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The Recipe · No.634 · Irish Stew

Irish Stew, and where to source it

Irish Stew — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Irish Stew Irish 5best2buy.com

Traditional Irish stew has few ingredients, so the lamb has to be good and the cooking slow enough to break it down. Half the potatoes go in early to melt and thicken the broth, half go in late to stay whole.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook2 hr
Makes6 servings
CuisineIrish
Cost$$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
Lamb shoulder or neck
Bone-in, well-marbled cuts give the collagen that makes the broth silky.
2.5 lb
Potatoes
Some cut small to dissolve and thicken, some in chunks to hold their shape.
2.5 lb
Beef or lamb broth
A real stock deepens what is otherwise a very plain pot.
5 cups
Onions
Sliced thick, they melt into the broth over the long simmer.
2 large
Carrots
Cut in rounds for sweetness and color against the pale broth.
3

Using lamb shoulder? It behaves the way it does for a reason — what this cut is for and how to cook it →

The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Brown the lambSear the lamb pieces in batches until browned, then set aside to build flavor in the fond.
  2. LayerLayer onions, half the potatoes, carrots, and lamb in the pot and pour in the broth to barely cover.
  3. Simmer lowCover and simmer gently for 90 minutes until the lamb is nearly falling off the bone.
  4. Finish potatoesAdd the reserved potato chunks and cook 30 minutes more until tender and the broth has thickened.
The Toolkit

Dutch oven · Ladle · Cutting board · Chef knife · Wooden spoon

Straight Answers
Can you make Irish Stew in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Irish Stew? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Irish Stew ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Irish Stew gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Irish Stew vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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