Name: Irish Stew Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 1 lb ground lamb or ground beef; ½ cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ onion, finely chopped; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying); 2 tbsp butter; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 potatoes, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups beef or vegetable broth; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; ½ tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp dried rosemary; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp flour (for thickening); Fresh parsley, for garnish

Plate of Irish stew meatballs with hearty vegetables and gravy

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why make this recipe

Irish Stew Meatballs are a cozy and hearty dish that brings warmth to any table. This recipe combines the comforting flavors of lamb or beef with fresh vegetables and rich broth, creating a satisfying meal. It’s a great way to enjoy a traditional Irish stew with a twist, and it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

how to make Irish Stew Meatballs

Ingredients:

1 lb ground lamb or ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
2 tbsp butter
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 potatoes, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups beef or vegetable broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp flour (for thickening)
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions:

Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix together the ground lamb or beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs until browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs and set them aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the diced onions, carrots, and potatoes until they begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Make the Broth: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Thicken the Stew: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir until well combined. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Add the Meatballs: Return the meatballs to the pot and let everything simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

how to serve Irish Stew Meatballs

Serve the Irish Stew Meatballs hot in a bowl. You can pair them with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth or serve them over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a lovely touch.

how to store Irish Stew Meatballs

To store leftover Irish Stew Meatballs, let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

tips to make Irish Stew Meatballs

Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the meatballs to ensure they brown properly.
You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Feel free to add more herbs or spices that you enjoy.
For a thicker stew, add a little more flour or let it simmer longer without the lid.

variation

You can easily customize this recipe by using different meats like chicken or turkey. Additionally, you can add other vegetables such as peas or celery to enhance the flavor. For a spicy kick, consider adding a bit of chili powder or cayenne pepper.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of lamb or beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative and will make the dish lighter.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Use meat substitutes like lentils or plant-based meat for the meatballs and vegetable broth for the stew.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and stew in advance. Just reheat it before serving for a quick meal.