Slow-Cooker Beef Stew with Carrots and Parsnips
A hearty slow-cooked beef stew featuring tender chunks of beef, sweet carrots, and earthy parsnips in a savory broth, perfect for a Whole30 dinner. This whole30-inspired beef (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 260 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes, large, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces carrots
- 3 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces parsnips
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 5 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups beef broth (Whole30 compliant)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck roast cubes seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Brown the beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply caramelized, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large diced yellow onion and 5 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 tsp dried rosemary to the skillet. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 4: Transfer onion mixture to the slow cooker with beef. Add 4 cups Whole30-compliant beef broth, 4 peeled and chopped medium carrots, 3 peeled and chopped medium parsnips, remaining 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooker Beef Stew with Carrots and Parsnips take to make?
Total time is about 260 minutes (20 min prep + 240 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow-Cooker Beef Stew with Carrots and Parsnips?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large, diced yellow onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooker Beef Stew with Carrots and Parsnips?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow-Cooker Beef Stew with Carrots and Parsnips for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Slow-Cooker Beef Stew with Carrots and Parsnips whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
Related recipes
Stir-Fried Beef with Broccoli and Ginger-Garlic Sauce
Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Root Vegetables and Fresh Herbs
Sautéed Beef and Broccoli with Ginger-Garlic Sauce
Slow-Roasted Beef Short Ribs with Herbed Polenta
Slow-Cooked Beef Brisket with Apple Cider
Slow-Braised Beef Bourguignon with Pearl Onions
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
