Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe

This hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Tender chunks of beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich savory broth come together to create a meal that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for those cold evenings when you need something substantial and satisfying, this stew is completely gluten-free without sacrificing any of the traditional taste and texture you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Beef stew meat: The star of the show – choose meat with good marbling for the most tender, flavorful results. The long cooking process will transform even tougher cuts into melt-in-your-mouth bites.
• Olive oil: Used for browning the meat and sautéing vegetables, adding richness to the overall flavor profile.
• Onion: Creates a foundational flavor base for the stew. The slicing technique (pole to pole) helps the onions hold their shape during long cooking.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and nutrients. Their firm texture holds up well during slow cooking.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and complexity that complements the beef beautifully.
• Tomato paste: A concentrated flavor booster that adds umami depth and slight acidity to balance the rich stew.
• Gluten-free flour: Acts as a thickening agent without introducing gluten. Make sure it’s certified gluten-free if you have celiac disease.
• Red wine: Adds acidity and depth to the stew. The alcohol cooks off, leaving only flavor behind.
• Gluten-free beef broth: Forms the liquid base of your stew. Always double-check labels to ensure it’s truly gluten-free.
• Bay leaves and thyme: These herbs infuse the broth with aromatic flavors during the long simmer.
• Salt pork: Adds a subtle richness and depth that takes this stew to the next level.
• Yukon gold potatoes: Their buttery, creamy texture is perfect for stew and they hold their shape better than russets.
• Frozen peas: Added near the end for a pop of color, freshness, and slight sweetness.

Variations

Want to customize your stew? Here are some excellent variations:

• Root Vegetable Medley: Add parsnips, turnips, or rutabaga along with the carrots for a more complex vegetable profile.
• Mushroom Boost: Sauté 8 ounces of quartered cremini or button mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor dimension.
• Herb Variations: Try rosemary or sage instead of (or in addition to) thyme for a different aromatic profile.
• Tomato-Forward: Add a 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes for a slightly more acidic, tomato-rich stew.
• Wine-Free Version: Replace the wine with additional beef broth plus 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to maintain depth of flavor.

How to Make Gluten-Free Beef Stew

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Pat the beef dry thoroughly with paper towels (this is crucial for proper browning). Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a Dutch oven over high heat until shimmering. Add half the beef in a single layer without overcrowding and sear until deeply browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer the browned meat to your slow cooker and repeat with remaining beef.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add a little more olive oil to the empty pot if needed. Add onions and carrots, scraping the bottom to capture all those flavorful browned bits. Cook until the onions soften and become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Sprinkle the gluten-free flour over the vegetables and stir constantly until no dry flour remains, about 30 seconds. Add garlic and tomato paste, continuing to stir until fragrant and slightly darkened, about 30 seconds more.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

Slowly pour in the red wine, scraping vigorously to loosen any remaining browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer until slightly reduced and thickened, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the beef broth until smooth.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Pour the liquid mixture into your slow cooker, adding the bay leaves, thyme, and salt pork. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours (or high for 3-4 hours) until the meat is beginning to become tender.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Two hours before serving, remove the salt pork and add the potato chunks. Continue cooking until potatoes are tender and beef is fall-apart soft.

Step 7: Finish the Stew

In the final 30 minutes, stir in the frozen peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste – this final seasoning step is crucial for bringing all the flavors together.

How to Serve

This stew is a meal in itself, but here are some perfect pairings:

Simple Sides

Serve with gluten-free crusty bread or cornbread for soaking up the delicious broth.

Fresh Additions

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.

Garnishes

Top each bowl with fresh chopped parsley or thyme and a grind of black pepper for extra visual appeal and flavor brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This stew keeps beautifully! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves overnight as the ingredients have time to meld.

Freezing

Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. For best texture, freeze before adding the potatoes, then add freshly cooked potatoes when reheating.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if needed to restore the consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free Beef Stew brings together the comforting flavors we all crave with the assurance that it’s completely safe for those avoiding gluten. The combination of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich broth creates a satisfying meal that’s worth the time it takes to develop those deep flavors. Whether you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease or simply looking for a delicious, wholesome dinner option, this recipe delivers on both taste and comfort. Give it a try next weekend – your home will smell amazing and your family will be counting the minutes until dinner!

Print