This mouthwatering slow cooker beef stew gluten-free practically makes itself!
Simply toss cubed beef, veggies and seasonings into my slow cooker with gluten-free beef broth, then let it simmer on low for 7-8 hours.
For that perfect thickness, stir in a cornstarch slurry during the final 20 minutes.
Pro tip: searing the beef first creates amazing depth of flavor!
The beauty of this cozy meal lies in its versatility and minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Potatoes
- Garlic
- Gluten-free beef broth
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Fresh parsley
Recommended Tools
Making a delicious slow cooker beef stew doesn’t require fancy equipment but having the right tools can make the process much easier and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re searing meat for extra flavor or chopping veggies, these kitchen essentials will help you create a hearty, gluten-free meal with minimal fuss.
- Slow Cooker:
The star of the show that lets you set it and forget it while your beef stew simmers to perfection over 7-8 hours.
- Chef’s Knife:
Essential for cubing beef chuck and chopping all those veggies like onions, carrots, celery and potatoes.
- Cutting Board:
Provides a stable surface for prepping all ingredients before they go into the slow cooker.
- Measuring Spoons:
Helps you accurately measure all those important seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
- Measuring Cups:
Necessary for measuring the right amount of broth and creating the cornstarch slurry that thickens your stew.
- Skillet:
Optional but useful if you want to sear the meat and sauté onions first for that deeper flavor mentioned in the recipe.
Instructions for slow cooker beef stew gluten-free
Ready to make the easiest, most delicious beef stew ever? Let’s get cooking!
- Grab your slow cooker and toss in 2 pounds of cubed beef chuck, 1 large chopped onion, 4 sliced carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, 3 cubed potatoes, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Look at that beautiful rainbow of ingredients!
- Pour in 3½ cups of gluten-free beef broth, then sprinkle ½ teaspoon each of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Give everything a good mix – no fancy techniques needed here!
- Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 7-8 hours. Now go enjoy your day while magical slow-cooking happens in your kitchen!
- When the time’s almost up, whisk 1½ tablespoons of cornstarch (or tapioca/potato starch if you prefer) with ¼ cup of beef broth until smooth. Stir this mixture into your stew to thicken it up.
- Let the stew cook for another 20 minutes until it reaches that perfect, rich consistency.
Want to kick the flavor up a notch? Try searing the meat and sautéing the onions before adding them to the slow cooker – your taste buds will thank you!
Before serving, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top makes for a gorgeous finishing touch!
Pro Tips
For deeper, more complex flavor in your slow cooker beef stew, take five extra minutes to sear the beef cubes in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
This simple step creates a caramelized crust through the Maillard reaction, which adds rich, savory notes that transform an ordinary stew into something exceptional.
Substitutions & Variations
While the basic slow cooker beef stew recipe is delicious on its own, experimenting with substitutions can transform this comfort classic into something new and exciting.
- Mediterranean Twist: Replace potatoes with turnips, add olives, use rosemary instead of parsley and finish with a splash of red wine for a southern European flavor profile.
- Asian-Inspired: Substitute beef broth with beef bone broth, add ginger, star anise and soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free), then finish with bok choy and mushrooms in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Root Vegetable Medley: Swap standard potatoes for a mix of sweet potatoes, parsnips and rutabaga to create a more complex earthy flavor and varied texture.
- Paleo Version: Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch, replace potatoes with turnips or radishes and add extra herbs like thyme and rosemary for depth of flavor.
- Spicy Southwest: Add a diced jalapeño, bell pepper, corn kernels and a tablespoon of chili powder, then serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges instead of parsley.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
Because beef stew actually tastes better the next day, you’ll want to master proper storage techniques to enjoy those delicious leftovers.
Let your stew cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
It’ll stay fresh in your fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months!
When reheating, add a splash of broth if it’s thickened too much.
Make Tonight
Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Beef Stew
A hearty, gluten-free beef stew made in the slow cooker with tender beef chuck, vegetables, and a flavorful broth.
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 potatoes, cubed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3½ cups gluten-free beef broth
- 1½ tbsp cornstarch (or tapioca/potato starch)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Fresh parsley (optional)
- Place beef, onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, and garlic in slow cooker.
- Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and 3½ cups broth; mix.
- Cover and cook on low 7–8 hours.
- Whisk cornstarch with ¼ cup broth; stir into stew, cook 20 more minutes until thickened.
- Adjust seasonings before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
