Are you ready to indulge in a warm, hearty meal that will make your taste buds dance? This Gluten Free Beef Stew in Slow Cooker is not just any ordinary stew—it's a comforting embrace in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. With tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds! Plus, the slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing you to enjoy the delightful aromas wafting through your home while you go about your day. Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and discover how easy it is to create a meal that’s both gluten-free and utterly delicious!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the beef stew meat into 1-inch cubes, ensuring that any excess fat is trimmed off. Chop the onion, slice the carrots, and dice the potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear the meat on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the stew.
- Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the sautéed onions to the slow cooker.
- Add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the slow cooker with the beef and onions.
- In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Pour the broth mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring that everything is covered with the liquid.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat. Allow the stew to cook for 8 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the beef and meld the flavors together.
- After 8 hours, check the stew for seasoning. Adjust with additional salt and pepper if necessary. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew, cooking for an additional 30 minutes on high.
- Once done, serve the gluten-free beef stew hot in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Tips
- Sear the Meat: Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the beef stew meat before adding it to the slow cooker intensifies the flavor and gives your stew a rich, deep taste.
- Uniform Cuts: Cut your vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. This way, you’ll avoid some pieces being mushy while others are still crunchy.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables! Mushrooms, parsnips, or even green beans can add unique flavors and textures to the stew.
- Seasoning is Key: Taste your stew before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt or fresh herbs can elevate the dish to new heights.
- Thickening Options: If you prefer a thicker stew, consider mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stirring it in towards the end of cooking. This will give you a hearty, satisfying consistency.
- Leftover Magic: This stew tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for later enjoyment.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t forget to garnish your stew with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness that enhances the overall presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 100mg
