Traditional Passover Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

My Slow Cooker Secret

I love my slow cooker. It feels like a kitchen friend. You just add things in the morning. Then you come home to a warm, happy smell. Doesn’t that sound nice?

This beef stew is one of my favorites. It is so simple. You just chop and drop everything in. The slow cooker does the hard work. This is one of my top easy slow cooker recipes for busy days.

A Stew with a Story

This stew reminds me of my friend Sarah. She made it for Sukkot dinner once. Sukkot is a festive holiday. We eat meals in a little outdoor hut. Her stew was perfect for the cool evening air.

I asked for her recipe right away. She laughed and said it was just a simple kosher beef stew. It has no flour, so it’s naturally gluten free beef stew. I still think of her every time I make it. What food reminds you of a friend?

Why Those Veggies Matter

Let’s talk about the root vegetables. Carrots, parsnips, turnips. They grow deep in the earth. They soak up so much flavor. When they cook slow, they become sweet and soft.

This matters because food should make you feel grounded. Root veggies do that. They are humble, hearty food. They fill your belly and make you feel strong. *Fun fact: Parsnips look like white carrots but taste sweeter!*

The Taste of Tradition

The spices are simple but special. Cumin and a touch of mustard powder. They give it a warm, deep taste. This style is common in many Middle Eastern recipes and Israeli recipes.

That’s the second thing that matters. Food connects us to places and history. This beef stew with root vegetables is like a hug from generations past. It’s also paleo beef stew friendly. So many can enjoy it. Do you have a family recipe that travels through time?

Your Turn to Cook

This is a wonderful family dinner idea. It makes the whole house smell amazing. Everyone gathers when they smell it cooking. I love that part the most.

You can make it your own. Maybe add a potato or use sweet potato. The slow cooker beef stew will be great. What is your favorite vegetable to add to a stew? Tell me, I’d love to know.

Ingredients:

Instructions

Step 1: First, wash and chop all your root vegetables. I love the colors. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Place them in your slow cooker. This is the start of your beef stew with root vegetables. (Peeling is easier with a dry towel in your hand!)

Step 2: Next, add the beef chuck right on top. Then, pour in the whole can of tomatoes. My grandkids call this “the red rain.” This easy slow cooker recipe is so simple. What’s your favorite root veggie? Share below!

Step 3: Now, mix your spices in a little bowl. Sprinkle them over everything. I still laugh at my first time. I forgot the cumin! Let your kosher beef stew cook low and slow for hours. Your house will smell wonderful.

Step 4: Finally, season with salt and pepper. This gluten free beef stew is also a perfect paleo beef stew. It’s ready for a cozy family dinner. I like to let it sit for ten minutes first. (The wait makes it even tastier!)

Creative Twists

Add apricots for a sweet touch. This is common in many Middle Eastern recipes. Swap the turnip for a sweet potato. It makes the stew extra cozy. Use lamb instead of beef. It reminds me of old Israeli recipes. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving & Pairing Ideas

This stew is a wonderful Sukkot recipe for sharing outdoors. Serve it over mashed cauliflower for a hearty meal. A simple green salad on the side is perfect. For family dinner ideas, just add some crusty gluten-free bread. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Stew Cozy for Later

Let’s talk about storing this lovely stew. It freezes beautifully for up to three months. Just let it cool completely first. I use old yogurt containers for single servings. They stack nicely in my freezer.

For the fridge, it will keep for about four days. Reheat it gently on the stove. Add a splash of water if it seems thick. My first time, I reheated it too fast. I learned that slow and low keeps it tender.

Batch cooking this stew is a lifesaver. Making a double batch takes little extra effort. It means a warm, homemade meal is always ready. This matters because it saves your energy on busy nights. It turns a chore into a gift for your future self.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Stew Hiccups

Sometimes stew can be too thin. Just take the lid off for the last hour. Letting steam escape will thicken the broth. I remember when my first stew was like soup. Now I know this easy trick.

If your vegetables are too soft, cut them bigger next time. Chunky pieces hold their shape better during long cooking. If the flavor seems flat, add a pinch more salt at the end. Salt wakes up all the other spices.

Fixing these small issues builds your cooking confidence. You learn that mistakes have easy solutions. It also makes your food taste exactly how you want. Good flavor makes everyone happy at the table.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

What are some traditional Passover stews?

This beef stew with root vegetables is a classic. Other traditions include chicken stews or lamb-based dishes. Many are slow-cooked for tenderness and deep flavor. These hearty meals are perfect for the holiday. They often use spring vegetables and are always kosher.

Can I make Passover stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! This recipe is designed for a slow cooker. It is one of my favorite easy slow cooker recipes. Just layer the ingredients and set it on low. You come home to a complete, delicious kosher beef stew. It could not be simpler.

What cuts of beef are best for Passover stew?

Beef chuck is the best choice for this stew. It becomes incredibly tender with long, slow cooking. This cut has good marbling, which means flavor. It holds up well with the root vegetables. You will have a perfect family dinner.

Are there any substitutions for the root vegetables?

Yes, you can use what you have. Sweet potatoes or celery root work wonderfully. The goal is hearty, flavorful vegetables that soften nicely. This keeps the stew gluten free and paleo friendly. *Fun fact: Parsnips taste sweeter after a frost!*

How do I thicken Passover stew without flour?

For a gluten free beef stew, skip the flour. The stew thickens naturally as it cooks uncovered. The tomatoes and vegetables break down and create a rich broth. For a thicker result, mash a few vegetables before serving. This also works for paleo beef stew.

Can this stew be made ahead for Passover Seder?

Yes, it is an excellent make-ahead dish. In fact, its flavor improves overnight. Make it one or two days before your Seder. Gently reheat it before your meal. This lets you relax and enjoy time with family.

Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this cozy stew as much as I do. It brings such warmth to the table. This dish is wonderful for Passover, Sukkot, or any family dinner. It reminds me of my own grandmother’s kitchen.

I would love to hear about your cooking adventures. Tell me how it turned out for you. Sharing stories is the best part of food.

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below.

Happy cooking!

—Marina Caldwell