My Gran’s Beef Stew is a beloved Irish classic that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This simple, hearty dish, filled with tender beef and fresh vegetables, captures the essence of family gatherings and cherished memories. Naturally gluten-free, it’s perfect for everyone to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 T olive oil
- 1 lb beef sirloin tips
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced (about 1.5 cups)
- 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 2+ cups)
- 1 28oz can whole peeled tomatoes
- 1/4 t black pepper
- 1 t salt (will probably need to add more at the end)
- 1 t dried herbs (thyme, basil, oregano – whatever you have)
Instructions:
- Heat oil in stockpot. Sauté onions and beef until onion is translucent. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with water and simmer for at least one hour, and up to three hours. (The longer it cooks, the more tender the beef becomes!)
- Add carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, and dried herbs. Add more water to cover if needed. Bring to a boil, cook on med-high until carrots are tender. About 30-45 minutes.
- Taste and add more salt until it tastes good to you. Turn down heat and simmer until you’re ready to serve. (The longer you simmer, the more flavorful and rich the broth becomes.)
- Enjoy! (I sometimes add extra potatoes and carrots to cheaply increase the number of servings. 😊)
Tips & Variations:
- Meat Options: For a twist, try using lamb or chicken instead of beef. Both options add unique flavors while keeping the dish hearty.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to include seasonal vegetables like parsnips or turnips for added depth. You can also toss in some fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to enhance the flavor.
- Slow Cooker Method: If you prefer a hands-off approach, this stew can easily be made in a slow cooker. Simply brown the meat and then add all ingredients to the slow cooker, letting it simmer for 6-8 hours on low.
- Thickening the Stew: For a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestion:
- Serve Gran’s Beef Stew with a generous slice of gluten-free brown bread, Irish soda bread, or saltine crackers to soak up the rich broth.
- Pair the stew with a fresh side salad to balance the meal, using crisp greens, radishes, and a light vinaigrette.
- For a cozy touch, garnish each bowl with fresh parsley or a dollop of mayonnaise or sour cream for creaminess.
Conclusion:
Whether it’s a rainy evening or a family gathering, this gluten-free recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home. We’d love to hear how your stew turns out—share your experiences and any variations you try, and don’t forget to check out our themed meal night post for even more inspiration to create a delightful Irish dining experience!
Taste of Ireland: Gran’s Beef Stew
My Gran's Beef Stew is a beloved Irish classic that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This simple, hearty dish, filled with tender beef and fresh vegetables, captures the essence of family gatherings and cherished memories. Naturally gluten-free, it’s perfect for everyone to enjoy.
Equipment
- stock pot
Ingredients
- 1 T olive oil
- 1 lb beef sirloin tips
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 4 carrots peeled and sliced (about 1.5 cups)
- 4 potatoes peeled and cubed (about 2+ cups)
- 1 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes
- 1/4 t black pepper
- 1 t salt will probably need to add more at the end
- 1 t dried herbs thyme, basil, oregano – whatever you have
Instructions
- Heat oil in stockpot. Sauté onions and beef until onion is translucent. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with water and simmer for at least one hour, and up to three hours. (The longer it cooks, the more tender the beef becomes!)
- Add carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, and dried herbs. Add more water to cover if needed. Bring to a boil, cook on med-high until carrots are tender. About 30-45 minutes.
- Taste and add more salt until it tastes good to you. Turn down heat and simmer until you’re ready to serve. (The longer you simmer, the more flavorful and rich the broth becomes.)
- Enjoy! (I sometimes add extra potatoes and carrots to cheaply increase the number of servings. 😊)
Notes
Tips & Variations:
- Meat Options: For a twist, try using lamb or chicken instead of beef. Both options add unique flavors while keeping the dish hearty.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to include seasonal vegetables like parsnips or turnips for added depth. You can also toss in some fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to enhance the flavor.
- Slow Cooker Method: If you prefer a hands-off approach, this stew can easily be made in a slow cooker. Simply brown the meat and then add all ingredients to the slow cooker, letting it simmer for 6-8 hours on low.
- Thickening the Stew: For a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve Gran’s Beef Stew with a generous slice of gluten-free brown bread, Irish soda bread, or saltine crackers to soak up the rich broth.
- Pair the stew with a fresh side salad to balance the meal, using crisp greens, radishes, and a light vinaigrette.
- For a cozy touch, garnish each bowl with fresh parsley or a dollop of mayonnaise or sour cream for creaminess.
