1½poundschuck roastcut into 1 inch cubes, or beef stew meat
3tablespoonsarrowroot starchcornstarch or all-purpose flour
½teaspoonsea salt
½teaspoonblack pepper
2tablespoonsavocado oilor olive oil, divided
½largeonionwhite or yellow
3-4mediumcarrots
2celery stalks
3clovesgarlic
4cupsbeef stockor broth
3-4mediumrusset potatoes
10ouncescanned diced tomatoes1 cup
2tablespoonsred wine vinegar
1½tablespoonscoconut aminosor soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
½teaspoondried thyme leaves
2tablespoonschopped fresh parsleyoptional, for garnish
Instructions
Prep the beef: Use paper toweling to pat the beef cubes dry, then sprinkle with arrowroot starch and season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss the beef to coat, then set it aside.
Prep the veggies: Peel the onions, carrots, potatoes, and garlic. Mince the garlic and dice the onion. Chop the celery and carrots into small bite size pieces. Dice the potatoes. If desired, set the potatoes in a large bowl of cold water to prevent them from browning.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, add the beef (in batches, if your pot isn't large enough to fit all of it with room between each piece). Brown the beef on all sides, then set it aside on a plate.
Reduce the burner heat to medium. In the same Dutch oven, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, then sauté the the carrots, onion, and celery until softened slightly, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic during the final minute so it doesn't burn.
Add in the beef cubes, beef stock/broth, tomatoes, potatoes, vinegar, coconut aminos, and thyme, stirring well to combine. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low and cover the Dutch oven with its lid. Simmer the beef stew for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After 40 minutes, remove the lid and allow the stew to continue simmering for another 10 minutes or so, until the the potatoes are cooked through, and the beef is fork tender.If the beef isn't quite fork tender, cover the pot again and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes. Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of parsley, if desired.
Notes
Storing leftovers: Cool leftover beef stew to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight storage container. Place in the refrigerator to reheat and re-serve within 4 days, per USDA.To Reheat: Place leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture reaches a simmer. OR, microwave in individual bowls on high power for 2-3 minutes.Alternative cooking instructions to make beef stew in a slow cooker are written in the post.