Paleo & Whole30 Beef Stew with Fall Spices

beef stew with root vegetables in a white bowl on a wooden table next to a floral napkin, an Instant Pot and a sprig of fresh thyme

4 from 4 votes

Paleo & Whole30 Beef Stew with Fall Spices

This hearty beef stew features tender chunks of beef and root vegetables with warm spices for the perfect bowl of cozy comfort. Plus it's naturally gluten-free, Paleo and Whole30 friendly!

Prep Time30

Cook Time25

Total Time55

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 585kcal

Author: Don Baiocchi

Ingredients

2½-3 pounds beef chuck stew meat, excess fat trimmed, cut into 1½" cubes
1½ teaspoons fine sea salt, plus ½ teaspoon, divided, and more if necessary
¾ teaspoon ground black pepper, plus ¼ teaspoon divided, and more if necessary
3 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
1 large yellow onion
1½ teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
beef broth - 3 cups (for the Instant Pot and slow cooker) or 4 cups (for the stovetop)
2½-3 pounds root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and/or parsnips
8 oz. prunes
2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

Instructions

Instant Pot:

In a large mixing bowl, toss the meat with 1½ teaspoons salt and ¾ teaspoon pepper.
Add 3 tablespoons oil to the insert of the IP. Set it to Sauté and let the oil warm up.
Meanwhile, peel and quarter the onion, then slice thinly crosswise.
Add the onion, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg to the oil, along with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook until soft, stirring occasionally, about 8-10 minutes.
Add 1 cup broth and use a spatula to scrape up all the brown bits at the bottom of the insert, then add the beef and 2 cups broth. Press Cancel/Keep Warm. Lock on the lid and make sure the release knob is in the seal position. Cook for 13 minutes.
Meanwhile, peel and chop the root vegetables into 1" cubes. Chop the prunes in half.
When the beef is done, immediately release the pressure. Press Cancel/Keep warm. Unlock and remove the lid. Add the vegetables prunes, then lock on the lid again, make sure the release knob is in the seal position, and cook for 2 minutes. Immediately release the pressure. Press Cancel/Keep Warm.
Taste and add more salt or pepper, if necessary. Serve in bowls and sprinkle with fresh thyme.

Stovetop:

Follow steps 1-4 above, using a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add 1 cup broth and use a spatula to scrape up all the brown bits at the bottom of the insert, then add the beef and 3 cups broth. Reduce the heat so the stew maintains a simmer, cover partially and let it cook for 1 hour.
Meanwhile, peel and chop the root vegetables into 1" cubes. Chop the prunes in half.
Add the veggies and prunes to the pot and let it all cook together, uncovered, for another hour. Taste and add more salt or pepper, if necessary. Serve in bowls and sprinkle with fresh thyme.

Slow Cooker:

Follow steps 1-4 above, using a medium frying pan.
Add the spiced onion from the frying pan and the seasoned beef to your slow cooker insert.
Meanwhile, peel and chop the root vegetables into 1" cubes. Chop the prunes in half. Add all of this plus 3 cups broth to the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4. Taste and add more salt or pepper, if necessary. Serve in bowls and sprinkle with fresh thyme.

Notes

Note: The time at the beginning for the recipe is for the Instant Pot version.

Make ahead

The stew can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days. Some fat might rise to the surface. You can either heat it up with the rest of the stew or skim it off.

The stew can also be frozen in airtight container or baggie for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheat the stew in a saucepan over low heat on the stove.

Substitutions and variations

You can use other kind of peeled, cubed root vegetables, such as butternut squash, pumpkin or acorn squash. I wouldn't use potatoes, however, as they wouldn't be quite right with the spices.

You can omit the prunes or substitute raisins or chopped dried apricots.

You can garnish with fresh parsley instead of thyme.

Nutrition