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Easy Whole30 Budget Beef Stew

Warm up with this cozy beef stew made with tender meat and simple veggies. It's easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a healthy Whole30 meal on a budget.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Stew
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lb beef stew meat
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 carrots sliced
  • 2 white potatoes cubed
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 4 cups Whole30-compliant beef broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
Spices
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme

Equipment

  • Large Pot

Method
 

  1. Pat the beef dry and season it evenly with salt and pepper.
  2. Chop the onion, slice the carrots, and cube the potatoes evenly.
  3. Mince the garlic and measure out the tomato paste and spices.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large pot and brown the beef in batches. Remove and set aside.
  5. In the same pot, soften onion and garlic for 3–4 minutes.
  6. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf until fragrant.
  7. Return beef to pot. Add broth, carrots, and potatoes. Bring to simmer.
  8. Cover and cook gently for 60–75 minutes until beef is tender.
  9. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Remove and discard bay leaf.
  10. Spoon into bowls and serve hot.

Notes

This stew freezes well and reheats without losing texture. For faster prep, use pre-cut veggies or a slow cooker on low for 7–8 hours. Try swaps like sweet potatoes or parsnips, or add rosemary for variation.