There’s something so soul-satisfying about a warm bowl of stew bubbling on the stove. This Hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich, savory flavors and wholesome, hearty ingredients—making it a real winner for any day you want comfort food without gluten worries.

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

I’m honestly excited every time I make this stew because it’s a one-pot comfort classic that just feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s easy enough to throw together on a busy evening but special enough that you’ll want to share it with friends or family—gluten-free without skimping on flavor.

Deep, rich flavor: Browning the beef and deglazing the pan creates a stew that’s packed with savory goodness.
Gluten-free friendly: Uses cornstarch or arrowroot to thicken instead of flour, so everyone can enjoy without gluten concerns.
Loaded with veggies: Carrots, celery, potatoes, and peas add color, texture, and fresh flavor.
Flexible and forgiving: You can make it on the stove, slow cooker, or even in the oven and still get incredible results.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here feel familiar and comforting, but together they create a robust, deeply flavored stew that’s naturally gluten-free. A few key pointers on picking your ingredients will set you up for success.

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 well-marbled chuck or brisket for tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: Their waxy texture holds up well without turning mushy.
Carrots and Celery: Classic aromatics that add subtle sweetness and balance.
Crushed Tomatoes: Bring acidity and body that brighten the stew.
Balsamic Vinegar: Just a splash enhances depth without overpowering.
Garlic: Adds essential warmth and a hint of bite.
Beef Broth (Bone Broth preferred): The backbone of flavor—bone broth adds minerals and richness that elevate the stew.
Fresh Rosemary and Bay Leaves: Herbal notes that infuse the stew with subtle fragrance.
Cornstarch or Arrowroot: Thickens the stew without gluten flours.
Frozen Peas: Stirred in last for a pop of color and sweetness.
Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: For browning the beef—choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Seasoning essentials to bring everything together.

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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 love tinkering with this Hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe—sometimes swapping herbs, other times adding more veggies. Don’t hesitate to make it your own based on what you have and what flavors you love.

Variation: I often add a handful of chopped mushrooms for an earthier stew—try it, especially in cooler months!
Slow Cooker Option: Brown the beef first, then dump everything into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for hands-off tenderness.
Seasonal Twist: Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes in fall for a subtle sweetness.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red chili flakes with the garlic if you like a little heat.

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 Like a Pro

Heat the oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of brown. Sprinkle each batch with a little salt and pepper and brown them for about 3-4 minutes per side. You want a nice crust forming; this is where the deep flavor starts. Once browned, set the beef aside on a clean plate. This step might take a little patience, but it’s worth every minute.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Scrape the Pot

Reduce heat to medium and toss in the diced onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Season with the rest of your salt and pepper. Stir frequently, letting the vegetables soften for 4-5 minutes. Be sure to scrape up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—that’s flavor gold. This base builds your stew’s character.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Vinegar, and Garlic

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and a splash of balsamic vinegar, and toss in the minced garlic. Stir gently to combine all those flavors with the softened veggies. That acid from the tomatoes and vinegar brightens everything up beautifully.

Step 4: Return Beef, Pour Broth, and Simmer

Put the browned beef back in the pot along with any juices. Pour in the beef broth, and add your rosemary sprigs and bay leaves. Give it a good stir and bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Lower the heat and let it cook at a gentle bubble for 1 ½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the aroma deepen and the beef become fork-tender—definitely worth the wait!

Step 5: Remove Herbs and Thicken the Stew

Once the beef is tender, fish out the rosemary stems and bay leaves. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch (or arrowroot) with cold water until smooth, then stir this slurry into your stew. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened to your liking. Taste and adjust salt and pepper—it’s all about balance here.

Step 6: Stir in Peas and Serve

Turn off the heat and fold in the frozen peas—they’ll cook in the residual heat in just a minute or two. Ladle the Hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew into bowls and enjoy warm. I love serving mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a hit of color and brightness.

Top Tip

Through countless batches of this stew, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate the result and make the process smoother. These small details make a big difference in turning a simple beef stew into a cozy feast that feels gourmet.

Don’t Skip Browning: Investing time in properly browning the beef deepens flavor and seals in juices.
Scrape the Pan Well: Those browned bits stuck to the pot are packed with umami—don’t leave them behind!
Slow and Low Simmer: A gentle simmer, not a boil, keeps the meat tender and the broth clear.
Thickening Last-Minute: Add your cornstarch slurry near the end to get the perfect consistency without clumps.

How to Serve Hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe

gluten-free beef stew - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is my go-to garnish because it adds a lovely pop of green and a fresh contrast to the rich stew. Sometimes, I also sprinkle a bit of freshly cracked black pepper on top right before serving—it’s simple but adds a nice little kick.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs beautifully with crusty gluten-free bread or a simple mixed green salad to lighten the meal. On chillier days, I love serving it alongside creamy mashed cauliflower—it keeps everything grain-free but still hearty and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this stew in charming individual ramekins or even hollowed-out mini pumpkins—these little touches make it feel festive and fun without extra fuss. Plus, it’s great for portion control when feeding a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stew keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so I often find it tastes even better the next day—perfect for an easy weekday lunch or dinner.

Freezing

I freeze portions in individual containers for up to 2 months. Make sure it cools completely before freezing, and thaw overnight in the fridge. It thaws without losing any of that homemade goodness.

Reheating

I prefer reheating stew gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water helps loosen it up if it thickened too much in the fridge. Microwave works too but watch it closely to avoid overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes! You can brown the beef first on the stove for added flavor, then transfer everything into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is very tender. Add the peas and cornstarch slurry near the end.

Can I substitute other vegetables in this stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips for different flavors and textures. Just keep the cooking time consistent so all vegetables are tender.

What’s the best way to thicken this stew without gluten?

Using cornstarch or arrowroot mixed with cold water as a slurry works perfectly to thicken the stew without adding gluten or flour. Add it towards the end of cooking and simmer for a few minutes.

How long does leftover beef stew keep?

Stored in an airtight container, this beef stew stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe has become such a staple in my kitchen because it’s dependable, delicious, and totally comforting—exactly what you want after a long day. I hope you’ll love making it as much as I do, and find it just as rewarding to serve to family or friends who need a little warmth and nourishment.