Paleo Beef Bourguignon
Paleo Beef Bourguignon is a great way to bring the flavor of this French dish into your kitchen without gluten.
This is my first pregnancy eating gluten free, and sometimes I get random cravings for something very specific. This recipe came from one of those cravings. In the middle of summer in Texas, I suddenly found myself craving hearty beef stew.
I need to up my protein intake after first trimester carb bingeing so perhaps its instinctual as well! Did you know that 80-100mg of protein daily helps to support a healthy pregnancy and can reduce the likelihood of pre-eclampsia and prenatal hypertension?
So with my newfound longing for a juicy bowl of beef stew with vegetable goodness, I pulled up Pinterest and started searching. I am a hugely visual person and the thumbnail nature of Pinterest is perfect for getting my creative taste buds flowing!
I quickly saw an image of juicy beef squares, carrots, and mushrooms (which should be in everything, in my humble opinion) and knew I had found a winner.
After looking at the recipe I knew it would have to be changed, as traditional Beef Bourguignon is made using wine for taste and flour as a thickening agent, and I want beef stew.
What is Beef Bourguignon?
Beef bourguignon is a traditional French stew made with beef, red wine, bacon, onions, garlic, carrots, mushrooms, and a bouquet garni (a bundle of herbs tied together with string). The dish is typically slow-cooked for several hours until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. It is often served with crusty bread or potatoes and is a popular dish during the colder months.
Side story: when I was in high school, I took French for 3 years. Oui, ou eh la bibliothèque? is the only language I retained from those 3 years. I also have the memory of a French cooking project involving wine and my dad doing all the work. I got an A.
I have tried a few other wine inspired recipes over the years and it’s simply not a flavor my taste buds truly enjoy. So out goes the wine.
Second, that flour is always a problem. But fear not my gluten free friends, I have the perfect solution. Arrowroot starch makes a great substitute for thickening sauces, and as added bonus, is Whole30 compliant as I found during the spring when completing my first Whole30. So without further ado, prepare to have your mouth salivating in anticipation of this amazing beef stew!
Bacon for Paleo Beef Bourguignon
It all begins with bacon. If bacon is wrong I don’t want to be right! If you’re making this Whole30 compliant be sure to choose a no sugar bacon such as Pederson’s. Remove the bacon and sear your stew meat.
Lazy note: if I’m not doing whole30 I often take the lazy route with pre-cooked bacon pieces, and throw them in before sealing.
Are White Potatoes Paleo?
The paleo diet is based on the idea of eating foods that our ancestors would have eaten during the Paleolithic era, which ended around 10,000 years ago.
White potatoes, which are a type of starchy vegetable, were not available during this time period and are therefore not considered a “paleo” food.
However, some people who follow a modified version of the paleo diet may include white potatoes in their diet in moderation, as they are a good source of carbohydrates and other nutrients.
Ultimately, the decision to include white potatoes in a paleo diet depends on an individual’s personal preferences and dietary needs.
I like to multi task in the kitchen, so while the meat has been cooking, I’m busy peeling and chopping carrots and cutting potatoes. Add these to your instant pot, along with the mushrooms.
To peel or not to peel your potatoes? I used to take the rustic approach and leave the skin for extra nutrients, but recently I’ve taken to peeling them at the request of my family. You do you.
After your meats and vegetables are ready, your sauce goes on top after everything else
Paleo Beef Bourguignon Sauce
Now let’s talk sauce. Add some broth to the skillet and whisk around to deglaze all that bacon and meat goodness. Add tomato sauce, coconut aminos, and arrowroot powder and whisk until sauce begins to thicken.
Pour sauce over all your goodies in the instant pot. Voila, you are ready to turn it on and let those smells permeate your house!
Mmmm, doesn’t that look beautiful? The vegetables come out cooked to perfection, the carrots perfectly soft after simmering all day in the broth with plenty of flavor! The meat is falling apart, it’s a delicious hearty beef stew. Garnish with a bit of parsley to make it pretty and dig in!
Final Thoughts on Paleo Beef Bourguignon
Beef Bourguignon is really just fancy beef stew. It’s a favorite in our family, and one we can count on for a feel good hearty meal.
Bacon, beef, carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms come together to reach the perfect consistency in this instant pot stew.
This paleo beef bourguignon recipe is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a hearty and healthy meal. With its flavorful combination of beef, vegetables, and bacon, it is sure to satisfy any craving, whether it’s a pregnancy craving or just a desire for a delicious stew.
By using arrowroot starch instead of flour and omitting the wine, this recipe is both gluten-free and Whole30 compliant. So why not give it a try and enjoy the mouth-watering aroma of this amazing beef stew permeating your home?
Drop me a comment if you tried it!
