Are you craving a hearty, comforting meal that's also healthy and gluten-free? Look no further! This easy crock-pot beef stew recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying chilly evenings. It's packed with tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth – all without any gluten! This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy homemade cooking, and it’s one of the best recipes for a quick dinner idea.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups gluten-free beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup chopped potatoes (Yukon Gold or russet)
- 1 cup frozen peas (added in the last 30 minutes)
Instructions:
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Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds depth of flavor. Set aside.
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Sauté vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine in crock-pot: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the browned beef, gluten-free beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
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Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
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Add potatoes: About 1 hour before serving, add the chopped potatoes to the slow cooker.
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Stir in peas: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas.
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Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Beef Stew:
- Use a good quality beef stew meat: This will make a big difference in the tenderness of the final dish.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet: Sear the beef in batches to ensure it browns properly.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less of any spice to suit your preferences. A dash of Worcestershire sauce (ensure it's gluten-free!) can add a lovely depth of umami.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like mushrooms, turnips, or parsnips.
- Make it thicker: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Spicy Beef Stew: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Beef Stew with Barley: For a heartier stew, add 1 cup of gluten-free barley along with the potatoes.
- Slow Cooker Beef and Sweet Potato Stew: Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a naturally sweeter flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This delicious and easy gluten-free beef stew recipe is a perfect example of healthy meals that are also incredibly flavorful. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!