Nothing beats the comfort of a warm, savory stew bubbling away on the stove, especially when it's naturally wholesome. This Hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe hits all the right notes with tender chunks of beef, fresh veggies, and rich flavors that wrap you in cozy satisfaction. It’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.

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

From my first trial, this Hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe became a staple because it’s easy, satisfying, and wonderfully adaptable. It’s the kind of home-cooked goodness that fills the kitchen with incredible aromas and leaves you feeling wrapped in warmth after a long day.

Gluten-Free Comfort: Uses simple, naturally gluten-free ingredients, making it safe and satisfying for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.
Rich, Layered Flavor: The balsamic vinegar adds a subtle tang that deepens the taste and balances the savory broth beautifully.
Hearty, But Not Heavy: Plenty of vegetables and tender beef cubes make it filling, yet the broth stays light and rich, not greasy or overly thick.
Flexible Cooking Methods: Whether you simmer it gently on the stove or let it slow cook, this stew adapts well to your kitchen timing and style.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient contributes to this stew’s hearty texture and comforting taste. When shopping, pick fresh veggies and good quality beef for the best results—trust me, the difference shows!

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

Stew beef: Go for chuck or brisket cut into cubes; it softens perfectly during slow cooking.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down.
Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and a pop of color.
Celery: Offers subtle earthiness and crunch if you like it a bit firmer.
Yukon gold potatoes: Creamy texture that holds shape well in the stew.
Crushed tomatoes: Give body and a hint of acidity to brighten the dish.
Balsamic vinegar: My little secret for a tangy depth that balances richness.
Garlic: For that unmistakable savory kick.
Beef broth: Bone broth is my go-to for extra flavor and nutrition.
Fresh rosemary & bay leaves: Infuse fragrant herbal notes throughout the stew.
Cornstarch or arrowroot: To thicken the stew just right – arrowroot is a nice gluten-free option.
Frozen peas: Stirred in last to add bright color and a fresh pop of flavor.

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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 things I adore about this hearty gluten-free beef stew recipe is how effortlessly you can tweak it to your taste or what’s in season. I often swap veggies depending on what’s fresh and what I have on hand.

Variation: Adding parsnips or turnips instead of potatoes gives it a lovely earthy twist – I tried this last fall and it was a hit with my family.
Herb swap: Sometimes, I use thyme instead of rosemary for a slightly different herbal aroma.
Slow cooker method: Perfect if you don’t want to babysit the pot; just brown the beef first and then toss everything in to cook low and slow for 6-8 hours.
Spice it up: A dash of smoked paprika or chili flakes gives the stew a warm, subtle heat without overpowering the flavors.

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 to Lock in Flavor

Heat your oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches—don’t crowd the pan! This is where tons of flavor builds, thanks to the lovely browned bits that stick to the pot. Season lightly with salt and pepper here to bring out that savory richness. Once browned, set the beef aside on a clean plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables to Soften

Add all your diced onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot with the rest of the salt and pepper. Stir well, scraping up all those browned bits from the beef—you don't want to lose a speck of that flavor! Let the veggies soften for about 4-5 minutes so they start releasing their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Build the Base with Tomatoes and Vinegar

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add the minced garlic and balsamic vinegar, and stir until everything melds. That vinegar is the magical ingredient that wakes up the stew, cutting through the richness and layering in a subtle tang that I personally love.

Step 4: Bring it all Together & Simmer Low and Slow

Add the browned beef back into the pot along with any juices. Pour in the beef broth, tuck in rosemary sprigs and bay leaves, then bring to a simmer. Turn the heat down and let it quietly simmer for about 1 ½ to 2 hours until the beef is fork-tender and starting to shred. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on the liquid—add a splash of water if it looks like it’s drying out.

Step 5: Thicken and Finish with Fresh Peas

Once the beef is super tender, fish out the bay leaves and rosemary. In a small bowl, whisk your cornstarch with water until smooth, then stir this slurry into the stew. Let it cook another 2-3 minutes until the stew thickens beautifully. Finish by stirring in the frozen peas—you want them just heated through to keep their pop and brightness.

Top Tip

After making this Hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that take it from good to unforgettable. These tips will make your cooking smoother and your stew richer, promising great results every time.

Take your time browning: Don’t rush browning the beef—proper caramelization builds the stew’s flavor foundation.
Don’t skip scraping the pan: Those browned bits stuck to the pot are pure gold; scraping them into the veggies brings incredible depth.
Adjust thickness last: Use the starch slurry after the beef is tender to control your stew’s consistency perfectly.
Season gradually: Salt and pepper in stages, then taste near the end to avoid overseasoning and to balance flavors well.

How to Serve Hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe

Gluten-Free Beef Stew - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top—it adds a bright color contrast and fresh herbal note that lifts the whole dish just beautifully. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt is also quite nice if you want a cooling creaminess to balance the rich stew.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or crusty gluten-free bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious broth. For something heartier, roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans make a lovely accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the stew in rustic bread bowls or in charming mini cast iron pots. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta on top can add a surprising savory twist that guests love. I’ve also enjoyed presenting it alongside pickled red onions for a contrast of flavors and textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and find the flavors deepen beautifully after a day or two. It keeps well for 3-4 days, perfect for easy lunches or dinner on busy nights.

Freezing

This stew freezes like a dream! I portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’re good to go.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the stew gets a bit thick, just splash in a bit of broth or water to loosen it back up. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to keep the texture tender and flavors fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! After browning the beef, you can transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender. Just add the thickener towards the end, then stir in peas at the very last moment.

Can I make this stew ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, in fact, the flavors develop even more after sitting overnight. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, then reheat slowly on the stovetop to retain texture and taste.

What can I substitute if I don’t have cornstarch or arrowroot?

You can use potato starch or tapioca starch as good gluten-free thickeners. Just mix with cold water before stirring into the stew to avoid lumps.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

This recipe is naturally dairy-free! Just be sure the broth you use doesn’t contain dairy additives. You can skip any optional dairy garnishes or replace them with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe is one of those rare meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you want to slow down and savor something nourishing. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s always been a comforting go-to, and I’m excited for it to earn a spot in your recipe rotation too.