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, āI have always wanted to love a beef stew but after many recipes it was still just ho hum, until I found your recipe. Ā Soooo delicious! The pesto adds a wonderful finish. Ā I am so glad I stumbled upon your website. Canāt wait to try more yummy recipes. Thank Ā you! ā ā ā ā ā ā
Why I love this paleo beef stew so much
Often on fall and winter evenings, you can find me cozied up with a bowl of this rustic paleo beef stew. It's a healthy and hearty stew full of tender stew beef and soft cooked vegetables. If a food could feel like a warm hug, this would be 100% be it.
Here are three reasons I love it so much:
- It's warm and comforting with all my favorite stew veggies.
- A dollop of pesto brightens up the flavor and gives it a pretty pop of color.
- When I make in my Instant Pot, I can turn tough stewing meat into tender delicious morsels in just 35 minutes!
I like to make it in my Instant Pot but it can also be made in a slow cooker, or on the stove top. I use a mix of onions, carrots, mushrooms, and potatoes but other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, sweet potatoes, and even celery root taste great, too.
I use my homemade beef bone broth for this recipe, but you can also use a store-bought version. If you're following a paleo diet, just be sure to read the label because stock can often have other additives in it.
I add a spoonful of pesto when I serve it which isn't really traditional, but is really delicious and adds another layer of flavor. I absolutely love this stew, and I think you will too!
Favorite family-friendly dinner recipes
- Instant Pot Pot Roast
- Blackened Pork Ribs with Caramelized Carrots
- Instant Pot Shredded Beef
- Slow Cooker Corned Beef
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 the health section of most well-stocked grocery and health food stores. You can also buy it online.
Can I skip the agar agar?
You can, but the texture of the stew will be much thinner.
Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes it is, anything that is paleo is automatically gluten-free. In a traditional beef stew, the beef is tossed in flour, but we use agar agar instead which is naturally gluten-free.
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.
Can I make it on the stovetop?
Yes, you can make it in a Dutch oven and simmer it on the stovetop for at least two hours.
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
- ā cup slivered almonds
- Ā¼ cup olive oil
- Ā½ 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, ā cup slivered almonds, Ā¼ cup olive oil, 1 small garlic clove, Ā½ teaspoon salt
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
If you like this paleo beef stew recipe, you'll love our easy paleo chili with warming spices and loads of veggies!
Great recipe!!! Ā 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. Ā Soooo delicious! The pesto adds a wonderful finish. Ā I am so glad I stumbled upon your website. Can’t wait to try more yummy recipes. Thank Ā you!
Used double veg and meat. Ā Since we are not whole30, added 1/2 c. Red wine. Ā Used the suggestion in previous comments to blend veg and broth to thicken instead of agar. Ā Agar is not something I keep in my pantry. Ā This substitution worked great for us…just 3/4 veg + 3/4 broth blended smooth in blender (vitamix). Add back to stew. Rocked! Ā 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 š
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. Canāt wait to see more!
What a great Christmas present! Stay tuned for another Instant Pot recipe I have coming out in a couple weeks, š
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. ā¹ļø 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!