This paleo beef stew is a classic mix of vegetables and tender morsels of beef, topped off with a dollop of spinach pesto. It’s an easy paleo meal you can make in your Instant Pot, and it takes less than an hour to make!
Christine writes, “ I have always wanted to love a beef stew but after many recipes it was still just ho hum, until I found your recipe. Soooo delicious! The pesto adds a wonderful finish. I am so glad I stumbled upon your website. Can’t wait to try more yummy recipes. Thank you! ★★★★★ “
On cool fall and winter evenings, you’ll often find me curled up with a bowl of this rustic paleo beef stew. It’s hearty and comforting, filled with tender chunks of beef and soft, cozy vegetables — the kind of meal that genuinely feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
What makes me love it even more is how satisfying and simple it is. A spoonful of pesto on top adds a fresh, bright finish and a pop of color, and when I make it in my Instant Pot, even tough stewing meat turns meltingly tender in about 35 minutes. It’s comforting, reliable, and exactly what I crave when the weather turns chilly.
Stovetop or Instant Pot
I like to make it in my Instant Pot, but it can also be made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. I use a mix of onions, carrots, mushrooms, and potatoes, but other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, sweet potatoes, and even celery root also taste great.
I use my homemade beef bone broth for this recipe, but you can also use store-bought.
I add a spoonful of pesto when I serve it, which isn’t really traditional, but it is really delicious and adds another layer of flavor. I absolutely love this stew, and I think you will too!
Can I freeze paleo beef stew?
Yes, this stew freezes beautifully. When it’s completely cool, transfer it to an airtight container or reusable silicone bag and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
What is agar agar powder?
Agar agar is a natural vegetable gelatin derived from seaweed. It’s an excellent vegetarian thickening agent used in a variety of recipes, especially sweets like jellies, puddings, and custards.
Where can I buy agar agar?
You can find agar agar powder in most well-stocked grocery stores. You can also buy it online .
Can I skip the agar agar?
You can, but the stew’s texture will be much thinner.
Can I make this paleo beef stew in my slow cooker?
Yes, but you’ll need to start on your stovetop and then transfer it to your slow cooker. Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 8-10 hours. The stew is done when the meat is tender, and the potatoes are soft.
If you like this paleo beef stew recipe, you’ll love our easy paleo chili with warming spices and loads of veggies!
Paleo Beef Stew Recipe
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Ingredients
- ▢ 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ▢ 2 lbs. stewing beef
- ▢ 1 teaspoon each: sea salt and pepper
- ▢ 6 ounce can tomato paste (Whole30, if needed)
- ▢ 4 large carrots (chopped)
- ▢ 1 medium onion (chopped)
- ▢ 1 lb. mushrooms (cut in half)
- ▢ 1 lb. baby potatoes (quartered)
- ▢ 4 cups beef stock (Whole30, if needed)
- ▢ 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- ▢ 2 bay leaves
- ▢ 1 teaspoon agar powder (see notes)
Spinach Pesto
- ▢ 2 ounces spinach
- ▢ 1 green onion (green part only)
- ▢ Juice from 1 lemon
- ▢ ⅓ cup slivered almonds
- ▢ ¼ cup olive oil
- ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
- ▢ 1 small garlic clove
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to saute and add the oil to the pot. Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper. Working in batches as needed, brown the beef on all sides. (If you’re in a rush, you can skip this step.) 1 tablespoon avocado oil, 2 lbs. stewing beef, 1 teaspoon each: sea salt and pepper
- Add the tomato paste to the pot and let it caramelize for 3-4 minutes, or until it has darkened and is sweet smelling. 6 ounce can tomato paste
- Add the carrots, onion, mushrooms, baby potatoes, beef stock, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot and stir. Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot for 35 minutes on High Pressure. When it has finished cooking, use the quick release to release the pressure for at least 5 minutes. 4 large carrots, 1 medium onion, 1 lb. mushrooms, 1 lb. baby potatoes, 4 cups beef stock, 2 teaspoons dried thyme, 2 bay leaves
- Sprinkle the agar powder over the stew and stir to thicken. 1 teaspoon agar powder
- While the stew is cooking, prepare the pesto. Place all the pesto ingredients into a blender and blend on high until mostly smooth. If needed, you can add a little water to thin the pesto. Serve spooned over the top of the beef stew. 2 ounces spinach, 1 green onion, Juice from 1 lemon, ⅓ cup slivered almonds, ¼ cup olive oil, 1 small garlic clove, ½ teaspoon salt
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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More paleo dinner recipes
Paleo Cauliflower Fried Rice
Paleo Honey Garlic Chicken
Sweet and Spicy Paleo Chicken Fingers
Sticky Paleo Ribs
Paleo Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 lbs. stewing beef
- 1 teaspoon each: sea salt and pepper
- 6 ounce can tomato paste , Whole30, if needed
- 4 large carrots , chopped
- 1 medium onion , chopped
- 1 lb. mushrooms , cut in half
- 1 lb. baby potatoes , quartered
- 4 cups beef stock , Whole30, if needed
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon agar powder , see notes
Spinach Pesto
- 2 ounces spinach
- 1 green onion , green part only
- Juice from 1 lemon
- ⅓ cup slivered almonds
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 small garlic clove
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to saute and add the oil to the pot. Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper. Working in batches as needed, brown the beef on all sides. (If you’re in a rush, you can skip this step.) 1 tablespoon avocado oil, 2 lbs. stewing beef, 1 teaspoon each: sea salt and pepper
- Add the tomato paste to the pot and let it caramelize for 3-4 minutes, or until it has darkened and is sweet smelling. 6 ounce can tomato paste
- Add the carrots, onion, mushrooms, baby potatoes, beef stock, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot and stir. Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot for 35 minutes on High Pressure. When it has finished cooking, use the quick release to release the pressure for at least 5 minutes. 4 large carrots, 1 medium onion, 1 lb. mushrooms, 1 lb. baby potatoes, 4 cups beef stock, 2 teaspoons dried thyme, 2 bay leaves
- Sprinkle the agar powder over the stew and stir to thicken. 1 teaspoon agar powder
- While the stew is cooking, prepare the pesto. Place all the pesto ingredients into a blender and blend on high until mostly smooth. If needed, you can add a little water to thin the pesto. Serve spooned over the top of the beef stew. 2 ounces spinach, 1 green onion, Juice from 1 lemon, ⅓ cup slivered almonds, ¼ cup olive oil, 1 small garlic clove, ½ teaspoon salt
