Healthy beef stew is on the menu this week with temperatures in the single digits and below. But you won’t hear me complaining, the gym is open the food is healthy and the kids are happy. That’s all that really matters in life – the simple things. If you don’t know how to make beef stew keep in mind there are so many variations, you can almost never go wrong.

Disclosure: This healthy beef stew recipe post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here for my full disclosure policy. 

Healthy Beef Stew Recipe

How to Make Easy Beef Stew

This easy beef stew recipe is delicious, gluten-free and ‘clean’ for those following a healthy lifestyle. If you are new to a clean eating way of life then you need to check out Everything You Need to Know about a Clean Eating Diet. 

Tips for Choosing Beef Stew Ingredients

When choosing your beef stew meat try to get grass-fed, lean beef. I mention in the clean eating diet post that we source our beef from a local farm which is amazing. They even package the stew meat and label it for us. I know not everyone is able to do this, but I would certainly look into it in your area if your family eats a lot of beef. Also, aim for organic vegetables when possible as well. We always opt for organic as often as possible, and if certain foods are out of season I will grab frozen organic as a second option. 

Choosing Your Healthy Beef Stew Pot

Where some prefer a crock pot beef stew or an instant pot, at the end of the day you probably can’t go wrong with any method of making beef stew. But this homemade beef stew will be made right on the stovetop. You can use a standard Lodge dutch oven (here) or an enameled cast iron dutch oven. (here). You just want to make sure to use a heavy-bottomed pan and heat over medium heat for this dutch oven beef stew recipe. 

Directions for Easy Beef Stew

1. Add the olive oil into your pot and heat over medium heat. Another healthy oil option is avocado oil. You can use either one. 
2. Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper and add to the hot oil.
3. Sear the stew meat on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. You just want to brown the meat all around. Once the meat is browned remove and add the onions. 
4. Cook the onions until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Do not rush this step as it builds fantastic flavor. 
5. Add the beef stew spices: garlic and paprika.

   

6. Add the stew meat back to the pot and cook for 2 more minutes. 
7. Next, add the bay leaves, carrots, parsnips, and celery. 
8. Add just enough water to cover the mixture. 
9. Bring your simple beef stew to a boil and then reduce to a simmer and cover for 45 minutes.
10. Remove any grease that has accumulated on top.  Add the potatoes and let cook for another 20 minutes.

    

11. Remove grease, add tomatoes and peppers, cook for 5 minutes.
12. Season again with additional salt, pepper, and paprika as needed. 

    *Optional – if you would like to thicken your healthy beef stew you can add arrowroot powder. Arrowroot powder works the same as traditional flour to thicken but is gluten-free. This is the one that I use and can be found online HERE.  

    Serve & Enjoy

    

     

Homemade Healthy Beef Stew Recipe (Printable Version)

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Homemade Vegetable Soup

Homemade vegetable soup with cabbage. You will love this healthy vegetable soup recipe. It is gluten-free, vegan and a clean eating soup recipe too

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Ingredients

• 64 oz spicy tomato juice
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 5 roma tomatoes, chopped
• 3 large carrots, chopped
• 2 cups green beans, ends removed and chopped
• 1 head cabbage, core removed and chopped
• 15 oz garbanzo beans , aka chickpeas
• 4 cups water
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large (8qt) stock pot, heat olive oil and add carrots,  onions, and celery.
2. Cook for a few minutes until fragrant
3. Add water, juice, garlic, tomatoes, green beans, cabbage, and garbanzo beans.
4. Add Salt and pepper to taste
5. Bring to a boil, stir and simmer covered for about 1-2 hours
6. *tips- to reduce simmer time, chop veggies and cabbage into smaller pieces

For more healthy clean eating recipes make sure to follow my clean eating Pinterest board here: Clean Eating.  

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