Name: Irish Lamb Stew with Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 20 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cubed; 3 potatoes, cubed; 2 carrots, sliced; 1 onion, chopped; 4 cups lamb or beef broth; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup milk

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

The Irish Lamb Stew with Dumplings Recipe is a heartwarming classic that brings tender lamb and hearty vegetables together in a rich broth, all crowned with irresistibly fluffy dumplings. This dish is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. With simple, wholesome ingredients and a straightforward technique, this stew invites you to slow down and savor every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of cooked pork chops in a white pan, topped with sliced orange carrots and white onion rings. The pork chops are browned with a slightly crispy texture on the edges. The carrot slices are spread evenly across the meat, adding bright orange spots, while the onion rings are thin and translucent, layered over the pork and carrots. The background surface under the pan has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering straightforward and essential ingredients is what makes this stew so approachable, yet every element plays a key role in building the stew’s depth, texture, and color. From the tender lamb shoulder to the vibrant carrots and potatoes, each ingredient is a building block of flavor.

Lamb shoulder, 2 lbs, cubed: Perfectly marbled for rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Potatoes, 3, cubed: Add heartiness and absorb the stew’s savory juices beautifully.
Carrots, 2, sliced: Bring a subtle sweetness and a pop of color to the stew.
Onion, 1, chopped: Provides a savory base with essential aromatic depth.
Lamb or beef broth, 4 cups: The liquid backbone that infuses the stew with richness.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
Dumplings:
Flour, 1 cup: The structure for light and fluffy dumplings.
Baking powder, 1 teaspoon: Helps the dumplings rise to soft perfection.
Salt, ½ teaspoon: Adds a subtle seasoning to the dumplings.
Milk, ½ cup: Binds the dumpling dough and keeps it tender.

How to Make Irish Lamb Stew with Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Lamb

Start by heating your pan and browning the cubed lamb shoulder. This step seals in the meat’s juices and creates a deep, caramelized flavor base that will enrich the entire stew.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Broth

Next, toss in the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes. Pour in the lamb or beef broth, stirring everything together to combine the layers of flavor that will develop as the stew simmers.

Step 3: Simmer Until Tender

Reduce the heat and let the stew gently simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours. This slow cooking breaks down the lamb to fork-tender perfection and allows the vegetables to soak up the savory broth, creating a harmonious medley of taste and texture.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

While the stew simmers, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to form a thick but soft dumpling dough. This simple dough is the star topping that will transform your stew into a complete, comforting meal.

Step 5: Add Dumplings and Cook

Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough evenly over the surface of the stew. Cover the pot tightly and allow the dumplings to cook for about 20 minutes without lifting the lid. This keeps the steam in, ensuring the dumplings cook evenly and become wonderfully firm yet fluffy.

How to Serve Irish Lamb Stew with Dumplings Recipe

A round white pan filled with a dark brown stew that has visible chunks of meat and small slices of bright orange carrots. On top of the stew, there are seven golden-yellow biscuit dumplings spaced evenly around the edges and one in the center, each showing a slightly crispy textured surface with a few small green herb sprinkles. The stew looks thick and rich, with the biscuit dumplings fluffy and soft. The background surface is white marble. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme adds a fresh, herbal brightness to the rich stew, lifting its flavors and giving it an inviting aroma. A little cracked black pepper on top can also enhance the rustic charm of the dish.

Side Dishes

Keep sides simple and grounding. A crusty slice of soda bread or a warm whole-grain loaf is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious stew and dumpling juices. For a green side, lightly steamed cabbage or kale complements the meal with earthy notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve the stew in individual rustic bowls, layering the dumplings on top just before serving so each portion shines. You might also try adding a dollop of tangy sour cream or a drizzle of malt vinegar for a twist that nods to traditional Irish flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Irish Lamb Stew with Dumplings Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, keep the stew and dumplings separate if possible—freeze the stew in a sealed container, and freeze dumplings wrapped in foil or a freezer bag. This way, you avoid sogginess and can reheat each for an ideal texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat the stew on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed. Warm the dumplings separately in the oven or microwave to maintain their fluffy texture before placing them back on top for serving.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of lamb for this stew?

Absolutely! While lamb shoulder is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can use lamb shank or leg if you prefer, just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat becomes tender.

Are the dumplings gluten-free?

This recipe’s dumplings use regular flour, so they are not gluten-free. You could try a gluten-free flour blend with baking powder as a substitute, but texture might vary slightly.

Can I make the dumplings without milk?

Yes, you can substitute milk with water or a plant-based milk alternative if you prefer. The dumplings might be a little less rich but will still cook up nicely.

How thick should the stew broth be?

The broth should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still easily pourable. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a bit to reduce and concentrate the flavors.

Is it necessary to keep the lid closed while dumplings cook?

Yes, keeping the lid closed traps the steam needed to cook the dumplings evenly and make them fluffy and firm. Lifting the lid releases steam and can result in undercooked dumplings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a cozy, savory celebration, you simply have to try this Irish Lamb Stew with Dumplings Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together around the table, stirring up memories and smiles with every spoonful. Trust me, making this stew is well worth every minute, and the leftovers will have you dreaming of Irish countryside hospitality.