This Healthy Crock Pot Irish Beef Stew is the ultimate "set it and forget it" comfort food for anyone watching their salt intake or heart health. Traditionally, Irish stew relies on heavy salts and stout, but our version swaps in unsalted broth and aromatic herbs to keep the flavor rich and the sodium impressively low at just 165mg per serving.
By using lean beef stew meat and a colorful medley of Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, and celery, you get a nutrient-dense meal that’s naturally gluten-free. Whether you're preparing for St. Patrick's Day or just need a cozy weeknight dinner, this slow cooker method ensures tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables every time.
For more of our cozy, comfort food favorites, enjoy exploring our lineup of our healthy crock pot recipes!
This recipe reimagines traditional Irish comfort food by focusing on lean protein and low-sodium aromatics. By substituting standard canned broths with unsalted versions and using gluten-free thickeners, we’ve created a dish that supports cardiovascular health without sacrificing the hearty texture you expect from a classic stew.
Traditionally, Irish stew was made with mutton or lamb. Modern Irish beef stews, like this one, often focus on specific root vegetables and sometimes use stout for a distinct savory depth.
This recipe uses a cornstarch slurry added at the end. Stirring this into the hot liquid and simmering for an extra 10 minutes creates a thick, glossy gravy without adding extra fat.
Lean beef stew meat or a lean cut of chuck roast is best for slow cooking; the long cook time breaks down the connective tissue, making the meat incredibly tender.
Yes! Our base recipe uses unsalted beef broth and water, providing a delicious alcohol-free version that is rich in flavor and low in sodium.
If you enjoy the "set it and forget it" convenience of this recipe, these cozy slow cooker favorites offer even more heart-healthy comfort. These nourishing meals are perfect for busy weeknights, providing tender, protein-packed results with minimal kitchen cleanup.
Maintaining a heart-healthy diet is easy with these delicious low sodium stews that utilize fresh herbs and spices for maximum flavor. Each recipe is designed to be nutrient-dense and satisfying without the high salt content found in traditional canned options.
Recipe yields 6 servings
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides. Once browned, transfer beef to a 4 to 6 quart slow cooker.
Lower heat to medium. Add sliced onions to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add ½ cup beef broth, scraping up any browned bits off the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon or spatula. Remove from heat and carefully transfer onion mixture to slow cooker on top of meat.
Add potatoes, carrots and celery to slow cooker. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, gluten-free flour and black pepper; pour over vegetables and meat and gently stir to combine. Add thyme, rosemary and bay leaf.
Close lid and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
After the stew is cooked, gently stir and remove the sprigs of thyme and rosemary and the bay leaf. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Open the slow cooker and pour in cornstarch slurry; stir to combine. If needed, simmer on HIGH for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until thickened. Serve warm and enjoy!
For a complete heart-healthy meal, pair this stew with our Homemade Cornbread or a serving of Healthy Mashed Potatoes. If you're looking for a lighter side, try it with our Kale Crunch Salad.
You can swap beef stew meat for lean bottom round or chuck roast cut into cubes. For an even leaner substitution, try using chicken breast or chicken thigh meat.
For a traditional flavor, you may use 1 cup of stout beer (like Guinness) to deglaze the pan after sautéing the onions. If choosing this, omit adding the water to the slow cooker later.
If you don't have unsalted beef broth, unsalted chicken or vegetable broth works well, though the flavor profile will be milder.
If gluten is not a concern, standard all-purpose flour can be used in the same measurements.
If you loved this Crock Pot Irish Beef Stew, you will also love these flavorful and healthy beef stews that offer a variety of unique vegetable pairings and spices. These recipes are specifically crafted to be heart-healthy while delivering the deep, savory satisfaction of a traditional beef dinner.