Introduction
Irish beef cooking is rooted in comfort, tradition, and deep, slow-built taste. These recipes reflect farmhouse kitchens, family gatherings, and meals meant to linger over. From slow-simmered stews to baked pies and skillet favorites, this collection brings together classic dishes that feel timeless, filling, and full of character.
1. Irish Beef Stew
This is the heart of Irish home cooking, slow-cooked until the beef breaks apart and the vegetables soak up every bit of richness. The broth thickens naturally as it simmers, creating a comforting dish that feels warming and familiar. Each spoonful tastes better the longer it cooks, making it perfect for relaxed evenings.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck, 1 kg, cut into chunks
- Potatoes, 500 g, peeled and diced
- Carrots, 300 g, sliced
- Onions, 2 medium, chopped
- Beef stock, 1 liter
- Flour, 2 tbsp
- Butter, 2 tbsp
- Salt, 1½ tsp
- Black pepper, 1 tsp
- Fresh thyme, 1 tsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 160°C.
- Toss beef with flour, salt, and pepper.
- Brown beef in butter over medium heat.
- Add vegetables and thyme, stir well.
- Pour in stock, bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and bake for 2½ hours, stirring once.
How to Serve It
Serve with thick slices of soda bread to soak up the broth. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top just before serving. A side of buttered peas works well. This dish shines on cold evenings. Let it rest 10 minutes before serving for deeper taste.
2. Guinness Beef Stew
This version uses stout to bring a deeper, roasted flavor that balances beautifully with slow-cooked beef. The sauce turns velvety and rich, wrapping every ingredient in warmth. It’s a pub classic that feels just as comforting at home.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck, 1 kg, cubed
- Guinness stout, 500 ml
- Beef stock, 500 ml
- Carrots, 300 g, sliced
- Onions, 2 large, chopped
- Garlic, 3 cloves, minced
- Flour, 2 tbsp
- Oil, 2 tbsp
- Salt, 1½ tsp
- Black pepper, 1 tsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 165°C.
- Coat beef with flour, salt, and pepper.
- Brown beef in oil, remove and set aside.
- Cook onions and garlic until soft.
- Add stout and stock, bring to a simmer.
- Return beef, cover, and bake 3 hours.
How to Serve It
Serve with mashed potatoes or colcannon. Add chopped parsley for color. This stew pairs well with crusty bread. It tastes even better the next day. Keep it hot until serving.
3. Irish Beef and Onion Pie
This pie brings together slow-cooked beef and sweet onions tucked under a crisp pastry lid. The filling is rich and comforting, while the crust adds contrast. It’s a classic centerpiece meal.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck, 800 g, diced
- Onions, 3 large, sliced
- Beef stock, 400 ml
- Butter, 3 tbsp
- Flour, 2 tbsp
- Shortcrust pastry, 500 g
- Egg, 1 beaten
- Salt, 1½ tsp
- Black pepper, 1 tsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C.
- Brown beef in butter, remove.
- Cook onions until soft and golden.
- Add flour, stock, and beef. Simmer 1 hour.
- Transfer to pie dish, top with pastry.
- Brush with egg and bake 40 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve with buttered carrots or green beans. Let the pie rest before slicing. A spoon of gravy on the side works well. Best enjoyed hot. Leftovers reheat well.
4. Slow-Cooked Irish Beef Brisket
This dish relies on patience, allowing brisket to soften slowly until it slices with ease. The result is beef that feels deeply comforting and full of old-style cooking character.
Ingredients
- Beef brisket, 1.5 kg
- Onions, 2 sliced
- Beef stock, 750 ml
- Garlic, 4 cloves
- Salt, 2 tsp
- Black pepper, 1½ tsp
- Bay leaves, 2
- Oil, 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 150°C.
- Season brisket with salt and pepper.
- Brown brisket in oil on all sides.
- Place in roasting dish with onions and garlic.
- Add stock and bay leaves, cover tightly.
- Roast 4 hours until tender.
How to Serve It
Slice thickly and spoon juices over the top. Serve with roasted potatoes. Add cabbage for a classic pairing. Let the meat rest before cutting. Keep warm when serving.
5. Irish Beef and Potato Casserole
This layered bake combines simple ingredients into a filling dish that feels steady and familiar. As it cooks, the flavors blend into something deeply comforting.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck, 900 g
- Potatoes, 700 g, sliced
- Onions, 2 large, sliced
- Beef stock, 600 ml
- Butter, 3 tbsp
- Salt, 1½ tsp
- Black pepper, 1 tsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 170°C.
- Layer potatoes, beef, and onions in dish.
- Season each layer lightly.
- Pour stock over the top.
- Dot with butter and cover.
- Bake 2½ hours until tender.
How to Serve It
Serve straight from the dish. Add chopped herbs on top. A side of peas adds freshness. Let cool slightly before serving. Ideal for family meals.
6. Irish Beef and Cabbage Pot
This dish highlights simplicity, letting beef and cabbage cook together until tender and comforting. It feels light yet filling, perfect for everyday meals.
Ingredients
- Beef brisket, 1 kg, cubed
- Green cabbage, 1 medium, chopped
- Onions, 2 sliced
- Beef stock, 1 liter
- Salt, 1½ tsp
- Black pepper, 1 tsp
Instructions
- Bring stock to a simmer in large pot.
- Add beef and cook 1½ hours.
- Add cabbage and onions.
- Simmer another 45 minutes.
- Season and serve hot.
How to Serve It
Serve with boiled potatoes. Add butter at the table. Keep portions generous. Best served fresh. Works well on colder days.
7. Irish Beef Shepherd’s Pie
This version keeps the filling rich and steady, topped with smooth mashed potatoes baked until lightly golden. It’s familiar and deeply comforting.
Ingredients
- Ground beef, 1 kg
- Onions, 2 chopped
- Carrots, 200 g diced
- Beef stock, 400 ml
- Potatoes, 1 kg
- Butter, 50 g
- Milk, 100 ml
- Salt, 2 tsp
- Black pepper, 1 tsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C.
- Cook beef with onions and carrots.
- Add stock and simmer 20 minutes.
- Boil potatoes, mash with butter and milk.
- Spread mash over beef.
- Bake 35 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve hot with peas. Let rest before scooping. Sprinkle herbs on top. Perfect for sharing. Keeps well for leftovers.
8. Irish Beef and Barley Stew
Barley adds texture and makes this stew extra filling. The broth thickens naturally, creating a comforting bowl meant for slow eating.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck, 900 g
- Pearl barley, 150 g
- Carrots, 300 g
- Onions, 2
- Beef stock, 1.2 liters
- Salt, 1½ tsp
- Black pepper, 1 tsp
Instructions
- Brown beef lightly in pot.
- Add vegetables and barley.
- Pour in stock and bring to simmer.
- Cover and cook 2½ hours.
- Stir occasionally and season.
How to Serve It
Serve with bread. Garnish with parsley. Let it cool slightly before serving. Great for batch cooking. Warm thoroughly.
9. Irish Beef Suet Pudding
This steamed pudding wraps beef in soft suet dough, creating a hearty and old-fashioned meal. It feels deeply rooted in tradition.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck, 700 g
- Suet, 200 g
- Flour, 400 g
- Onion, 1 chopped
- Beef stock, 300 ml
- Salt, 1½ tsp
- Black pepper, 1 tsp
Instructions
- Mix flour, suet, salt with water to form dough.
- Fill with beef, onion, and stock.
- Seal and wrap securely.
- Steam for 3 hours.
- Rest before slicing.
How to Serve It
Slice thickly. Serve with gravy. Add boiled vegetables on the side. Best served hot. Keep warm until ready.
10. Irish Beef and Turnip Stew
Turnips add a gentle bitterness that balances the richness of beef. The dish feels simple and warming.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck, 900 g
- Turnips, 400 g
- Onions, 2
- Beef stock, 1 liter
- Salt, 1½ tsp
- Black pepper, 1 tsp
Instructions
- Brown beef lightly.
- Add vegetables and stock.
- Simmer 2 hours until tender.
- Season and serve.
How to Serve It
Serve with bread. Add buttered greens. Let sit briefly before serving. Ideal for cool days. Keep broth hot.
11. Irish Beef Pot Roast
This roast cooks gently until the beef becomes tender and sliceable. The vegetables soak up the cooking juices.
Ingredients
- Beef roast, 1.5 kg
- Carrots, 400 g
- Potatoes, 600 g
- Beef stock, 750 ml
- Salt, 2 tsp
- Black pepper, 1½ tsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 160°C.
- Season and brown beef.
- Add vegetables and stock.
- Cover and roast 3½ hours.
- Rest before slicing.
How to Serve It
Slice thickly. Spoon juices over beef. Serve with vegetables. Let rest well. Great for Sunday meals.
12. Irish Beef Skillet with Onions
Quick to cook but full of flavor, this dish keeps things simple and satisfying.
Ingredients
- Beef sirloin, 800 g
- Onions, 3 sliced
- Butter, 3 tbsp
- Salt, 1½ tsp
- Black pepper, 1 tsp
Instructions
- Heat skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook beef quickly, remove.
- Cook onions in butter until soft.
- Return beef and season.
- Serve hot.
How to Serve It
Serve with potatoes. Add herbs if desired. Keep portions hot. Works well midweek. Best eaten fresh.
13. Irish Beef and Mushroom Stew
Mushrooms add depth and a soft texture that pairs well with slow-cooked beef.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck, 1 kg
- Mushrooms, 300 g
- Onion, 2
- Beef stock, 1 liter
- Salt, 1½ tsp
- Black pepper, 1 tsp
Instructions
- Brown beef lightly.
- Add onions and mushrooms.
- Pour stock and simmer 2½ hours.
- Season and serve.
How to Serve It
Serve with mashed potatoes. Add parsley. Let cool slightly. Keep warm. Ideal for evenings.
14. Irish Beef and Carrot Stew
Sweet carrots balance the richness of beef, creating a steady and comforting dish.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck, 1 kg
- Carrots, 500 g
- Onion, 2
- Beef stock, 1 liter
- Salt, 1½ tsp
- Black pepper, 1 tsp
Instructions
- Brown beef.
- Add vegetables and stock.
- Simmer 2½ hours.
- Season and serve.
How to Serve It
Serve with bread. Add butter if desired. Let rest briefly. Keep hot. Simple and filling.
15. Irish Beef Mince and Gravy
This dish keeps things simple, focusing on texture and warmth.
Ingredients
- Beef mince, 1 kg
- Onion, 2 chopped
- Beef stock, 500 ml
- Flour, 2 tbsp
- Salt, 1½ tsp
- Black pepper, 1 tsp
Instructions
- Cook beef and onion until browned.
- Stir in flour.
- Add stock and simmer 20 minutes.
- Season and serve.
How to Serve It
Serve over mashed potatoes. Add peas. Keep hot. Works well for family meals. Easy to reheat.
16. Irish Beef and Leek Stew
Leeks bring a gentle sweetness that blends smoothly with beef.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck, 900 g
- Leeks, 3 sliced
- Beef stock, 1 liter
- Salt, 1½ tsp
- Black pepper, 1 tsp
Instructions
- Brown beef.
- Add leeks and stock.
- Simmer 2½ hours.
- Season and serve.
How to Serve It
Serve with potatoes. Garnish lightly. Let cool slightly. Best served warm. Simple and steady.
17. Irish Beef and Parsnip Stew
Parsnips add a mild sweetness that rounds out the dish.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck, 1 kg
- Parsnips, 400 g
- Onion, 2
- Beef stock, 1 liter
- Salt, 1½ tsp
- Black pepper, 1 tsp
Instructions
- Brown beef.
- Add vegetables and stock.
- Simmer 2½ hours.
- Season and serve.
How to Serve It
Serve with bread. Add herbs if desired. Let rest briefly. Keep warm. Great for cold days.
18. Irish Beef Broth with Root Vegetables
Light yet filling, this dish focuses on clean, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- Beef shank, 1 kg
- Carrots, 300 g
- Turnips, 300 g
- Onion, 1
- Water, 2 liters
- Salt, 1½ tsp
Instructions
- Bring all ingredients to boil.
- Reduce to simmer.
- Cook 3 hours.
- Season and serve.
How to Serve It
Serve hot. Add bread on side. Keep broth clear. Great as a starter. Comforting and warm.
19. Irish Beef and Oat Stew
Oats thicken the stew naturally and make it filling.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck, 900 g
- Rolled oats, 120 g
- Onion, 2
- Beef stock, 1 liter
- Salt, 1½ tsp
- Black pepper, 1 tsp
Instructions
- Brown beef.
- Add onions, oats, and stock.
- Simmer 2½ hours.
- Season and serve.
How to Serve It
Serve with bread. Let thicken before serving. Keep warm. Filling and steady. Great for batch meals.
20. Irish Beef and Potato Soup
This soup feels hearty enough for a full meal.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck, 800 g
- Potatoes, 600 g
- Onion, 2
- Beef stock, 1.2 liters
- Salt, 1½ tsp
- Black pepper, 1 tsp
Instructions
- Brown beef.
- Add vegetables and stock.
- Simmer 2 hours.
- Season and serve.
How to Serve It
Serve hot. Add buttered bread. Let cool slightly. Smooth and filling. Great for evenings.
21. Irish Beef and Onion Skillet
A simple dish that focuses on beef and onion sweetness.
Ingredients
- Beef sirloin, 900 g
- Onions, 3
- Butter, 3 tbsp
- Salt, 1½ tsp
- Black pepper, 1 tsp
Instructions
- Heat skillet.
- Cook beef quickly.
- Add onions and butter.
- Season and serve.
How to Serve It
Serve with potatoes. Eat fresh. Keep hot. Simple and comforting. Great midweek option.
22. Irish Beef Cottage Bake
Layered and baked until tender, this dish feels homely and filling.
Ingredients
- Ground beef, 1 kg
- Potatoes, 800 g
- Onion, 2
- Beef stock, 500 ml
- Salt, 1½ tsp
- Black pepper, 1 tsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C.
- Cook beef and onion.
- Layer with potatoes in dish.
- Add stock.
- Bake 1½ hours.
How to Serve It
Serve hot. Let rest before cutting. Add greens. Comforting and filling. Good for sharing.
23. Irish Beef and Vegetable Hotpot
This hotpot brings everything together in one comforting dish meant for slow evenings.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck, 1 kg
- Potatoes, 700 g
- Carrots, 400 g
- Onions, 2
- Beef stock, 1 liter
- Salt, 1½ tsp
- Black pepper, 1 tsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 170°C.
- Layer all ingredients in pot.
- Add stock and cover.
- Bake 2½ hours.
- Season and serve.
How to Serve It
Serve straight from the pot. Add herbs on top. Let cool slightly. Ideal for family meals. Keeps well.
Conclusion
These traditional Irish beef recipes are meant to be cooked slowly, shared generously, and enjoyed without rush. Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend meal or stocking your favorites for colder days, this collection offers plenty to come back to. Save the recipes you love, try something new, and pass them along to anyone who enjoys comforting home cooking.
