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Cozy Slow Cooker Whole30 Beef Stew: Easy 30-Min Prep

cozy slow cooker Whole30 beef stew - featured image

This hearty Whole30 beef stew is made in the slow cooker with tender chuck roast, root vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. With just 30 minutes of prep, it’s a comforting, nourishing meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 3 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1.5 pounds baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, halved
  • 4 cups beef broth, preferably low-sodium
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (check label for Whole30 compliance)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply browned. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to the skillet. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  3. Pour about ½ cup of the beef broth into the skillet and stir, scraping up any remaining browned bits. Pour the onion mixture and the deglazing liquid into the slow cooker with the beef.
  4. Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, mushrooms, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and the remaining beef broth. Stir to combine.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  6. About 15 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaves. Stir in the apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Sear the beef in batches to ensure a deep brown crust. Deglaze the skillet with broth to capture all the flavor. For best results, cook on low for 7-8 hours. Season at the end to control saltiness. Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: Whole30 beef stew, slow cooker beef stew, paleo beef stew, gluten-free stew, dairy-free stew, comfort food, meal prep