This comforting gluten-free beef stew is a hearty, wholesome dish that's perfect for those chilly nights. Packed with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, this stew is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. It’s a family-friendly recipe that's sure to become a staple in your home.
The best thing about this gluten-free beef stew is that it zeriously tastes like it's been cooking all day on the stovetop but instead, it was only 35 minutes in the Instant Pot. The broth has a rich flavor from all the fresh thyme, rosemary, bay leaves and yes even some red pepper flakes. I could drink the broth straight up every day!
This one-pot wonder is super easy to make and just as easy to clean up, making it ideal for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or a cold day. Plus, it is a great way to sneak in a variety of vegetables, guaranteeing a balanced, nutritious meal the whole family will love!
With this gluten free recipe, you’ll get perfectly cooked beef that becomes incredibly tender and flavorful after being cooked in the instant pot. The medley of vegetables including celery, carrots, and potatoes, complements it perfectly and add a delightful crunch and a burst of freshness to the stew.
This gluten-free beef stew is perfect for those chilly fall or winter nights! The rich, hearty flavors of the beef and vegetables, combined with the warmth of the broth, create a comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this stew is sure to impress everyone!
It’s also super versatile! It can be served as a standalone dish, or paired with a side of gluten-free bread for a complete meal. Plus, it is easily customizable - feel free to add in your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own. Try this recipe today and you’ll end up with the best beef stew ever!
Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Beef Stew
- Quick and Easy: This hearty beef stew is a breeze to make, especially with the use of an instant pot. Just brown the beef, add your ingredients, and let the instant pot do all the hard work. In thirty-five minutes, you'll have a delicious, home-cooked meal ready to serve.
- Gluten-Free: This beef stew recipe uses gluten-free flour and gluten-free stock, making it a safe and delicious option for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone following a gluten-free diet.
- Family-Friendly: This beef stew is a hit with both kids and adults. It is hearty, comforting, and packed with nutrient-rich ingredients, making it a meal you can feel good about serving to your family. Trust me, it’s a true family favorite!
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Stew beef, vegetables, and a blend of herbs and spices come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
- Vibrant and Versatile: This beef stew recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your family's tastes. Want to add more veggies? Go for it! Prefer a different type of protein? No problem! This recipe is a great starting point for a variety of delicious meals.
Ingredients
This gluten-free beef stew is a hearty, delicious dish that's perfect for those chilly evenings. The best part? All of the ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store or might already be in your pantry!
- Stew Beef: The star of the show, stew beef, gives this dish its hearty, meaty flavor. When cooked properly, it becomes tender and juicy, soaking up the flavors of the stew.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to brown the beef, adding a layer of flavor and helping to seal in the juices. It also adds a subtle richness to the stew.
- Beef Stock: This forms the flavorful broth of our stew. Opt for gluten-free variety. It adds depth and a hearty, meaty flavor that compliments the beef perfectly.
- Tomato Paste: Tomato paste enhances the stew's color and adds a tangy undertone that balances the richness of the beef and stock.
- Celery, Carrots, and Small Dutch Yellow Potatoes: These vegetables contribute to the stew's hearty texture and infuse it with their unique flavors. They also add a splash of color and a dose of essential nutrients.
- Pearl Onions and Garlic: These add a punch of flavor and aroma to the stew. They also have the added benefit of being full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Fresh Thyme, Rosemary, and Bay Leaves: These herbs infuse the stew with a warm, aromatic flavor. The fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves give the broth a rich flavor that you'll want to savor with every spoonful.
- Salt, Pepper, and Red Chili Flakes: These seasonings bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and add a hint of heat. The red chili flakes are optional, but they do give the stew an exciting kick.
- Gluten-Free Flour: A little gluten-free flour (like Bob's Red Mill) is used to thicken the stew, giving it a hearty, comforting texture.
How to Make Gluten-Free Beef Stew
Here's how to create a hearty, gluten-free beef stew that's sure to impress! For more detailed instructions and nutrition facts, see the recipe card at the end of this post.
Step 1.
Prep and brown the beef: Set your instant pot to sauté and add oil. Generously salt and pepper the beef. Add the beef to the pot and brown it in batches for about four to five minutes per side. Remember, don't overcrowd the pot; otherwise, the beef will not brown properly.
Step 2.
Add base ingredients: Pour in the beef stock and add tomato paste. Give the mixture a quick stir, making sure to scrape any bits off the bottom of the pot.
Step 3.
Add remaining ingredients: Add all remaining ingredients except for the flour.
Step 4.
Prepare flour mixture: In a small bowl, mix the flour with two tablespoons of water or beef stock. Whisk it well before adding it to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 5.
Set cooking time: Set your pot to the stew/meat setting for a duration of thirty-five minutes. Make sure to close the lid and the steaming vent.
Step 6.
Release pressure: Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least ten minutes. This step is crucial to make sure that the meat remains tender and not tough.
Step 7.
Season and serve: Finally, add salt and pepper to taste. Your gluten-free beef stew is now ready to be served and enjoyed!
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: If you're going for a meatless version, simply omit the stew beef and add more of your favorite vegetables. Try adding some hearty mushrooms, sweet potatoes, or frozen peas for that meaty texture. You'll still get a delicious, comforting stew without the meat! Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Spice it Up: If you're a fan of heat, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a couple of chopped jalapenos to the mix. It will give the stew a nice kick and add another layer of flavor.
- Chicken Stew: Substitute the stew beef with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chicken is a great lean protein that will still give you a hearty stew, just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Root Vegetable Stew: For an earthy flavor, try adding more root vegetables like parsnips, turnips or rutabaga. They will add a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs well with the savory beef and herbs.
- Hearty Bean Stew: For an extra protein punch, add a can of your favorite beans. Kidney beans, black beans, or chickpeas would all be great additions. They'll make the stew even more filling and add a lovely texture.
Helpful Tips
Making a flavorful, hearty gluten-free beef stew is pretty straightforward, but here are a few expert tips to help you create a delicious, comforting meal that your family will love.
- Quality of Beef Stew: Choose high-quality stew beef for this simple gluten-free recipe. The quality of your beef can greatly impact the flavor and texture of your stew.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs add a depth of flavor to the stew that dried herbs can't match. If you can't find fresh, dried herbs can be used but the flavor may be less intense.
- Brown the Beef: Don't skip the step of browning the beef in the Instant Pot. This step adds a rich, deep flavor to the stew.
- Gluten-Free Stock: Make sure the beef stock you use is gluten-free if necessary. Some brands may contain gluten, so always check the label.
- Use Gluten-Free Flour: Bob's Red Mill gluten-free flour is a great choice for thickening the stew. It works just as well as regular flour and keeps the recipe gluten-free.
- Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to naturally release for at least ten minutes after cooking. This helps make sure that the meat is tender and not tough.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your stew before serving and adjust the seasoning as necessary. A little extra salt and pepper can really make the flavors pop.
Dietary Substitutions
This hearty gluten-free beef stew recipe is already gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. However, with a few simple modifications, it can also be adapted to fit vegan, paleo, whole30, and keto diets. Here's how:
To Make This Recipe Vegan: Substitute the stew beef with a hearty vegetable like portobello mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable stock instead of beef stock to keep it vegan-friendly.
To Make This Recipe Paleo and Whole30 Friendly: This recipe is almost there! Just omit the potatoes and replace them with another root vegetable like turnips or parsnips. Make sure your tomato paste and beef stock are compliant with no added sugars or non-compliant oils.
Storage Instructions
To Refrigerate: Place any leftover beef stew in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to four days.
To Freeze: Unfortunately, this particular savory beef stew recipe doesn't freeze well due to the potatoes. When frozen, potatoes tend to become grainy and lose their texture. However, if you've made the stew without potatoes, feel free to freeze it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months.
To Reheat: If you've frozen the stew, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use the microwave's defrost setting or warm it up slowly in a pot on the stovetop. If it has just been refrigerated, you can reheat it directly on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. Enjoy this warm, comforting stew anytime!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of beef is best for this gluten-free beef stew recipe?
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Can I omit the red chili flakes?
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
What is the purpose of the natural release in the instant pot?
What can I do if the stew is too thick?
Serving Suggestions
Our gluten-free beef stew is a versatile dish that can be served in a multitude of ways to suit your taste and dietary needs. This hearty, comforting stew is perfect for cozy dinners at home, but can also be dressed up for special occasions. Here are some of our favorite serving suggestions:
- Main dishes: This gluten-free beef stew can stand alone as a filling main dish, or it can be served alongside other protein-rich dishes like grilled chicken breast, roasted turkey, or even a hearty vegan lentil loaf for a balanced meal.
- Salads: Compliment the rich flavors of the stew with a fresh, crisp salad. Try pairing it with a gluten-free pasta salad, a tangy Greek salad, or even a sweet and savory strawberry feta salad.
- Side dishes: This stew pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it with a side of cauliflower tabbouleh for a low-carb option, sauteed brussels sprouts for a dose of greens, gluten-free cornbread, or a helping of quinoa for added protein.
- Grains: Soak up the delicious, savory broth of this stew with some gluten-free bread or serve it over a bed of fluffy brown rice or quinoa. The grains will add a delightful texture contrast and make the meal even more filling.
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ lbs stew beef
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups beef stock (gluten free if necessary)
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 pieces celery, chopped
- 4 carrots, chopped
- ½ lb small dutch yellow potatoes, cut in half (about 10)
- 1 cup pearl onions, peeled (about 6)
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs (or ½ tsp)
- 1 fresh rosemary sprig (or ¼ tsp)
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- dash of red chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoon gluten free flour (Bob's Red Mill)
Instructions
- Set Instant Pot to saute and add oil. Generously salt and pepper beef. Add to pot and brown in batches 4-5 minutes per side. Don't overcrowd the pan or the beef will not brown.
- Add beef stock and tomato paste and give it a quick stir. Scrape any bits off bottom of pot.
- Add all remaining ingredients except flour.
- In a small bowl mix flour with 2 tablespoon water or beef stock. Whisk well and add to pot. Give everything a stir.
- Set pot to stew / meat setting for 35 minutes. Close lid and steaming vent.
- When it is done allow pressure to naturally release for at least ten minutes. This will ensure that the meat is not tough and I urge you not to skip this step.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Nutrition
Am I able to use white sweet potatoes?
I made this for the first time for a friend of mine who is sick. She texted me her husband was on his third bowl and she said this was the best beef stew she ever had! I said thank you and funny thing I never made this recipe before but you can believe it's now a staple of mine :). Thank you.
So delicious! Can't wait to try this recipe my whole family will love it.