There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty beef stew, especially when the weather starts to cool down. But between the long cooking times and multiple pots, traditional stew recipes can feel like a whole production. That’s where your pressure cooker comes in to make things a whole lot easier! This homemade gluten-free beef stew recipe gives you all the rich, fall-apart-tender beef and deeply flavored broth you’re craving, but in a fraction of the time.

It’s naturally gluten-free (just swap regular flour for your favorite GF blend), making it perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions or sensitivities. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick one-pot dinner, this pressure cooker beef stew is about to become your new cold-weather staple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? Here are the answers to the common questions I get asked: 

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe instead of a pressure cooker / instant pot?

Absolutely! The slow cooker option works beautifully for this recipe. After searing the beef in a skillet on the stovetop (which I highly recommend for maximum flavor), transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. 

The main difference is time, the pressure cooker gets you there in about 35 minutes, while the slow cooker takes several hours. Both methods yield delicious results, so choose what works best for your schedule and the appliances you have on hand.

How can I thicken this recipe?

There are a few easy ways to thicken the stew if it’s too thin. First, the flour roux we create at the beginning should give you a nice thick consistency, but if you need more, simply turn your pressure cooker to Sauté mode after cooking and let it simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes to reduce the liquid. 

You can also make a slurry by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch or gluten-free flour with equal parts cold water, then stir it into the simmering stew until it reaches your desired thickness. 

Is beef stew seasoning gluten-free?

It depends on the brand! Some pre-made beef stew seasoning packets contain wheat flour or other gluten-containing ingredients. Always check the label if you’re using a store-bought seasoning mix.

The good news is that this recipe uses individual herbs and spices (thyme, salt, pepper, bay leaf) that are naturally gluten-free, so you don’t have to worry about hidden gluten. Plus, making your own seasoning blend gives you complete control over the flavor and sodium content.

Is this recipe also dairy-free?

Yes! This beef stew recipe is naturally dairy free. There’s no butter, cream, or cheese involved, just beef, vegetables, broth, and seasonings. It’s perfect for anyone following a dairy-free diet or dealing with lactose intolerance. 

What beef stew meat should I use? 

For this recipe, I used 2 lbs of Colorado Craft Beef, and you have a few excellent options to choose from: chuck roast (cut into cubes), pre-cut stew meat, or sirloin tips all work beautifully. Chuck is my personal favorite because it has great marbling that breaks down during pressure cooking, giving you incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef. Stew meat is the most convenient option since it’s already cubed and ready to go, while sirloin tips are a leaner choice that still delivers great flavor.

What really makes this recipe shine is starting with high-quality beef, which is why I always use Colorado Craft Beef. As a 5th generation family ranch, they raise their cattle with integrity and care which I love. Their beef is well-marbled, flavorful, and perfect for slow-cooked dishes like this stew where the quality of the meat really matters. Plus, knowing it’s shipped directly from their ranch to your door means you’re getting the freshest, highest-quality product possible. When you invest in good beef, everything else just falls into place.

How to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free

The beauty of this beef stew is that it’s incredibly easy to make gluten-free with just one simple swap. Traditional beef stew recipes use all-purpose flour to create a roux that thickens the broth, but you can easily substitute it with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. 

I’ve had great success with both store-bought gluten-free all-purpose flour mixes and alternative thickeners like cornstarch or arrowroot powder. If you’re using gluten-free flour, simply substitute it 1:1 for the all-purpose flour in the recipe and make the roux as directed.

If you prefer to use cornstarch or arrowroot instead, skip the flour in Step 2 and add it at the end as a slurry: mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or arrowroot with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the finished stew while it’s simmering until thickened.

Beyond the flour, everything else in this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to double-check your beef broth label, as some store-bought varieties can contain gluten-based additives. 

How to Store and Reheat

This beef stew actually tastes even better the next day once all the flavors have had time to meld together, so don’t be afraid to make it ahead. Let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to meal prep for longer, this stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. 

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is a breeze. For refrigerated stew, simply warm it in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between.

If you’re reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge first for best results, then reheat using either method. The stew might thicken up a bit in the fridge, so feel free to add a splash of beef broth or water while reheating to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free Beef Stew

• Don’t Skip the Sear: Taking the time to properly brown your beef in batches creates a deep, caramelized flavor that’s the foundation of a great stew. Avoid crowding the pot so each piece gets that golden crust.
• Use Quality Beef: I always use Colorado Craft Beef for this recipe because the quality really shines through. Well-marbled stewing beef or hanging flank will give you the most tender, flavorful results.
• Deglaze Thoroughly: When you add that splash of broth after making the roux, make sure to scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom of the pot. That’s pure flavor gold that will enrich your entire stew.
• Gluten-Free Thickening Options: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, or skip the flour entirely and use an arrowroot or cornstarch slurry (mix 2 tbsp starch + 2 tbsp cold water) stirred in at the end.
• Natural Pressure Release: Allow at least 10 minutes of natural pressure release before quick releasing. This helps the beef stay tender and prevents the stew from splattering.
• Adjust Seasoning at the End: Always taste your stew after cooking and adjust the salt, pepper, or add an extra splash of balsamic vinegar to brighten the flavors.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded together. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Extra Richness: For an even more luxurious finish, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter or drizzle with high-quality olive oil just before serving.

What to Serve With Your Gluten-Free Beef Stew

My favorite way to serve it is with a thick slice of crusty gluten-free bread or gluten-free dinner rolls for soaking up all that delicious gravy!

If you’re looking for something heartier, serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower for a comforting, complete meal. A simple side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast to the rich stew. 

We hope you love this gluten-free beef stew recipe! 

This savory beef stew has become one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights and cozy weekends. There’s something so satisfying about a one-pot meal that’s packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth that tastes like it simmered all day… even though it only took about an hour thanks to the pressure cooker! 

I hope this recipe becomes a family favorite like it has in mine. If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Drop a comment below and let me know what you think.

Happy cooking!

As kids head back to school, routines can feel chaotic—school runs, extracurriculars, and packing lunches. That’s why healthy family dinners are such powerful anchors. These meals support energy, mood, gut health, and connection—all at once.

Why Family Meals Matter for Health

Family meals aren’t just about nourishment—they’re foundational for lifelong habits. Research shows that children who eat regular family meals consume more fruits, vegetables, calcium, fiber, and key vitamins, such as A, C, and B12. They also tend to drink fewer sugary beverages and eat fewer fried or fast foods. (PMC6309329)

Even more, eating together at least 3 times per week has been linked with:

• 12% lower odds of being overweight
• 20% lower odds of eating unhealthy foods
• 35% lower odds of disordered eating
• 24% higher odds of eating healthy foods (PMC3387875)

Beyond nutrition, family meals are also tied to lower rates of obesity, fewer disordered eating patterns, and reduced risk-taking behaviors in adolescents. (PMC4013176)

These rituals strengthen family bonds, boosting communication, resilience, and emotional well-being, while also being linked to healthier mental development and improved academic performance.

Real Life: Family Meals Aren’t Always Perfect

I know how hard it can be to plan balanced, healthy meals that kids actually want to eat—especially when you’re working, hauling kids around to sports practice, or just trying to get everyone fed before homework starts. Some nights, fast food might feel like the only option. And you know what? That’s okay.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s about working toward balance and creating healthy habits your kids can carry into the real world and into adulthood.

We don’t want kids growing up obsessed with “clean eating” or afraid of food—because that can backfire and increase the risk of disordered eating or crash dieting later. Instead, we want to model sustainable, flexible habits: enjoying nourishing meals most of the time, while still making room for the occasional quick stop or fun treat.

Here’s how I try to approach meals in my own house:

• Protein with every meal and snack –  to keep blood sugars balanced and moods steady (hello, fewer tantrums). Check out my last blog on meal planning for hormone health here →
• A starch my kids enjoy –  pasta, potatoes, or even a slice of bread with real butter.
• Vegetables at every meal – even if my kids don’t always eat them. Exposure matters—just getting kids used to seeing vegetables on their plate is the first step, and modeling yourself eating them makes a difference over time.

Example: My 8-year-old just discovered he loves my baked broccoli. It only took about five years of offering it, but now he eats it all the time when I make it. The trick? Add plenty of salt, herbs, olive oil, or butter to make veggies taste good!

Remember: consistency matters more than perfection. Even a few family meals each week can have a lasting impact.

Include Gut-Friendly Foods on the Plate

When planning easy family dinners, weave in fermented and prebiotic foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, miso, garlic, onions, oats, and bananas. These nourish the gut microbiome, boosting immunity, digestion, and mood—especially during demanding school seasons.

Note: Not every family member responds the same way. Some may thrive on fermented foods, while others may not. That’s where personalized testing helps identify what truly supports your family’s health.

Balance Your Macros: Protein, Carbs, and Healthy Fats

Balanced meals—combining protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats—give sustained energy and stabilize mood. Each family meal might include:

• Protein (e.g., chicken, beef, beans, pork, eggs) for focus and satiety
• Complex carbs (e.g., root vegetables like potatoes, quinoa, brown rice, whole fruits) for steady energy
• Healthy fats (e.g., avocado, butter/ghee, tallow, olive oil, nuts) for brain and hormone support

Curious about protein’s role? Read my posts:Unlocking the Benefits of Protein: A Dietitian’s Perspective

and Back-to-School Snacks That Actually Work. 

Mindful Eating: More Than Just What’s on the Plate

Sharing meals isn’t just about the food—it’s also about how we eat. According to a systematic review, frequent, positive mealtime environments (without screens or tension) promote healthier eating behaviors, better mental health, and emotional resilience.

Benefits of Mindful Family Meals Include:

• Better nutrient intake (more fruits, veggies, and whole foods)
• Lower risk of obesity and disordered eating
• Stronger family cohesion and emotional connection (PMC3387875, PMC6309329)

Try These Simple Mindful Eating Habits:

• Pause before eating—notice your food’s aroma and colors
• Turn off devices and focus on the table conversation
• Chew slowly—let your body signal its fullness
• Check in: “Still hungry, or just finishing out of habit?”
• Involve kids in meal prep or table setting to build connection

Want more tips? Check out my Mindful Eating Guide.

Functional Nutrition: Tailor Your Family Meals

Not every meal works for every family. Some kids may love yogurt, while others react. Others may need more B12 or fiber, or are struggling with low energy. That’s where functional nutrition testing comes in:

• MRT –  food sensitivities (including histamine or additives)
• GI-MAP –  gut microbiome balance
• DUTCH –  hormone patterns and stress response
• Micronutrient testing – reveals vitamin or mineral gaps

This data-informed approach helps you craft meals that support energy, focus, and digestion for your family.

Bringing It All Together

Nourishing, practical, and meaningful family meals can transform your school-year routine. To make them happen:

• Build meals with protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats
• Add gut-friendly foods when tolerated
• Sit down together with intention—mindful routines make a lasting impact
• Use functional testing to personalize what works best for your needs

This school year, let healthy family dinners be your daily reset for connection, nourishment, and clarity.

References

1. Hammons AJ, Fiese BH. Is frequency of shared family meals related to the nutritional health of children and adolescents? Pediatrics. 2011;127(6):e1565–e1574. doi:10.1542/peds.2010-1440. PMCID: PMC3387875
2. Goldfarb S, Tarver WL, Sen B. Family meals and child health: a systematic review. Appetite. 2017;123:51–59. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2017.11.1. PMCID: PMC6309329