There’s something deeply comforting about a rich, simmering stew bubbling away on the stove — it smells like home. This Hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want a meal that’s both nourishing and downright satisfying.

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 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

Let me tell you, this stew isn’t just about throwing ingredients together. It’s the kind of recipe that wraps you in warmth and has that lovely stew-meets-soup texture that everyone craves. Plus, it’s gluten-free without feeling like you’re giving anything up.

Perfect For Any Season: It’s hearty enough for chilly nights but also fresh and vibrant, making it a year-round winner.
Simple Ingredients: Easy to find and easy to prep, this recipe keeps things straightforward with classic flavors.
Rich & Hearty: The combination of balsamic vinegar and beef bone broth creates a depth that pulls everyone back for seconds.
Gluten-Free Comfort: You get all the coziness without gluten, thanks to smart use of cornstarch as a thickener.

Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how every ingredient in this Hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe serves a purpose. From the tender beef cubes to the bright splash of balsamic vinegar, these flavors marry beautifully.

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: Choose chuck or any stew meat with some marbling – it breaks down into tender gems.
Olive oil or avocado oil: Good for browning meat without smoking out the pot.
Onion: The base for deep savory flavor that melts into the broth.
Carrots & celery: Classic stew veggies–they soften and sweeten as they cook.
Yukon gold potatoes: Their creamy texture holds up well without falling apart.
Crushed tomatoes: Adds acidity and richness, balancing the meaty broth.
Balsamic vinegar: A secret weapon for a gentle tang and subtle sweetness.
Garlic: Punctuates with fragrant warmth.
Beef bone broth: The star liquid that layers earthy, meaty depth.
Rosemary & bay leaves: Herbal notes that make the stew truly comforting.
Cornstarch or arrowroot: Gluten-free thickeners keeping the stew luscious.
Frozen peas: Stirred in last for pops of color and fresh flavor.
Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of freshness to brighten the final dish.

📝

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 this stew pretty classic, but you can mix it up based on what’s in your kitchen or your taste. It’s so forgiving that adding a twist won’t feel scary at all.

Variation: For a smoky twist, I’ve added a dash of smoked paprika, which lends a wonderful warmth to the stew. Try it and see if it becomes your new favorite!
Vegetarian Option: Swap out beef for hearty mushrooms and add vegetable broth instead of beef broth—still rich and deeply satisfying.
Slow Cooker Friendly: Brown your beef and veggies first, then toss everything into your slow cooker. This adaptation is great when you want a 'set it and forget it' meal.
Seasonal Tweaks: In winter, swap potatoes for sweet potatoes for a cozy sweetness; in summer, toss in fresh green beans for crunch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty 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 to Lock in Flavor

Heat your oil over medium-high heat in a heavy pot or Dutch oven. Don’t crowd the pan—work in batches if needed. Sprinkle your beef cubes with salt and pepper and let them get a nice golden crust on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. The crust seals in the juices and gives your stew that deep, meaty flavor. Remove the beef onto a plate for now.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, toss the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes into the pot with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to scrape up those flavorful browned bits left behind from the beef—they’re gold! Sauté everything for 4-5 minutes until the veggies start to soften and the smell fills your kitchen with comfort.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Add your crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and garlic to the veggies. Give everything a good stir so those flavors mingle. The vinegar adds a subtle tang that brightens the stew without being overpowering—trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Herbs

Return your browned beef to the pot, along with any juices on the plate. Pour in the beef broth and tuck in your rosemary sprigs and bay leaves. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low. Let it bubble away for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The beef should be fork-tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious by the end.

Step 5: Thicken & Finish

Once the beef is tender, take out the rosemary stems and bay leaves. Mix the cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry, then stir this into the stew. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens to your liking. Taste it—feel free to add more salt or pepper here. Lastly, stir in frozen peas for a quick pop of color and sweetness, letting them warm through off the heat.

Top Tip

After making this stew many times, I’ve learned some small tricks that make a big difference. These tips will help you get that perfect rich flavor and texture you want every time.

Don’t Skip Browning: That golden crust on the beef adds a ton of flavor—make sure your pan is hot and don’t rush this step.
Scrape Those Bits: When you sauté veggies, the browned bits stuck to the pan are flavor gold—scrape them up with your spoon.
Low & Slow Simmer: Keep the stew at a gentle simmer to get tender beef without drying it out.
Thicken Gradually: Add cornstarch little by little and stir to avoid lumps and get your perfect consistency.

How to Serve Hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe

gluten-free beef stew - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over this stew before serving—it adds a lovely pop of green and freshness that brightens the rich stew. Sometimes I add a crack of fresh black pepper on top right before eating.

Side Dishes

This stew holds up beautifully on its own, but if you want extra comfort, pair it with a simple side salad or gluten-free crusty bread to soak up every last drop. For a heartier meal, try steamed green beans or sautéed kale drizzled with lemon.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, serve the stew in rustic bowls placed on wooden chargers, topped with a sprig of rosemary for an elegant touch. I’ve even ladled it over creamy polenta or mashed cauliflower for a twist that delights guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop your leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. I’ve found this stew stays flavorful and fresh for 3-4 days, making it perfect for easy weekday lunches or dinners.

Freezing

I freeze single portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes wonderfully without losing any of its hearty goodness—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring now and then to prevent sticking. If it’s too thick after thawing, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. It tastes just as amazing the second time around!

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Brown the beef and veggies first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender. Add the cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken.

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, this stew actually tastes better the next day; the flavors deepen as it rests. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze portions for up to 2 months.

What cut of beef is best for this stew?

Chuck roast or stew meat with some marbling is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful during the slow cooking process. Avoid lean cuts that might dry out.

Is this recipe truly gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe uses cornstarch or arrowroot as a thickener instead of flour, and all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels on broth and canned tomatoes to be sure.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Gluten-Free Beef Stew Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both simple and soulful—like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a quiet weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and again. Give it a try, and I promise, you’ll cherish that moment of comfort and satisfaction with every spoonful.