Nothing beats the smell of a simmering stew on a cozy afternoon. This Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that wraps you up with warmth and hearty flavor in every bite. It’s packed with tender beef, fresh veggies, and a rich broth that feels like a big kitchen hug.

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 Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made a lot of stews over the years, but this Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe always feels extra special. It’s one of those recipes that strikes the perfect balance between easy and impressive, and it fits perfectly into a gluten-free lifestyle without sacrificing any of the rich, deep flavor you want in a homemade stew.

Hearty and comforting: Every bite delivers tender beef and melt-in-your-mouth vegetables, perfect for chilly days.
Gluten-free and naturally delicious: No hidden gluten here—just pure, satisfying ingredients that everyone can enjoy.
Simple enough for weeknights: Minimal fuss but maximum flavor, so you can come home to dinner ready to warm you up.
Flexible and customizable: I’ll share ways to tweak it to fit your taste or what you have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients is everything in a stew. They need to tenderize and build layers of flavor over slow cooking. Here’s why the ingredients in this Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe come together so effortlessly.

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

Stew beef: Cubes with a bit of marbling give you that juicy, tender bite after slow cooking.
Olive or avocado oil: A good base for browning the meat without overpowering.
Yukon gold potatoes: These keep their shape better than others while soaking up all that stew goodness.
Carrots and celery: Classic stew veggies that add sweetness and crunch to balance the savory broth.
Onion and garlic: Aromatics that form the backbone of the flavor profile.
Crushed tomatoes and balsamic vinegar: These add a subtle tang and depth, cutting through the richness.
Beef broth or bone broth: The liquid power that ties all ingredients together in one savory sauce.
Fresh rosemary and bay leaves: Herbs that infuse the stew with an earthy, fragrant pitch.
Cornstarch or arrowroot: For a naturally gluten-free way to thicken the stew, giving it that perfect consistency.
Frozen peas: Added at the very end to bring a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.

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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

One of the best parts about this Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe is how adaptable it is. Over the years, I’ve swapped veggies, played with herbs, and even changed cooking methods, depending on the season and my mood.

Variation: I love adding mushrooms or parsnips for a deeper earthy flavor when I want more variety in the veggies.
Slow cooker method: For a hands-off approach, toss everything in the slow cooker except the thickener and peas, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne gives it a subtle kick when you want something a little different.
Make it extra hearty: Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes or add a can of drained chickpeas for more fiber.

Step-by-Step: How I Make 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 the Beef for Maximum Flavor

Heat your oil over medium-high heat, then add the beef cubes in batches. Don’t crowd the pan—that’s the biggest trick to getting a nice brown crust instead of steaming the meat. Season lightly with salt and pepper and let each side brown well, about 3-4 minutes per side. The inside will still be a bit pink, and that’s perfect! Set the browned beef aside on a clean plate so it can rest while you work on the veggies.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies and Build Flavor

Throw the onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes into your pot. Season with the rest of your salt and pepper and stir everything around, scrapping up those browned bits from the bottom of the pan—that’s pure flavor gold. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften but aren’t mushy.

Step 3: Layer in Tomatoes, Vinegar, and Garlic

Add crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic next. Stir everything well to combine—the tomatoes and vinegar add that subtle tang that brightens the stew beautifully.

Step 4: Return the Beef and Add Broth

Put the browned beef back into the pot, along with any juices collected on the plate. Pour in your beef broth, then nestle the rosemary sprigs and bay leaves right into the mix. Give it all a good stir before bringing your stew to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 5: Slow Simmer Until Fork-Tender

Let the stew bubble gently for 1 ½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cook is what transforms the beef into tender, flavorful bites. If the liquid starts to get too low, just splash in some water to keep that perfect stew consistency.

Step 6: Thicken and Finish with Peas

Once your beef is tender, fish out the bay leaves and rosemary stems. Mix your cornstarch (or arrowroot) with water until smooth, then stir the slurry into the stew. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes till it thickens nicely. Last, stir in frozen peas and let them heat through for 1-2 minutes—freshness and color in a flash!

Top Tip

One thing I’ve learned after making this Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe multiple times? Patience is your best friend. The longer you let it simmer low and slow, the more the flavors meld and the beef softens. Also, don’t skip browning the meat—it adds so much richness you just can’t fake.

Browning is crucial: Take your time to brown the beef in batches so it seals in juices and adds flavor.
Scrape those browned bits: Don’t forget to scrape the bottom while sautéing veggies; that caramelization is where magic happens.
Use fresh herbs for aroma: Rosemary and bay leaves elevate the stew's fragrance—fresh sprigs make a noticeable difference.
Thickness check: If your stew isn't thick enough, add a bit more cornstarch slurry, but do it slowly to avoid clumping.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe

Gluten-Free Beef Stew - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always garnish my stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens the whole bowl. Sometimes I throw on a little cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil for richness.

Side Dishes

This stew stands beautifully on its own but pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or gluten-free crusty bread for sopping up that luscious sauce. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a side of sautéed greens also make great companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this stew in individual mini cocottes or bread bowls to impress guests. Another fun idea is topping it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to add some extra creaminess and tang.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stew keeps beautifully in the fridge airtight for 3 to 4 days. I like to use glass containers so I can see what’s inside and it reheats evenly without flavor loss.

Freezing

This Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe freezes really well, too. I portion it into individual freezer-safe containers or bags for easy weeknight dinners. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to keep the stew from sticking or overheating in one spot. You can add a splash of broth or water if it thickened too much during storage.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! For slow cooker preparation, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as usual, then combine all ingredients except the thickener and peas in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until beef is tender, then thicken and add peas in the last few minutes.

Can I substitute other types of potatoes?

Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape, but you can use red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a different twist. Just keep in mind sweet potatoes will add a bit of sweetness to the stew.

What makes this stew gluten-free?

The secret is using cornstarch or arrowroot as a thickener instead of flour, and ensuring your broth and ingredients are labeled gluten-free. This keeps the stew safe and friendly for gluten-sensitive diets without losing flavor or texture.

Can I prepare this stew ahead of time?

Yes! This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. You can make it a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat gently when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe is truly a staple I keep coming back to. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm blanket on tough days or a guest star on busy weeknights. I promise you’ll appreciate its balance of simple ingredients, rich flavors, and cozy comfort. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite stew!