories)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered!)
• 4 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen, to stir in at the end for a pop of color and sweetness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the stew meat, seasoning it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sear it until browned, roughly 5-6 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pot; you want a lovely crust on that meat!
2. Once browned, remove the meat from the pot and set it aside on a plate. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften. Trust me, your kitchen is going to smell divine!
3. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown too much; burnt garlic isn’t the best flavor.
4. Now toss in the carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes until the veggies begin to soften. The colors here are just beautiful!
5. Return the beef to the pot and mix in the tomato paste, making sure to coat the meat and veggies evenly.
6. Pour in the beef broth and add the dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 1-1.5 hours or until the meat is tender. This is the magic time—so take a moment for this to develop those wonderful flavors!
7. When there’s about 10 minutes left to cook, stir in the green peas. Adjust seasoning to taste with more salt and pepper if needed. Your stew should be perfectly comforting and hearty!
8. Serve hot, preferably with a slice of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious gravy!

Pro Tips & Variations

Let’s play around a little! Here are some fun twists and adjustments you can make to make this recipe your own:

• Spices: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a bit of warmth or pinch of cayenne for some kick!
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for hearty lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth. You’ll still get a filling dish!
• Toppings: Top with fresh parsley or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess that brightens it up.

Serving Suggestions

Ah, now for the best part! Picture this: a steaming bowl of your Lightened Irish Beef Stew right in front of you. Imagine digging in with a cozy sweater on, the rain pattering softly against your window, and the flicker of a candle lighting up your space. I like to serve mine with a generous slice of crusty whole-grain bread—perfect for dabbing into that thick, savory sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, a side of mixed greens or a zesty salad would add a bright contrast to this hearty dish.

Storage Tips

Have leftovers? Lucky you! This stew only gets better with time as the flavors continue to meld together. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerating: Allow the stew to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave space at the top for expansion as it freezes!
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat (add a splash of broth if it’s too thick) or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use other meats in this stew?

Absolutely! While the recipe is designed for beef, you could use chicken, pork, or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option. Just note that cooking times may vary depending on the meat.

What if I don’t have all the herbs and spices?

No worries! Feel free to get creative with dried herbs you have on hand. Mixed Italian herbs or even a dash of curry powder can add a unique twist. Cooking should be fun, so don’t stress about having all the exact ingredients!

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

You bet! Sear the beef and sauté the vegetables as instructed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker, adding the broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender, flavorful beef stew.

Is this stew gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free ingredients, especially for the broth. Always double-check labels if you have gluten sensitivities!

Conclusion

And there you have it—the most charming, lightened Irish beef stew that brings warmth to your kitchen and flavor to your table! I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do. There’s something so special about sharing a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Don’t forget to comment below and let me know how it turns out for you, or share your own unique twists! Happy cooking, friends!

Lightened Irish Beef Stew

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Discover a healthy twist on Irish beef stew with this lightened recipe. Enjoy delicious flavors while maintaining your wellness goals! 153 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound of lean beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves of fresh garlic, minced

4 medium carrots, sliced

2 stalks of celery, chopped

1 cup of mushrooms, sliced

2 cups of low-sodium beef broth

1 tablespoon of tomato paste

2 teaspoons of dried thyme

1 teaspoon of dried rosemary

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup of green peas (fresh or frozen)

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Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the stew meat, seasoning it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sear it until browned, roughly 5-6 minutes.

Once browned, remove the meat from the pot and set it aside on a plate. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften.

Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Toss in the carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes.

Return the beef to the pot and mix in the tomato paste.

Pour in the beef broth and add the dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 1-1.5 hours or until the meat is tender.

Stir in the green peas with about 10 minutes left to cook. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

A lighter version of the classic Irish beef stew that retains comforting flavors while using healthier ingredients.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 350 calories
• Sugar: 5 grams
• Fat: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 25 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams
• Protein: 30 grams

Keywords: Irish Beef Stew, Lightened Recipe, Healthy Dinner, Comfort Food