Paleo Beef Stew
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This paleo beef stew is a classic mix of vegetables and tender morsels of beef, topped off with a dollop of spinach pesto. It’s an easy paleo meal you can make in your Instant Pot, and it takes less than an hour to make!
Christine writes, “I have always wanted to love a beef stew but after many recipes it was still just ho hum, until I found your recipe. Soooo delicious! The pesto adds a wonderful finish. I am so glad I stumbled upon your website. Can’t wait to try more yummy recipes. Thank you! ★★★★★“
On cool fall and winter evenings, you’ll often find me curled up with a bowl of this rustic paleo beef stew. It’s hearty and comforting, filled with tender chunks of beef and soft, cozy vegetables — the kind of meal that genuinely feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
What makes me love it even more is how satisfying and simple it is. A spoonful of pesto on top adds a fresh, bright finish and a pop of color, and when I make it in my Instant Pot, even tough stewing meat turns meltingly tender in about 35 minutes. It’s comforting, reliable, and exactly what I crave when the weather turns chilly.
Stovetop or Instant Pot
I like to make it in my Instant Pot, but it can also be made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. I use a mix of onions, carrots, mushrooms, and potatoes, but other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, sweet potatoes, and even celery root also taste great.
I use my homemade beef bone broth for this recipe, but you can also use store-bought.
I add a spoonful of pesto when I serve it, which isn’t really traditional, but it is really delicious and adds another layer of flavor. I absolutely love this stew, and I think you will too!
Can I freeze paleo beef stew?
Yes, this stew freezes beautifully. When it’s completely cool, transfer it to an airtight container or reusable silicone bag and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Frequently asked questions
If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for here, you can ask it in the comments below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
What is agar agar powder?
Agar agar is a natural vegetable gelatin derived from seaweed. It’s an excellent vegetarian thickening agent used in a variety of recipes, especially sweets like jellies, puddings, and custards.
Where can I buy agar agar?
You can find agar agar powder in most well-stocked grocery stores. You can also buy it online.
Can I skip the agar agar?
You can, but the stew’s texture will be much thinner.
Can I make this paleo beef stew in my slow cooker?
Yes, but you’ll need to start on your stovetop and then transfer it to your slow cooker. Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 8-10 hours. The stew is done when the meat is tender, and the potatoes are soft.
If you like this paleo beef stew recipe, you’ll love our easy paleo chili with warming spices and loads of veggies!
Paleo Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 lbs. stewing beef
- 1 teaspoon each: sea salt and pepper
- 6 ounce can tomato paste (Whole30, if needed)
- 4 large carrots (chopped)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 lb. mushrooms (cut in half)
- 1 lb. baby potatoes (quartered)
- 4 cups beef stock (Whole30, if needed)
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon agar powder (see notes)
Spinach Pesto
- 2 ounces spinach
- 1 green onion (green part only)
- Juice from 1 lemon
- ⅓ cup slivered almonds
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 small garlic clove
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to saute and add the oil to the pot. Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper. Working in batches as needed, brown the beef on all sides. (If you're in a rush, you can skip this step.)1 tablespoon avocado oil, 2 lbs. stewing beef, 1 teaspoon each: sea salt and pepper
- Add the tomato paste to the pot and let it caramelize for 3-4 minutes, or until it has darkened and is sweet smelling.6 ounce can tomato paste
- Add the carrots, onion, mushrooms, baby potatoes, beef stock, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot and stir. Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot for 35 minutes on High Pressure. When it has finished cooking, use the quick release to release the pressure for at least 5 minutes.4 large carrots, 1 medium onion, 1 lb. mushrooms, 1 lb. baby potatoes, 4 cups beef stock, 2 teaspoons dried thyme, 2 bay leaves
- Sprinkle the agar powder over the stew and stir to thicken.1 teaspoon agar powder
- While the stew is cooking, prepare the pesto. Place all the pesto ingredients into a blender and blend on high until mostly smooth. If needed, you can add a little water to thin the pesto. Serve spooned over the top of the beef stew.2 ounces spinach, 1 green onion, Juice from 1 lemon, ⅓ cup slivered almonds, ¼ cup olive oil, 1 small garlic clove, ½ teaspoon salt
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
Love beef stew recipes and this one was up there. Thank you. Quick question…you’re based in Vancouver, right? Could you please recommend where to get certain ingredients in Canada too? I don’t have a Trader Joe’s or a Whole Foods nearby. Appreciate all you do. Thank you.
Hi Elias! I used to live in Vancouver, but now I live in Squamish, and it’s much harder to find ingredients here. In Vancouver, T&T is great. But now I sometimes have to order harder to find ingredients online. Another option is to use tapioca starch and mix it with a little water (like you would cornstarch) to thicken the stew.
I agree with the reviewer below about beef stew being only ho hum until I tried it with your pesto. Wow! My partner didn’t want to add the pesto to his and enjoyed it all the same. I also loved the instruction to let the tomato paste caramelize…what a difference. Thank you!
I’m glad you tried it with the pesto – I love the way it makes the stew pop, too!
Agar powder is not nearly as easy to come by as this makes it seem. I went to five different grocery stores, including Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s after I bought all the ingredients. A week until the affiliate link could actually deliver. If you’re trying this recipe, make sure you have the agar Before you get the ingredients. Otherwise it’s such a waste and a disappointment.
I’m sorry it was such a hassle for you to get agar powder! Another option would be to use a paleo starch such as tapioca. Mix some with a little cold water and add it to the pot at the end – it will thicken it like a cornstarch slurry would.
Great recipe!!! It came out perfectly!
I have always wanted to love a beef stew but after many recipes it was still just ho hum, until I found your recipe. Soooo delicious! The pesto adds a wonderful finish. I am so glad I stumbled upon your website. Can’t wait to try more yummy recipes. Thank you!
Used double veg and meat. Since we are not whole30, added 1/2 c. Red wine. Used the suggestion in previous comments to blend veg and broth to thicken instead of agar. Agar is not something I keep in my pantry. This substitution worked great for us…just 3/4 veg + 3/4 broth blended smooth in blender (vitamix). Add back to stew. Rocked! Thank you…excellent recipe!
Sorry, 3/4 cup!
Good call on blending the veggies! I’ve done that a few times myself and it works really well 🙂
Your site is incredible! As a former dinner chef and now busy Physician Assistant on my own I have found the recipes perfect for batch cooking. I can spend a minimal amount of time and have all the meals for my long shifts.
Thank you for sharing your gifts.
You are so kind! Thank you so much!
I was so happy to see this!! I got an instant pot for Christmas & need some recipes to try. Can’t wait to see more!
What a great Christmas present! Stay tuned for another Instant Pot recipe I have coming out in a couple weeks, 🙂
One way I like to thicken stew is – once cooked – I ladle out 2 cups of broth and veggies and blend them with an immersion blender. Makes a thick gravy which I add back to the stew.
That’s a great trick!
This looks seriously yum, but, not all of us are fortunate enough to have an Instant Pot. ☹️ how long would it take to cook conventionally, or in a slow cooker?
I’ve made a similar beef stew on the stovetop and simmered it for at least 2 hours – although more is better. In a slow cooker, you’ll want to cook it on high for 4 hours or low for 8-10 hours. The slow cooker is a great option if you want to come home to stew after work!