Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Brown the beef
- Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper, then brown in batches in hot avocado oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, turning until well browned on multiple sides. Avoid crowding so the meat sears rather than steams; transfer browned beef to a plate.
Build the stew base
- Cook the diced onion for 3 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring until fragrant. Scrape up browned bits from the bottom so they dissolve into the sauce.
- Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaf, and the browned beef, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and simmer at a gentle bubble for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally so the beef stays submerged.
Simmer with vegetables and thicken
- Add the halved radishes, quartered cremini mushrooms, and sliced celery, then return to a simmer and cook covered for 30-40 minutes until the beef and radishes are tender. Keep a steady gentle bubble and adjust heat as needed.
- Sprinkle in the xanthan gum while whisking constantly so it disperses smoothly, then simmer for 2 minutes to thicken. Stop whisking once the gravy turns glossy and coats the back of a spoon.
Finish and serve
- Remove the bay leaf and stir in the chopped fresh parsley, then taste and serve hot. Look for a thick, dark gravy with tender radishes and beef throughout.
Notes
Pro tip: Sear the beef in batches and keep the simmer gentle—this develops deeper flavor and prevents tough meat. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 4 days in a covered container. Freezing is yes—freeze up to 3 months, then thaw and reheat on the stovetop; add a splash of broth if the gravy thickens too much. For a dairy-free option, this recipe already is; for a gluten-aware swap, use Worcestershire labeled gluten-free if needed.
