Is there a more quintessential soup for the winter than beef stew? I think not! It’s hearty, filling, and so easy to throw together. Imagine a beautiful snow day… you throw together this stew in the morning in under 30 minutes then you’re out the door to build snowmen or curl up on the couch wrapped in your favorite blanket to read a good book, then you enjoy this soul warming stew while you watch the snow silently fall outside…. Okay, I’m back! Sorry about that, I was imagining my life was a Hallmark movie for a second (sigh, if only). But seriously folks, this soup is so easy and delicious, go make it if you don’t believe me. 

What is the benefit of using grass-fed beef? Whenever I’m making beef I always try to use grass-fed, but why? Well I’ll tell you! Cows’ natural diet consistent of grasses and leaves, not antibiotic and hormone infused grains that are typically fed to conventionally raised cattle. When cows eat their natural diets and have space to move around outdoors they are naturally healthier, just like us! The healthier the cow, the more nutrient dense the beef. Beef in general is a great source of protein, zinc, iron, and b-vitamins. However, grass-fed beef is rich in essential fat-soluble vitamins A and E, while being richer in the minerals calcium, magnesium, and potassium and B vitamins. Grass-fed beef is also leaner, and, therefore, higher in protein. (Ballantyne, p. 170)

Well doesn’t red meat increase inflammation? Not necessarily. While all beef contains some amount of fat, grass-fed beef as 4x more omega-3 fatty acids (which are shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in the body), creating a more even balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory fats. (Ballantyne, p. 170)

So go enjoy this beef stew, you’ll love it. I promise.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew (AIP/ Paleo)

Serves: 6 – 8

Ingredients:

4 white sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into medium chunks

4 carrots, peeled and sliced in circles

½ yellow onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 stalks of celery, sliced

2 lbs, grass-fed stew meat

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried rosemary

2 bay leaves

1 tsp salt

½ tsp pepper (optional)

6 cups bone broth

4 TBS tapioca starch/ flour

4 TBS water

Directions:

Place the sweet potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, and celery in the bottom of your 12qt slow cooker. Add the stew beef on top and season both the beef and vegetables with the thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Add in the bone broth and cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours. 30 minutes before serving, mix together the tapioca flour and water in a small bowl, whisking until there are no lumps. Then stir into the slow cooker and cook on high for 30 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve and Enjoy!

References:

Ballantyne, S. (2017). Paleo principles: The science behind the paleo template, step-by-step guides, meal plans, and 200 healthy & delicious recipes for real life. Las Vegas, NV: Victory Belt Publishing Inc.