Name: Vegan Irish Stew Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 large sweet onion, chopped; 1 bag Gardein beefless tips; 3 large garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 cups Guinness stout; 3 cups vegetable broth; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce; 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks; 4 yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup water

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 24 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that’s both plant-based and soul-satisfying, you’re going to love this Vegan Irish Stew Recipe. It’s packed with rich flavors, tender veggies, and that signature depth you expect from a classic Irish stew—all without any meat. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll want it on repeat, especially on chilly days!

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Why This Recipe Works

Rich Umami Flavor: The combination of Guinness stout and vegan beefless tips delivers a deep, savory base that mimics traditional stew perfectly.
Hearty & Nourishing: Chunky potatoes and carrots provide satisfying texture and wholesome nutrition in every bite.
Easy to Customize: Switch up the protein or seasonings to suit your taste or what you’ve got on hand.
Perfectly Thickened: The cornstarch slurry thickens the stew just right without clumping or heaviness.

Vegan Irish Stew, hearty vegan stew, plant-based Irish stew, vegan comfort food, Irish stew with vegetables - The image shows a thick stew in a large pan filled with chunky vegetables including bright orange carrot slices and yellow potato pieces. The stew sauce is rich brown and glossy, spread evenly around the vegetables. Small green herb pieces sprinkle the top, adding a fresh contrast to the warm tones. A spoon sinks into the stew, lifting some of the colorful vegetables, making the texture appear smooth and hearty. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Vegan Irish Stew Recipe plays a key role—from the savory flavors to the textures. Picking the right vegan “meat” and quality broth will really elevate the stew, so here’s a little insight to help you shop smart.

Vegan Irish Stew, hearty vegan stew, plant-based Irish stew, vegan comfort food, Irish stew with vegetables - Flat lay of large sweet yellow onion with papery skin and some layers peeling, peeled orange carrots cut into chunks showing fresh texture, golden Yukon potatoes cut into rustic chunks with slightly rough skin edges, a small pile of dark brown Gardein beefless tips with a meaty texture, three peeled garlic cloves with a smooth white surface, dried rosemary and thyme sprigs scattered loosely with green-gray hues, a small heap of deep red tomato paste, and a glossy bottle of dark brown stout beer partially visible, all arranged naturally with some herbs overlapping the vegetables, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Olive oil: A good-quality oil adds richness and helps soften the onions beautifully.
Sweet onion: Offers sweetness and a lovely base flavor—don’t skip sautéing them well!
Gardein beefless tips: My go-to for mimicking beef texture; they brown nicely and soak up the stew’s flavor.
Garlic: Brings warmth and depth when cooked gently with the herbs.
Dried rosemary & thyme: Classic Irish herb combo that adds an earthy aroma and subtle piney note.
Ground black pepper: Gives just the right kick without overpowering.
Guinness stout: This is the star that gives the stew authentic Irish soul.
Vegetable broth: Provides the savory liquid base—homemade or low-sodium store-bought works best.
Tomato paste: Enhances the umami and rounds out the flavors with a touch of tangy sweetness.
Vegan Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle tang and depth—you can find vegan versions easily or make your own.
Carrots & Yukon gold potatoes: The hearty veggies that soak up the stew’s flavor and keep you full.
Cornstarch & water: A slurry to thicken the stew perfectly without flour’s heaviness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how versatile this Vegan Irish Stew Recipe is, so I often tweak it depending on the season and my pantry stock. Feel free to make it your own and experiment with different “meat” alternatives or veggies.

Variation: I sometimes swap Gardein for mushrooms when I want a more earthy flavor, especially in fall. They soak up the broth beautifully and add a meaty bite.
Make it gluten-free: Just verify your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, or swap with coconut aminos plus a splash of balsamic vinegar for tang.
Add greens: Toss in some chopped kale or spinach in the last 5 minutes for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
Spice it up: Occasionally I add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne to give it a subtle smoky heat that pairs well with the stout.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Irish Stew Recipe

Step 1: Sauté those aromatics

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot, then add your chopped sweet onion. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes until they’re wonderfully translucent and sweet-smelling. This is a crucial step because these flavors form the stew’s base. Be patient here—don’t rush; caramelizing onions just slightly will deepen your stew’s flavor.

Step 2: Brown the beefless tips and garlic

Add the Gardein beefless tips and sauté them for 3–4 minutes until they take on a bit of brown color. They don’t need to cook fully yet—just enough to develop flavor. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning. This combo is what starts building that rich, comforting stew aroma.

Step 3: Add herbs, spices & beer

Sprinkle in rosemary, thyme, and black pepper; stir continuously for about a minute to release their fragrant oils. Then pour in the Guinness stout—watch it bubble and combine with all those tasty bits stuck on the bottom. This adds the authentic Irish charm we’re after!

Step 4: Build the stew with broth, tomato paste & veggies

Stir in vegetable broth, tomato paste, and vegan Worcestershire sauce. Next, add your chunked carrots and potatoes. Give everything a good stir and bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, lower to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Thicken it just right

Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the stew while stirring vigorously. You might not need all of it—add gradually until you reach a nice thick, stew-like consistency. Taste and adjust salt as needed, depending on your broth.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Sauté Slowly: Taking time with the onions really brings out natural sweetness that balances the beer’s bitterness.
Use Real Guinness: The authentic stout dramatically improves the stew’s flavor—try not to substitute with something too different.
Don’t Skip the Slurry: Adding cornstarch slowly and stirring prevents lumps and helps the stew cling to the veggies and “meat.”
Adjust Salt Last: Since broths and Worcestershire can vary in saltiness, salt after thickening to avoid oversalting.

How to Serve Vegan Irish Stew Recipe

Vegan Irish Stew, hearty vegan stew, plant-based Irish stew, vegan comfort food, Irish stew with vegetables - A white bowl filled with thick beef stew, showing chunks of tender brown beef, large pieces of orange carrots, and big white potato pieces all mixed in a rich dark brown gravy. Small green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding contrast. A spoon is resting in the bowl, and the bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley right on top—it adds such a fresh, vibrant note and a pop of color. A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of cracked black pepper right before serving brightens up the hearty stew as well.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread is essential to sop up every last bit of this delicious stew—think a warm sourdough or Irish soda bread. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully if you want something lighter alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy gathering, serve the stew in mini cast-iron skillets or rustic ramekins, topped with a dollop of vegan sour cream or cashew cream. Garnish with chives or even crushed roasted nuts for texture. It’s such a crowd-pleaser served this way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover stew in airtight containers in the fridge where it keeps perfectly for about 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste even better the next day!

Freezing

This stew freezes wonderfully. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it’ll last up to 3 months. Make sure to leave a little headspace as it expands. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it gets a bit thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving straight from frozen as it tends to heat unevenly.

FAQs

Can I make this Vegan Irish Stew Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! While Guinness stout lends authentic flavor, you can substitute it with additional vegetable broth or non-alcoholic beer. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a little different but still tasty and comforting.
What can I use instead of Gardein beefless tips?

You can swap with TVP chunks, mushrooms, lentils, or other plant-based meat substitutes you like. Just make sure to adjust cooking time slightly if using lentils or beans to ensure they’re soft.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the onions and beefless tips first on the stove, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add the cornstarch slurry near the end to thicken.
How thick should the stew be?

It should coat the back of a spoon nicely—not too watery but not overly thick. Add the cornstarch slurry slowly until you get that perfect gravy-like consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Irish Stew Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites—not just for its deep, authentic flavors, but because it’s so comforting and easy to make with ingredients you can find at most stores. If you’re looking to warm up and enjoy a traditional Irish classic with a compassionate twist, give this a try. I promise it’ll feel like a cozy hug in a bowl, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on a quiet night in.