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Home » Irish Recipes » Slow Cooker Irish Lamb Stew

Slow Cooker Irish Lamb Stew

Published: Feb 4, 2021 · Modified: Aug 9, 2024 by Cooking Chat · This post may contain affiliate links

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Irish Lamb Stew recipe with tender meat and Irish vegetables cooks slowly throughout the day with no effort. Enjoy it for a wintry supper with your family, and keep this Irish stew in mind for St. Patrick’s Day! Read on for more details on our Irish lamb stew recipe along with pairing suggestions, or click here to jump down to the recipe.

Slow Cooker Irish Lamb Stew recipe.

I love to cook food that draws upon cuisines from around the world, with a particular fondness for Italian and Indian food. 

But sometimes I like to lean into my Irish roots, and make something featuring a simple combination of meat, potatoes and vegetables.

This Slow Cooker Irish Lamb Stew is definitely a classic! In fact, lamb doesn’t even technically need to be in the title, as “traditional Irish stew” generally is made with lamb or mutton.

For a lighter Irish recipe, try our Irish Vegetable Soup. And another good soup recipe for St. Patrick’s Day is our Irish Potato Soup recipe with Bacon and Cabbage.

Jump to:
  • What makes this recipe work
  • How do you make Irish stew in a slow cooker?
  • Recipe tips
  • FAQ about Irish Stew
  • Related recipes
  • Drinks to serve with this stew
  • Wine pairings
  • Recipe card
  • Sunday Supper Recipes

What makes this recipe work

slow cooker Irish Lamb Stew in a white bowl.

Tender meat and nutritious veggies slowly cook together for a great meal. This Slow Cooker Irish Lamb Stew is a great choice for any winter supper. But you should also keep our Irish stew recipe in mind for St. Patrick’s Day. I have served this before instead of the traditional corned beef and cabbage.

If you want some other idea’s for St. Patrick’s Day, be sure to check out our Real Irish Food article.

How do you make Irish stew in a slow cooker?

adding herbs along with lamb in a slow cooker.

I first made an Irish stew based on a recipe from the cookbook Irish Country Cooking. The original recipe was quickly cooked on the stove top. I adapted it for the slow cooker with great results. You can start this in the morning for your supper, and enjoy the lamb that is just falling apart in the stew by night time.

Using the slow cooker for your Sunday Supper can be a great option when you have a busy afternoon that doesn’t leave much time for cooking. Do your supper prep after breakfast, and get this Irish Lamb Stew going in the slow cooker as you enjoy family time in the afternoon.

This strategy can also be a great option if there is a big football game to watch on Sunday afternoon! You can also start this evening and let it cook over night to be ready for the next day.

Recipe tips

This slow cooker Irish lamb stew recipe couldn’t be much simpler. Many of my stew recipes start with an overnight marinade, but this Irish stew recipe doesn’t require it.

Just get the veggies sautéed, add them to the crockpot, topped by the potatoes. Then brown the lamb, add it to the crockpot along with the stock and water, rosemary and set the timer. Go about your business, and you’ll have a good hearty meal waiting for you!

The last time we made this stew, I added a bit of Tuscan herb olive oil, and that was a delicious flavor boost! We’ve gotten our flavored evoo from the local (north of Boston) Branch Olive Oil Co., but I included an Amazon link above in case you want to order some.

FAQ about Irish Stew

What part of lamb is best for stew?

Your butcher might have some meat labelled as lamb stew meat. If not, boneless lamb shoulder or leg of lamb can be cut into stew sized pieces.

Can you put raw lamb in a slow cooker?

Technically it is OK to put raw lamb in a slow cooker from a safety perspective. But the flavor definitely benefits from browning first! I would encourage you to take the time to brown the lamb for this recipe. Sometimes I skip this step with leaner proteins like chicken breast or ground turkey, but not in a stew.

What to serve with Irish stew?

This Irish lamb stew is definitely a meal on its own! You could serve it with some good bread (we cover beverages later!). To keep it authentic, try some Irish soda bread or maybe some brown bread. I included some links to Irish bread recipes that look good, I haven’t tried them.

How to keep and reheat leftover stew?

This stew keeps for several days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container. Like many stews, this gets even better when reheated for another meal! I like to slowly reheat the stew in a large pan for best results. If you have a bit of leftover veggies, pasta or grains from another meal, throw them into the stew, too!

Related recipes

If you like this lamb stew recipe, be sure to check out these recipes:

  • Real Irish Food for St. Patrick’s Day
  • Irish Potato Cabbage Soup with Bacon and Cheddar
  • Irish Cheddar Potatoes with Lamb and Parsley Pesto
  • Salmon with Pesto and Potatoes
  • Greek Lamb Stew

Drinks to serve with this stew

Irish lamb stew features fall apart tender meat slowly cooked with favorite Irish vegetables in the slow cooker. #IrishStew #slowcooker #comfortfood

A pint of a good Irish stout is the the natural pairing choice for this Irish stew. If you are making this Slow Cooker Irish Lamb Stew for St. Patrick’s Day, an Irish stout such as Guinness is certainly my recommended pairing. But as you might suspect, I have tested our Irish lamb stew with wine pairings, too!

Wine pairings

Syrah is a natural pairing for lamb, and I have tested both a 100% Syrah and Grenache / Syrah / Mourvedre (GSM) blends with good results.

bowl of Irish lamb stew served with a red wine.
Leftover Irish stew, with a bit of farro added, delicious with L’Ecole No. 41 Syrah.

I’m going to lead by talking about an excellent bottle we opened recently to go with a batch of leftover Irish stew. The 2018 L’Ecole No. 41 Walla Walla Valley Syrah ($36, 15 % ABV) is a big red wine from Seven Hills Vineyard, well-suited for stew. I get pine and sage brush on the nose. On the palate, bright cherry fruit and notes of white pepper. This young wine opened up nicely with a little time in the decanter.

The 2018 L’Ecole Syrah is a new release, sent to me as a complimentary sample. The wine is made from 100% Syrah grapes. L’Ecole’s Walla Walla vineyards, including Ferguson, are certified sustainable and salmon safe. You can learn more about their sustainability programs here.

We have also enjoyed the L’Ecole Syrah with our Easy Grilled Steak Tips recipe.

It so happened that I also tried a Washington GSM blend with the same recent batch of stew.

Irish Lamb Stew served in a white bowl along with a red wine.
Irish Lamb Stew with Nine Hats GSM red wine blend

The 2016 Nine Hats Reserve ($40, 15.1% ABV)is a blend of roughly equal parts Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre (GSM). I get boysenberry and black pepper on the palate, pleasant mouthfeel. Another good option for the Irish lamb stew.

I got the Nine Hats Reserve through the California Wine Club Pacific Northwest program (affiliate link provided). You can read more about my experience with the California Wine Club here.

Previously, I have enjoyed this stew with some good Rhone blends, which is also typically a GSM combination.

So whether you go for Guinness, Old World or US red wine, you are sure to enjoy this hearty Irish Lamb Stew with the beverage of your choice. Sláinte!

Print

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Irish Lamb Stew

slow cooker Irish Lamb Stew in a white bowl.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 8 reviews

Slow Cooker Irish Lamb Stew with tender meat and Irish vegetables for St. Patrick’s Day or any chilly night you want a hearty meal.

  • Author: Cooking Chat
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 9 hours 15 mins
  • Total Time: 9 hours 30 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Stew
  • Method: slow cooker
  • Cuisine: Irish

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1 leek, white and light green part, chopped
  • 3 ½ cups cabbage, chopped
  • 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 ½ lbs lamb stew meat
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 sprigs rosemary
  • bay leaf
  • 1 cup baby spinach leaves
  • 1 tbsp mint leaves, finely minced (or substitute parsley here)

Instructions

  1. Sauté veggies: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onions, cook for a few minutes, then add the carrots and leek. Cook for about 5 more minutes until the veggies begin to soften. Transfer these veggies into the slow cooker, and add the potatoes and cabbage in a layer on top of the sautéed vegetables.
  2.  Brown the lamb: Return the skillet to the stove, heat the remaining olive on medium. Add the lamb. Salt and pepper the lamb to taste, then cook for 5 minutes on one side to brown. Turn the lamb over, brown the other side for another 5 minutes.
  3. Add lamb to slow cooker: Transfer the lamb to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken stock and the water, then add the sprigs of rosemary and bay leaf.
  4. Slow cooking time: Cook in the slow cooker for 1 hour on high, 8 hours on low. When cooked, stir in the baby spinach leaves for some nice green color.
  5. Serve hot, topped with a touch of fresh mint, along with a pint or glass of hearty red wine. Sláinte!

Notes

  • If you want to use a bit more lamb than called for, as I did recently, add an extra quarter cup or so of broth.
  • Substitute parsley for mint if you like. Mint is a classic herb for lamb, but during a recent remake of the stew I had parsley for something else, and used it instead of buying mint. Worked well.

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Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes
closeup photo of Irish lamb stew.

Slow cooker Irish lamb stew served in a white bowl.

Sunday Supper Recipes

Super Sunday Entrees

This recipe was originally published as part of a Sunday Supper event. Here are the recipes that were part of the event, for more dinner inspiration!

  • Beef-Barley Skillet by Wholistic Woman
  • Braised Lamb Shanks by Caroline’s Cooking
  • Breakfast Pizza by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
  • Chicken Zucchini Pasta with Almond Pesto by April Golightly
  • Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken Spaghetti by The Bitter Side of Sweet
  • Best Ever Dutch Oven Braised Pot Roast Dinner by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
  • Ground Beef Stroganoff Skillet Recipe by Sunday Supper Movement
  • Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti with Peas by Cricket’s Confections
  • One Pot Taco Pasta Skillet by Life Tastes Good
  • Pan-Fried Scallops with Vegetables by Our Good Life
  • Panko and Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops by Jersey Girl Cooks
  • Pork Fingers by The Freshman Cook
  • Shepherd’s Pie Potato Skins by Fantastical Sharing of Recipes
  • Skillet Chicken Parmesan by Hardly A Goddess
  • Slow Cooker Irish Lamb Stew by Cooking Chat
  • Spicy Shrimp Soup by Pies and Plots
  • Turkey Fennel Skillet Dinner by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings

Sweet Sunday Desserts

  • Bourbon Butterscotch Pudding by Baking Sense
  • Dark Chocolate S’mores Crack by Wild Wild Whisk
  • Homemade Chunky Monkey Ice Cream by Bites of Wellness
  • Mocha Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Box Cake by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
  • Simple Cocoa-Spice Cake by A Little Fish in the Kitchen
Irish Lamb Stew in a white bowl, with text underneath with the recipe title.
« Guacamole Wine Pairing Ideas
André Hueston Mack and Maison Noir Wines »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Christie

    January 07, 2018 at 1:11 pm

    I’ve had lamb stew, but never made it. I can’t wait to try this slow cooker version. Looks so delicious and perfect for this cold waether.

    Reply
  2. Liz

    January 07, 2018 at 3:34 pm

    My half Irish husband will not eat corned beef—but I’m making a small one for myself this year, then I will balance that with some Irish lamb stew! Thanks for this yummy recipe!

    Reply
  3. Trang

    January 07, 2018 at 5:09 pm

    Can’t wait to try, this stew looks so comforting!

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      January 08, 2018 at 8:39 pm

      Thanks Trang!

      Reply
  4. Renee - Kudos Kitchen

    January 07, 2018 at 7:55 pm

    I’m loving your Irish lamb stew! Lamb is one of my favorite ingredients so this is one recipe I’ll have to make!

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      January 08, 2018 at 8:39 pm

      Hope you like it Renee!

      Reply
  5. Cindy

    January 07, 2018 at 11:37 pm

    I would love a piping hot bowl of this stew with a stoudt! Heaven!

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      January 08, 2018 at 8:39 pm

      cheers Cindy!

      Reply
  6. Eileen

    January 08, 2018 at 3:42 pm

    Ooo, a big comforting bowl of this stew and a pint would be the perfect winter Sunday supper!

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      January 08, 2018 at 8:38 pm

      Definitely a good combo!

      Reply
  7. Veena Azmanov

    February 17, 2019 at 1:14 pm

    I love lamb too. This dish is going to be my Sunday special family dinner. Love the healthy veggies too.

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      February 17, 2019 at 1:38 pm

      Thanks, it is definitely a nice Sunday meal choice.

      Reply
  8. Jacqueline Debono

    February 17, 2019 at 1:45 pm

    Lamb is my favourite red meat! This Irish lamb stew looks wonderful. I can’t wait to give it a try!

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      February 17, 2019 at 2:24 pm

      I should probably make lamb more, it is good and versatile, too!

      Reply
  9. Lisa Bryan

    February 17, 2019 at 2:03 pm

    Irish lamb stew is perfect for this cold, rainy weather. Can’t wait to make it for St. Paddy’s Day!

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      February 17, 2019 at 2:24 pm

      tis getting to be the season for it!

      Reply
  10. traci

    February 17, 2019 at 2:25 pm

    Getting a jump start on St. Pat’s recipes, and you’re bringing it with this one! Thanks for sharing this scrumptious recipe!

    Reply
  11. Linda

    March 15, 2019 at 6:32 pm

    Yum! This stew sounds so good and comforting. And I love how it’s slow cooked too.

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      March 17, 2019 at 6:40 am

      Thanks Linda! It is good comfort food for sure.

      Reply
  12. Laura

    March 17, 2019 at 11:10 am

    Hello!
    I am hoping to try this recipe but am unsure when or what the cabbage is for?
    Please advise 🙂

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      March 17, 2019 at 12:05 pm

      Hi Laura–glad you noticed that and asked! The cabbage should be added along with the potato. I see that was missing from the steps! You could also skip the cabbage if you’ve already started the stew and/or don’t have it on hand. It add some nutrition but not a big factor in the flavor.

      Reply
      • Mari

        January 17, 2025 at 3:13 pm

        Thanks for the clarification I’m thinking I’m gonna add chickpeas the last hour or so of cooking. I’ll let you know how it turns out looking forward to making this for Sunday dinner.

        Reply
        • Cooking Chat

          January 19, 2025 at 7:28 am

          Sounds good!

          Reply
  13. Eileen Kelly

    March 17, 2019 at 8:43 pm

    An absolutely delicious stew! The flavors are sending me back to my Great- Granny’s cottage in Ireland! I am making this for my Mom! She will love your stew!

    Reply
    • Cooking Chat

      March 18, 2019 at 5:43 am

      Thanks Eileen! Glad it resonates with those memories.

      Reply
  14. Praew

    January 09, 2023 at 8:49 am

    Looks yummy!

    Reply
  15. Mari

    January 22, 2025 at 6:30 pm

    Made this slow cooker lamb stew followed recipe except for cabbage. It was too much liquid and was a little on the bland side so I added some additional seasonings and a can of drained chick peas that I put in last hour and puréed after removing the lamb and veggies. Turned out yummy with the chickpea addition.

    Reply

Trackbacks

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Hi there! I'm David. I love creating tasty, (mostly) healthy recipes, finding great wine pairings, and sharing good food with family and friends. learn more about me!

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