Description
A hearty and nourishing slow cooker beef stew that is nightshade-free and low FODMAP, perfect for those following the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet. This stew combines tender beef with a mix of root vegetables and aromatic herbs, slow-cooked to develop rich flavor and a comforting texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 fennel bulb, diced
- 4 large carrots (or 6 medium), peeled and chopped
- 3 large parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 4 celery sticks, chopped
- 1 medium sweet potato, chopped into cubes
Protein
- 1 lbs. beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
Liquids and Seasonings
- 6 cups broth of choice
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
Optional Thickener
- 2 tablespoons tapioca or arrowroot starch
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Dice the fennel bulb and peel and chop the carrots, parsnips, celery, and sweet potato into roughly 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Beef: If using chuck roast, cut it into 1½-inch cubes to match the size of packaged stew meat and promote tenderness during cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: Place all the diced vegetables, beef cubes, broth, thyme, rosemary, and salt into the slow cooker or Instant Pot. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients and seasonings.
- Slow Cooker Method: Cover and cook on the low setting for 8 hours until the beef is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked, developing deep flavor.
- Instant Pot Method: If using an Instant Pot, select the slow cooker function and cook similarly to the slow cooker method, or pressure cook on high for 30 minutes. After pressure cooking, allow a natural release for 10 minutes before performing a quick release to safely release remaining pressure.
- Thicken Stew (Optional): For a thicker consistency, mix 2 tablespoons of tapioca or arrowroot starch with ¼ cup water to make a slurry. Stir this mixture into the finished stew and let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking.
Notes
- This recipe is suitable for the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet as it is free from nightshades and low FODMAP.
- Choose a homemade or store-bought broth that fits your dietary needs and preferences.
- Use the optional thickener to achieve a stew consistency without using flour or cornstarch.
- Vegetable sizes can be adjusted slightly for texture preferences but aim for uniform pieces for even cooking.
- The stew freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker) or 30 minutes (pressure cook)
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker beef stew, AIP beef stew, nightshade free stew, low FODMAP beef stew, autoimmune protocol recipes, gluten free stew, slow cooker recipes
