Name: Irish Sausage Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 4 beef sausages; 1 large onion, sliced; 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced; 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced; 3 cups chicken broth; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms your heart and fills your belly, then you’ve come to the right place! This Irish Sausage and Bacon Stew is one of those recipes that feels like a big hug on a chilly day. It’s packed with hearty flavors and is incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Trust me; once you try this stew, it might just become your new favorite comfort food!

What makes this recipe extra special is how it combines simple ingredients into something truly delicious. The savory broth, tender sausages, and crispy bacon all meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. So grab your favorite pot, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can have this stew on the table in no time.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the hearty flavors, making it a great choice for dinner.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This stew keeps well in the fridge, so you can make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Hearty and Filling: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this dish will keep everyone satisfied and warm.
Customizable Ingredients: You can easily adapt this recipe to include your favorite vegetables or spices.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is half the fun! They are simple and wholesome—perfect for creating a comforting meal that everyone will love.

For the Stew

4 beef sausages
6 slices back bacon, chopped
1 large onion, sliced
4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
3 cups chicken broth
½ cup white grape juice (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Variations

One of the best things about this Irish Sausage and Bacon Stew is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up according to what you have on hand or personal preferences.

Swap the protein: Try using turkey sausages or chicken sausage as a lighter alternative.
Add more veggies: Throw in some peas or green beans for an extra pop of color and nutrition.
Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or paprika if you like a bit of heat in your stew.
Make it creamy: Stir in some coconut milk at the end for a rich twist.

How to Make Irish Sausage and Bacon Stew

Step 1: Brown the Sausages

In a large pot over medium heat, cook the sausages until they’re nicely browned. This step is important because browning adds depth to the flavor of your stew. Once they are golden brown, remove them from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Next, add the chopped bacon to the same pot. Cook until crispy—this will infuse your stew with that lovely smoky flavor we all adore. The fat rendered from the bacon will also help sauté your vegetables beautifully!

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Stir in your sliced onions along with minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until softened. This step brings out their natural sweetness and sets a flavorful base for your stew.

Step 4: Layer in Vegetables

Now it’s time to layer in those sliced potatoes and carrots over your bacon mixture. These vegetables add heartiness to our dish while soaking up all those delicious flavors as they cook.

Step 5: Add Broth and Seasoning

Pour in the chicken broth (and white grape juice if you’re using it). Then season with thyme, salt, and pepper. These ingredients create that wonderful savory broth that brings everything together.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return those sausages back into the pot so they can soak up all that flavor too! Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about an hour or until those vegetables are tender.

Step 7: Serve It Up!

Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot. This adds a lovely burst of color and freshness right before enjoying your delicious Irish Sausage and Bacon Stew!

Pro Tips for Making Irish Sausage and Bacon Stew

Creating the perfect Irish Sausage and Bacon Stew is all about embracing rich flavors and textures. Here are some tips to elevate your stew to a whole new level:

Use high-quality sausages: Opt for beef sausages made from premium cuts of meat. They bring out the best flavors in your stew, making each bite deliciously satisfying.
Don’t rush the browning: Take your time when browning the sausages and bacon. This step creates a deeper flavor base that enriches the overall taste of the dish.
Experiment with herbs: While thyme is a classic choice, feel free to add other herbs like rosemary or bay leaves for additional depth. Each herb brings its own unique character to the stew.
Let it simmer: Allowing your stew to simmer longer than the minimum time can enhance the flavors. A good simmer allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a heartier dish.
Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste your stew towards the end of cooking and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This ensures you achieve just the right balance of flavors without over-seasoning.

How to Serve Irish Sausage and Bacon Stew

Serving your Irish Sausage and Bacon Stew can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas to present this comforting dish beautifully:

Garnishes

Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens up the rich flavors of the stew.
Crusty bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread on top or alongside. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that savory broth!

Side Dishes

Irish Soda Bread: This traditional bread is quick and easy to make, providing a perfect complement to soak up all that delicious stew.
Colcannon: A classic Irish side made with mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale. It’s creamy and pairs wonderfully with the hearty stew.
Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans add a fresh crunch that balances well with the richness of the stew.
Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and turnips roasted until caramelized bring warmth and sweetness—ideal companions for your comforting dish.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create a meal that’s not just filling but also heartwarming—perfect for any cozy gathering! Enjoy your culinary journey!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Irish Sausage and Bacon Stew is perfect for meal prep! It’s hearty, filling, and just gets better with time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Label the container with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Freezing

To freeze, let the stew cool entirely and portion it into freezer-safe containers.
Leave some space at the top of each container to allow for expansion as it freezes.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date!

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating if frozen.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely with a lid.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common ones regarding this delicious stew!

Can I use other types of sausages in Irish Sausage and Bacon Stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with chicken or turkey sausages for a lighter option. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the pot.

How long does Irish Sausage and Bacon Stew last in the fridge?

When properly stored in an airtight container, this stew will last about 3 days in the refrigerator.

Is there a way to make Irish Sausage and Bacon Stew gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free sausage and ensure that your chicken broth is also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this comforting dish without any worries.

What side dishes pair well with Irish Sausage and Bacon Stew?

Consider serving this hearty stew with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. They complement the flavors wonderfully!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Irish Sausage and Bacon Stew as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a chilly day that brings comfort and happiness. Enjoy every spoonful, share it with loved ones, and don’t hesitate to try new variations along the way. Happy cooking!

Irish Sausage Stew

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Category: Dinner
Method: Stewing
Cuisine: Irish

Print Recipe

Description

If you’re in search of a comforting dish that warms your heart and satisfies your appetite, this Irish Sausage Stew is the perfect solution. Packed with robust flavors and wholesome ingredients, this hearty stew combines tender beef sausages, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth to create a cozy meal that’s ideal for chilly evenings or family gatherings. With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can bring this delightful one-pot recipe to your table in no time. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Enjoy every spoonful as it wraps you in warmth!

Ingredients

Scale

4 beef sausages
1 large onion, sliced
4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
3 cups chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large pot over medium heat, brown the beef sausages until golden. Remove and set aside.
Using the same pot, cook the chopped bacon until crispy to infuse flavor.
Add sliced onions and minced garlic; sauté for about 2 minutes until softened.
Layer in the sliced potatoes and carrots over the bacon mixture.
Pour in chicken broth; season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
Return browned sausages to the pot; bring to a boil then reduce heat to low.
Simmer gently for about an hour until vegetables are tender.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.