There’s something incredibly comforting about a pot of simmering stew packed with tender beef and fresh veggies. This Healthy Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe is my go-to when I want a satisfying, wholesome meal that warms you inside out – without any gluten worries. Let me tell you why it’s such a keeper!

A white bowl filled with a thick stew featuring large pieces of orange carrots, light yellow potatoes, green peas, and chunks of brown meat all mixed in a rich brown sauce with small flecks of green herbs on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a metal spoon nearby and another white bowl of the same stew partially visible in the background. Small glass bowls with spices and chopped green herbs are placed around for garnish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Healthy Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Healthy Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely love sharing this recipe because it’s approachable but feels special – you get that rich beef stew flavor without relying on anything processed or gluten-filled. Plus, it’s flexible enough for your personal tweaks!

Gluten-Free Comfort Food: Finally, a hearty stew that’s safe for gluten-sensitive friends and absolutely delicious.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: The balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs give this stew a depth that keeps me coming back for more.
Easy to Customize: Add your favorite root veggies or swap out the herbs – it adapts beautifully to season changes.
Perfect for Meal Prep: It freezes like a dream and tastes better the next day, making weeknight dinners effortless.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays its part in building layers of flavor and nourishing heartiness. When shopping, I always pick the freshest veggies I can find and beef that’s well-marbled for tenderness after slow cooking.

Flat lay of a small handful of cubed raw stew beef, a medium diced onion, a white ceramic bowl of sliced carrots, a white ceramic bowl of sliced celery stalks, a white ceramic bowl of cubed Yukon gold potatoes, a small white ceramic bowl of crushed tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl of balsamic vinegar, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a white ceramic bowl filled with dark beef bone broth, two fresh rosemary sprigs, two fresh bay leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of cornstarch, a small white ceramic bowl of water, a white ceramic bowl of frozen peas, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, and a small white ceramic bowl of black peppercorns arranged symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil or avocado oil: A healthy fat that helps brown the beef beautifully without smoking up the kitchen.
Kosher salt: Essential for elevating every flavor, so don’t skip or skimp on this.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and warmth to balance the stew.
Stew beef: Go for chuck or any well-marbled cut for tender results after simmering.
Onion: Brings sweetness and aroma that forms the stew’s backbone.
Carrots: Sweet, earthy, and they hold up well to slow cooking.
Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and complexity of flavor.
Yukon gold potatoes: Creamy texture when cooked, perfect for thickening the stew naturally.
Crushed tomatoes: Imparts acidity and body, balancing the rich beef flavors.
Balsamic vinegar: A secret ingredient of mine for tanginess and a slight sweetness.
Garlic: A must-have aromatic to build that cozy aroma we all love.
Beef broth (bone broth preferred): Deepens the stew’s savory notes and enhances nutrition.
Fresh rosemary: Brings fragrant, piney hints that elevate the stew’s character.
Bay leaves: Subtle earthiness and depth during simmering.
Cornstarch or arrowroot: Helps thicken the stew for that luscious spoonful without gluten.
Frozen peas: Added at the end for a pop of color and sweet freshness.
Fresh parsley (optional): Brightens the plate and adds a fresh finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Healthy Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe truly welcomes your personal touch. Over the years, I’ve swapped veggies depending on what’s fresh or what I have on hand, so don’t hesitate to adjust to your taste or pantry.

Variation: One time, I added parsnips and a handful of mushrooms for even deeper earthiness. It was a game changer for fall dinners!
Dietary twist: For a lower-carb option, try cutting back potatoes and adding more celery or cauliflower florets.
Slow cooker adaptation: I’ve adapted this recipe for the slow cooker too – just brown the beef and veggies first, then cook low and slow for 6-8 hours.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe

A white pot filled with a thick dark brown stew showing chunks of orange carrots and yellow potatoes mixed inside. On top, there is a pile of small, round green peas freshly added to the stew. A red spoon stands upright in the stew on the right side of the pot. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with a crumpled white cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown Your Beef to Unlock Flavor

Start by heating your oil over medium-high heat in a sturdy Dutch oven or heavy pot. Don't overcrowd the pan—adding beef cubes in batches is crucial so they brown nicely instead of steaming. Season lightly with salt and pepper. I find that browning for about 3-4 minutes per side creates that beautiful crust that makes the stew taste rich and meaty. Once browned, set the beef aside on a clean plate; this step adds so much depth to your stew!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables to Build Base Layers

In the same pot, toss in diced onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Sprinkle the remaining salt and pepper over the veggies, then stir well while scraping up those tasty browned bits left behind by the beef—it’s flavor magic in the making. Allow the veggies to cook 4-5 minutes until they start softening; this step helps release their natural sweetness and melds the stew’s overall flavor.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Vinegar & Garlic for That Tangy Kick

Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic. This combo gives the stew its distinct, slightly tangy and fragrant touch that balances the richness of the beef perfectly. Take a moment here to mix everything well so the flavors start marrying.

Step 4: Combine Beef, Broth & Herbs for Long Simmer

Return the browned beef cubes to the pot along with any juices—don’t waste those! Pour in the beef broth to cover everything, then tuck in rosemary sprigs and bay leaves. Bring the pot to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and let it bubble away gently for 1 ½ to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if the stew gets too thick or starts to stick. This slow cooking makes the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender, which is truly the star of the show.

Step 5: Thicken and Finish with Peas

When your beef is fork-tender and the flavors are beautifully developed, remove the bay leaves and rosemary stems. Whisk cornstarch or arrowroot with half a cup of water until smooth, then stir it into the simmering stew. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens to your liking. Finally, stir in frozen peas—they only need a minute or two to heat through, giving a sweet pop and vibrant color.

Top Tip

I’ve learned through making this stew probably a dozen times that patience really pays off here. A slow simmer and proper browning elevate this stew beyond ordinary. These tips have saved me from common pitfalls:

Don’t Rush Browning: Taking your time browning beef in batches locks in flavor and keeps it juicy.
Scrape the Pan: Always deglaze by scraping up browned bits when sautéing veggies – it’s pure flavor gold.
Check Consistency Before Thickening: If your stew gets too thick during cooking, add a splash of broth or water before adding the cornstarch slurry.
Final Seasoning Adjustments: After thickening, taste and tweak salt and pepper – flavors deepen as it cooks, so trust your palate.

How to Serve Healthy Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe

gluten-free beef stew - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often sprinkle fresh chopped parsley right before serving – it adds a pop of color and a crisp, herbal brightness that contrasts the stew’s hearty richness. Sometimes, I like a few twists of fresh black pepper on top for a little bite.

Side Dishes

Though this beef stew is a meal all on its own, I love pairing it with gluten-free crusty bread or a simple mixed green salad to keep things light and fresh. Mashed cauliflower also pairs nicely if you want something creamy without extra carbs.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this stew in rustic bread bowls to add a cozy, charming touch. Ladling it over polenta or creamy mashed potatoes creates a rich, elegant presentation that's perfect for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Healthy Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe in airtight containers in the fridge, and it stays delicious for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s perfect for next-day lunches.

Freezing

Freezing works wonderfully, too. I portion the stew into freezer-safe containers and it keeps for up to 2 months. When thawing, I transfer it to the fridge overnight then reheat gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, warm over low medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the stew’s too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up and maintain that perfect spoonable texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Healthy Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Just brown your beef and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender. Add peas and thickener near the end.

What can I substitute for the cornstarch in this stew?

Arrowroot powder is a great gluten-free alternative that works similarly to thicken the stew without altering the flavor. Just mix with water before adding to the pot.

How do I know when the beef is done?

The beef should be fork-tender and easily shredded or broken apart. This usually takes about 1 ½ to 2 hours of gentle simmering, depending on your beef cut.

Can I prepare this Healthy Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the flavors deepen if you make it a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and gently reheat when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe has become a labor of love in my kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, fills the house with warmth, and leaves you feeling nourished. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and that it becomes a comforting favorite in your home too.