A comforting and flavorful stew inspired by traditional Irish recipes, perfect for a cozy meal.
Trim the beef, leaving a little fat for flavor, and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Keeping a bit of fat enhances the richness of the stew.
Season the beef and vegetables with salt, pepper, and half of the chopped parsley and thyme.
Seasoning early allows the flavors to meld during cooking.
Layer the potatoes, beef, carrots, and onions in a large casserole dish, starting and ending with potatoes.
Layering ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.
Pour the water over the layers, cover the dish tightly, and place it in the preheated oven at 275°F.
Covering the dish traps steam, cooking the ingredients gently.
Cook for 2.5 hours, shaking the dish occasionally to prevent sticking and checking the liquid level.
Avoid opening the oven too often to maintain a consistent temperature.
Before serving, remove the lid, brown the top under a hot broiler, and sprinkle with the remaining parsley.
Browning adds a lovely texture and enhances the dish's presentation.