Ultimate Instant Pot Irish Beef Stew: A Hearty Guinness-Infused Comfort Food Recipe
Craving the ultimate comfort food for St. Patrick’s Day or any chilly evening? Look no further than this incredibly delicious Instant Pot Irish Beef Stew. Warm, incredibly hearty, and infused with the rich, deep flavors of Guinness stout, it’s a dish that truly feeds the soul. Perfectly served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, it’s a meal that promises warmth and satisfaction. Pair it with more Guinness, your favorite cider, or a robust red wine for an unforgettable dining experience.
There’s something uniquely comforting about a rich, meaty stew. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug, no matter the weather outside. For me, a truly great stew offers not just sustenance but a profound sense of coziness and satisfaction. This Instant Pot Irish Beef Stew recipe embodies that feeling entirely, bringing classic Irish flavors to your table with modern convenience.
My First Taste of Authentic Irish Stew
My first encounter with authentic Irish stew was, quite fittingly, during a trip to Ireland. It was a truly memorable experience that sparked my love for this traditional dish. I was on a tour that included a breathtaking visit to the majestic Cliffs of Moher. Halfway through the journey, our bus stopped at a charming, quaint pub nestled in the Irish countryside. The air inside was thick with the scent of woodsmoke and delicious food, and the menu offered a classic Irish beef stew as a lunch option.
At that time, I wasn’t typically a huge fan of soups and stews, but the description of the Irish beef stew, especially with the promise of a generous serving of fresh bread and butter, was simply irresistible. I decided to give it a try, and I’m so glad I did. It was made with Guinness, and the flavors were nothing short of miraculous. Simple, yet incredibly profound, each spoonful was a revelation. It was the epitome of comfort, making me feel as though I was being embraced from the inside out – a much-needed sensation after hours of navigating a crowded tour bus.
That initial experience set the bar high, and for years, I dreamed of recreating that authentic taste at home, but with the added convenience of modern cooking. It took several attempts and careful tweaking to develop a version specifically for the Instant Pot. My goal was to create a stew that was just as hearty and flavorful as my Irish pub experience, but without the lengthy cooking times traditionally associated with stew. The challenge was ensuring the beef remained incredibly tender and the vegetables perfectly cooked, all while developing a deep, rich broth, without overcooking anything under pressure.
After a few trials, I finally perfected this Instant Pot Irish Beef Stew recipe. What I love most about it is its straightforward simplicity. This isn’t a complicated recipe that requires hours of culinary expertise. Instead, it’s a dish you can easily pull together in just over half an hour of active cooking time, making it absolutely perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration where you want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company.
Table of Contents
Must-Have Tools for this Irish Stew
To successfully make this delicious Instant Pot Irish Beef Stew, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here are a few essentials:
- Instant Pot: This is, of course, the star of the show! My personal favorite is the Instant Pot Ultra 6 Qt. It’s incredibly user-friendly and offers excellent value without being the most expensive model on the market. The Ultra series provides precise controls, which can be a real asset for perfect pressure cooking.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: You’ll be doing a fair bit of chopping for the beef and vegetables, so a sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board (or even two, one for meat and one for veggies, to maintain hygiene) are indispensable.
- Wooden Spoon or Scraper: This might seem minor, but a wooden spoon or heat-resistant scraper is essential when you’re searing meat in the Instant Pot. It helps effectively scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot after searing. This step is not only crucial for flavor development but also vital for preventing a “burn” warning on your Instant Pot.
Other Delicious Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love:
If you’re a fan of the Instant Pot’s versatility, explore these other fantastic recipes:
- Crispy Instant Pot Carnitas
- Spicy Pork Instant Pot Ramen
- Instant Pot Bolognese
- Instant Pot Chicken Tinga Tacos
How to Make Instant Pot Irish Beef Stew
Making this hearty Irish Beef Stew in your Instant Pot is a surprisingly quick and straightforward process, yielding incredibly tender beef and a rich, flavorful broth. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps:
Step 1: Sear Beef and Sauté Vegetables
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and adding the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add your stewing beef, seasoned generously with salt and pepper. Sear the beef on all sides until beautifully browned, typically about 4 to 5 minutes. This crucial step, known as the Maillard reaction, creates deep, savory flavors that form the foundation of your stew. Once browned, remove the beef from the Instant Pot insert and set it aside.
Next, add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots to the same pot. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until the onions become softened and translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Following this, incorporate the tomato paste, cooking for another minute to allow its flavors to deepen and caramelize slightly.
Finally, pour in the Guinness. This is where the magic really starts! Deglaze the pot by scraping the bottom with your wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits from searing the beef. These flavorful remnants are essential for a rich broth. Let the Guinness simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing some of the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Now, it’s time to bring all the ingredients together for the pressure cooking phase. Stir in the beef broth, chopped potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, fresh thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), along with the seared beef. Ensure everything is well combined.
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, make sure the sealing valve is set to the “Sealing” position, and then set the Instant Pot to the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function (depending on your model) for 20 minutes on High pressure. The beauty of the Instant Pot is how quickly it transforms tough cuts of meat into fork-tender perfection. Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a manual quick release of the pressure. This will allow the steam to escape rapidly, preventing the vegetables from becoming overly soft.
Step 3: Thicken and Serve
After the pressure has been fully released and the lid is safely removed, you’ll likely notice the stew is a bit thin. To achieve that classic rich, thick consistency, we’ll create a simple cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the hot stew.
Switch your Instant Pot back to the “Sauté” function (or “Warm” if preferred, though “Sauté” on low will thicken faster) and allow the stew to simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring continuously, until it thickens to your desired consistency. The stew will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
Once thickened, remove the bay leaf and stir in the fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. This stew is traditionally served over a generous helping of creamy mashed potatoes, which absorb all the wonderful broth. However, if you prefer a lighter meal, it’s equally delicious served simply in a bowl with a thick slice of crusty bread to soak up the juices. Enjoy!
Need more inspiration for comforting soups and stews?
Don’t stop here! Check out my full soup and stew recipe page for a variety of tasty ideas to warm you up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and serving this Instant Pot Irish Beef Stew:
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an Instant Pot or prefer traditional cooking methods, you can certainly make this stew on the stovetop. Simply follow the initial searing and sautéing steps in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. After adding all the ingredients, bring the stew to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and the potatoes are cooked through. You’ll want to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. Thicken with the slurry as instructed at the end.
Do I have to serve it with mashed potatoes?
No, you don’t have to! While serving Irish stew over mashed potatoes is a classic and delicious pairing, it can sometimes feel like “too much potato” for some. If you prefer, simply serve the stew in a bowl on its own. The chunky potatoes within the stew are often enough. You can also pair it with a large, crusty piece of Irish soda bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness.
Can I substitute lamb for the beef?
Yes, you absolutely can! Traditional Irish stew is often made with lamb (or mutton), so substituting lamb for beef would be a fantastic and authentic choice. You won’t need to make any other adjustments to the recipe; a straight substitution of stewing lamb for the beef will work perfectly and yield a wonderfully flavorful lamb stew.
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Irish Stew
- Don’t Skip the Searing: Browning the beef is not just about color; it builds a deep, savory flavor base through the Maillard reaction. Do it in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can steam the meat instead of searing it.
- Deglaze Properly: After searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables, use the liquid (especially the Guinness) to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the Instant Pot. This prevents a “burn” warning and adds immense depth to your stew.
- Customize Your Spice Level: If you enjoy a little heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also add a dash of hot sauce at the end for an extra kick.
- For Extra Richness: A spoonful of butter stirred in at the very end, just before serving, can add a luxurious richness and gloss to the stew.
- Make Ahead: Stews often taste even better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld and deepen. This makes it an excellent meal prep option.
- Storage: Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing Instructions: This stew freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Perfect Pairings for a Complete Irish Meal:
- For a sweet treat to end your meal, try this easy four-ingredient Baileys fudge.
- Complete the experience with a warm and spirited Irish coffee.
- If you’re looking to explore more beef recipes with a global twist, consider these flavorful Greek Beef Pitas.
Instant Pot Irish Beef Stew
Equipment
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3-Piece Bamboo Cutting Board Set
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Utility Cutting Board
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Wusthof Knife Set
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Wooden Spoon & Scraper
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Instant Pot Ultra 6 Qt
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 lb stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 carrots peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 stalks celery chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 22 oz Guinness stout
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 large russet potatoes peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp cold water
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
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Sear Beef: Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function (more or less, depending on model) and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the stewing beef in a single layer, searing on all sides until beautifully browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the browned beef from the insert and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics & Deglaze: Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the Instant Pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Pour in the Guinness, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze and release any browned bits. Let the Guinness simmer for about 5 minutes.
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Pressure Cook: Stir in the beef broth, chopped potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, fresh thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), and return the seared beef to the pot. Close the lid and set the sealing valve to “Sealing.” Set the Instant Pot to Manual (or Pressure Cook) function and cook on High pressure for 20 minutes. Once cooking is complete, perform a manual quick release of the pressure.
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Thicken & Finish: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the stew. Set the Instant Pot to the Warm function (or a low Sauté setting) and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew has slightly thickened to your desired consistency. Remove the bay leaf.
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Serve: Ladle the hearty Instant Pot Irish Beef Stew over creamy mashed potatoes and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy!