There’s something irresistibly comforting about a pot of rich, slow-simmered meat and veggies. This Hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe offers just that—deep, savory flavors without any gluten worries, making it perfect for cozy nights when you want a nourishing meal that feels like a warm hug.

A white bowl filled with thick beef stew showing three layers: the top layer is bright orange carrot slices and green peas, the middle layer contains chunks of yellow potatoes and pieces of brown beef, and the bottom layer is a rich dark brown broth with visible herbs sprinkled on top; the bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth and a silver spoon nearby, and there are small clear bowls with green herbs and pepper flakes in the background, 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 Hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this stew is one of my go-to dishes when I crave something satisfying yet wholesome. It’s packed with tender chunks of beef and hearty vegetables, all thickened to perfection using gluten-free ingredients. And the best part? It’s straightforward to make even on busy days.

Comfort in Every Bite: The slow-cooked beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up the rich broth and savory tomato base.
Gluten-Free, No Compromises: Using cornstarch or arrowroot for thickening means you get a thick, luscious stew without any gluten-containing thickeners.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry and fridge already, making it easy to throw together at the last minute.
Versatile & Adaptable: You can easily tweak this stew to suit your taste or what’s in season, making it a versatile staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This stew shines because every ingredient plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. The beef provides a robust base, root vegetables add sweetness and earthiness, and the balsamic vinegar brings a subtle tang that balances the richness perfectly.

Flat lay of raw stew beef cubes, a medium diced yellow onion, sliced bright orange carrots, sliced fresh celery stalks, cubed Yukon gold potatoes, two whole uncracked brown eggs, small white bowls with kosher salt, black pepper, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, cornstarch, and water, a few fresh rosemary sprigs, two dried bay leaves, a small mound of frozen green peas, and a small white bowl of crushed tomatoes 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 neutral, healthy fat that browns the beef beautifully without burning.
Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors throughout the stew.
Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
Stew beef: Tough cuts that become tender and juicy with slow cooking.
Onion: Adds sweetness and savory depth when softened.
Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and texture.
Celery: Provides fresh, aromatic undertones.
Yukon gold potatoes: Creamy and firm—they keep their shape and add comforting starchiness.
Crushed tomatoes: Create a rich, hearty base and add umami.
Balsamic vinegar: Brightens and balances the stew with acidity and subtle sweetness.
Garlic: Essential savory punch that wakes up the whole pot.
Beef broth or bone broth: A deeply flavorful liquid foundation that infuses the meat and veggies.
Fresh rosemary: Woody and fragrant, perfect to infuse into the broth.
Bay leaves: Classic herb that adds complexity during simmering.
Cornstarch or arrowroot: Gluten-free thickener that gives the stew a luscious, rich finish.
Water (for slurry): Helps dissolve the thickener for a smooth, even texture.
Frozen peas: Stirred in last minute for a pop of fresh color and sweetness.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds brightness and lively color at serving.

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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

I like to keep the core of this recipe intact, but I always encourage you to make it your own. Whether that’s swapping veggies based on what’s fresh or tossing in extra herbs, each variation brings a new twist that keeps this stew exciting.

Variation: One time, I added parsnips and a splash of red wine for a deeper flavor that paired beautifully with the balsamic vinegar.
Vegetable swaps: You can sub sweet potatoes for Yukon golds for a hint of sweetness or add mushrooms for earthiness.
Spice it up: A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of chili flakes can add warmth and personality to the stew.

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

A white pot sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a dark brown stew that has visible pieces of orange carrots and yellow potatoes scattered throughout. On top of the stew is a large pile of bright green frozen peas, forming the upper layer. There is a red spoon resting inside the pot on the right side, partially submerged in the stew. A white cloth is loosely placed around the pot on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Beef for Maximum Flavor

Start by heating your oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot. Don’t overcrowd the pan when adding the beef cubes—work in batches if you need to. This really helps get a nice brown crust, which is key for deep flavor. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on the beef as it cooks. Each side should take about 3-4 minutes. Once browned, set the beef aside on a clean plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Add your diced onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Season with the remaining salt and pepper. Stir and cook for 4-5 minutes, scraping up those delicious browned bits from the beef still clinging to the pan bottom—that’s where the magic happens!

Step 3: Build the Base

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic. Stir everything to combine, letting the veggies soak up those tangy, garlicky flavors.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the browned beef to the pot, including any resting juices, then pour in the broth. Tuck in rosemary sprigs and bay leaves, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 5: Slow Cook for Tenderness

Reduce heat to medium-low and let your stew simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours, uncovered or partially covered. Stir occasionally, adding a splash of water if too thick or evaporated. The beef should become incredibly tender—so soft it practically falls apart with a fork.

Step 6: Thicken and Finish

Once the beef is tender, remove the bay leaves and rosemary stems. Mix cornstarch or arrowroot with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the stew thickens beautifully. Finally, stir in frozen peas and let them warm through (just 1-2 minutes). Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Top Tip

From my time making this stew, I've learned that patience and attention to detail make all the difference. Here are some tips to get it just right and wow yourself every time.

Brown in Batches: Crowding the beef cubes will steam them instead of browning, which means less flavor in your stew.
Scrape the Pan: Don’t miss scraping up those browned bits after cooking beef—they add amazing depth when you sauté the veggies in the same pan.
Simmer Low and Slow: Give the beef plenty of time to tenderize—shortcuts here won’t give you the melt-in-your-mouth results you want.
Adjust Thickness Carefully: Add the thickener gradually and watch closely—steads thicken quickly, and you can always add a little more broth or water if it gets too thick.

How to Serve Hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe

gluten free beef stew - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. It adds a fresh, vibrant burst of color and flavor that brightens the earthy richness of the stew. Sometimes a little cracked black pepper on top gives a nice little kick.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts for some bright contrast. If you want more carbs, gluten-free crusty bread or fluffy rice are great to soak up all those lovely juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this stew in rustic bread bowls—it’s cozy and impressive! Also, ladling it over creamy polenta offers a rich, silky base that’s a real crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover stew in airtight containers in the fridge, where it stays great for about 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and label with the date. It keeps well for up to 2 months, so you can always have a comforting meal ready when you need it.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the stew thickened too much in the fridge, adding a splash of broth or water restores that perfect silky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this Hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe suitable for slow cookers?

Absolutely! You can brown your beef and sauté your veggies on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-8 hours. The flavors deepen wonderfully with the slow cooking.

Can I use a different thickener instead of cornstarch?

Yes, arrowroot powder is a great gluten-free alternative that works similarly to cornstarch. Use the same amount called for, and make sure to mix it with cold water before adding to avoid lumps.

How do I know when the beef is cooked perfectly?

The beef is ready when it’s tender enough to be easily shredded with a fork. This usually takes 1 ½ to 2 hours of simmering. If it’s still tough, just keep simmering and check every 15 minutes.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! It keeps well in the fridge and freezes beautifully, making it a convenient and hearty meal to have prepped ahead for busy weeks.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it feels like comfort in a bowl no matter the season. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s simple, satisfying, and totally doable. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it's one of those recipes that warms the heart as much as the belly. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your favorites too!