This Whole30 beef stew is incredibly hearty, savory, and comforting. It can be made in either an Instant Pot or slow cooker. This Paleo beef stew is great for dinners, meal prep, and leftovers. This family favorite dinner is a must for chilly nights!

Whole30 beef stew in bowl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • This is classic comfort food made with healthy ingredients.
  • This Whole30 beef stew is so warm and cozy.
  • The stew meat is melt in your mouth tender and so flavorful. These Beef Tips and Rice are incredibly tasty too!
  • It features a variety of vegetables and flavors.
  • This recipe can be made in either an Instant Pot or slow cooker.
  • It is made without flour and without wine.
  • For a Vegan version, check out this Vegetarian Beef Stew.
  • This beef stew is Whole30 compliant, Paleo, grain free, gluten free, dairy free, and sugar free.
  • Be sure to make this Dutch Oven Beef Stew too!

Cut of Beef

Both stew meat and chuck roast are great for Whole30 beef stew! These cuts of meat are incredibly tender and flavorful when simmered. If using chuck roast, cut into 1 inch cubes before cooking.

Do not shy away from beef that is marbled with fat throughout. The white fat part adds a ton of flavor!

Lean meat is not a great choice for beef stew.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the beef, use stew meat or chuck roast. If necessary, short rib, brisket or shank steak can be used. Cut into 1 inch cubes before using. Or, try this Oxtail Stew Recipe.

Onions, carrots and potatoes are the most common stew vegetables. Feel free to omit any of them if desired. Substitute sweet potatoes for a unique touch!

Beef broth is the best option for the liquid, however chicken broth or even vegetable broth may be used instead.

The ground pepper, ground thyme and bay leaf add the right amount of flavor. I have also added a bit of oregano to this and it was delicious!

Arrowroot powder or cornstarch (not Whole30) can replace tapioca flour.

Whole30 beef stew in pot

How To Make

Step 1

First, press sauté on Instant Pot. Add olive oil, stew beef and diced onion to Pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until beef has browned. Then, press cancel.

Step 2

Add remaining ingredients except tapioca flour to Pot. Pressure cook on high for 35 minutes.

Step 3

Allow pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes. Then manually release remaining pressure.

Step 4

Remove bay leaf. Ladle out ¼ cup of the liquid from the Pot to a small bowl. Whisk in tapioca flour.

Step 5

Pour this mixture back into Pot. Stir to combine. Press sauté and simmer until sauce has thickened.

Step 6

Finally, ladle into bowls and serve!

Slow Cooker Instructions

This is how make slow cooker Whole30 beef stew:

  • Add all ingredients except tapioca flour to slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  • Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours.
  • Remove ¼ cup liquid from slow cooker. Stir in tapioca flour. Pour this back into slow cooker and stir.
  • Cook until sauce has thickened to desired consistency. Remove bay leaf.
  • Finally, serve!
Gluten free stew with beef and veggies

Expert Tips & Tricks

If using the Instant Pot, get a good sear on the beef. This adds color and flavor!

Chop potatoes into 1 inch cubes. This helps them cook thoroughly and evenly.

In addition, chop carrots into pieces that are no thicker than ¼ inch thick. Carrots that are too large will not cook through completely.

Completely whisk in tapioca flour to the liquid from Pot or slow cooker. Whisk until no flour spots remain.

Simmer or sauté until Whole30 beef stew sauce has reached desired consistency.

How To Thicken

Typically, sauces, soups and stews are thickened with flour. Since Whole30 is gluten free, tapioca flour is used to thicken these sauces, soups and stews.

Tapioca flour is made from the starch of cassava root. It has the same texture, density and coloration of cornstarch. In addition, it acts the same as cornstarch in cooking.

To thicken, create a “slurry” by mixing the cooking liquid with tapioca flour. Remove ¼ cup of the liquid from the Pot or slow cooker and put in a small bowl. Whisk in tapioca flour. Then, pour this back into Pot or slow cooker. Stir and then simmer until desired consistency is reached.

How To Store & Serve

Whole30 beef stew is great both immediately after cooking and as leftovers.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, either microwave or add to a skillet over low heat. Cook until warmed.

Freeze stew for up to 1 month. Thaw and then reheat in a skillet over low heat.

Whole30 soup with meat and veggies

Frequently Asked Questions

Does beef stew contain dairy?

Traditional beef stew usually contains butter, so therefore it contains dairy. This recipe is completely dairy free.

How can I thicken my stew for gluten free?

For gluten free beef stew, thicken sauce with tapioca flour, arrowroot starch, or cornstarch.

Is beef stew seasoning gluten free?

Double check labels to ensure stew seasoning packets are gluten free. Spices and herbs are gluten free, but oftentimes gluten is hidden in there somewhere.

How can I thicken my beef stew without flour or cornstarch?

Thicken beef stew with tapioca flour or arrowroot powder.

Can I freeze this?

Yes! Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.

You May Also Like

If you make this Whole30 beef stew recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on InstagramFacebook, and Pinterest. I would love for you to follow along! For more ideas, check out these Whole30 Recipes.

Whole30 beef stew in bowl

Get the Recipe: Whole30 Beef Stew

This Whole30 Beef Stew is incredibly hearty, savory and flavorful! It is healthy comfort food. It can be made in a pressure cooker or slow cooker. This gluten free beef stew is great for any night of the week!
5 from 7 votes

Ingredients

Instructions 

Instant Pot Instructions

  • First, press sauté. Add olive oil, stew beef and diced onion to the Instant Pot. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until beef has browned. Press cancel.
  • Add all remaining ingredients except tapioca flour to Pot. Select high pressure cook. Secure lid and move top valve to Seal. Pressure cook on high for 35 minutes.
  • Once timer has gone off, allow pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes. Then carefully (with oven mitt) push top valve to Vent. Manually release remaining pressure.
  • Remove the bay leaf. Ladle out ¼ cup of the liquid from the Pot and add to a small bowl. Whisk in tapioca flour.
  • Add this slurry back into Pot and stir to combine. Press sauté mode and allow mixture to simmer until desired consistency is reached.
  • Finally, ladle into bowls.

Slow Cooker Instructions

  • Add all ingredients except tapioca flour to slow cooker. Gently stir to combine.
  • Slow cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours, until beef and veggies are tender.
  • Just before serving, ladle out ¼ cup of the liquid to a small bowl. Whisk in tapioca flour.
  • Pour this mixture into slow cooker and stir to combine. Continue slow cooking until sauce has slightly thickened. Remove bay leaf.
  • Finally, ladle into bowls.

Notes

  • Beef stew meat is sold at most grocery stores.  I have found this to be the best meat for this recipe.
  • Both Instant Pot and slow cooker methods are great!  Use whichever you prefer.
  • For a much thicker sauce, add an extra tablespoon of tapioca flour to the slurry mixture.  This will thicken sauce considerably.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • This beef stew can be frozen for up to 1 month.  To reheat, thaw stew and add to a skillet over low heat until warmed.
Calories: 346kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 41g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 105mg, Sodium: 461mg, Potassium: 1022mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 6384IU, Vitamin C: 15mg, Calcium: 67mg, Iron: 5mg

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