Description
This hearty slow cooker beef stew combines lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and a savory low-sodium broth for a nourishing, diabetic-safe, and low-purine meal. Each bite is flavorful and balanced, promoting steady blood sugar and joint-friendly nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
- Protein & Aromatics
- 1 lb (450 g) lean beef (sirloin or round), trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Vegetables
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 cup green beans or peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup turnips or cauliflower florets, chopped (lower carb and purine alternative to potatoes)
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- Broth & Seasoning
- 3 cups low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (no added sugar)
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ tsp turmeric (optional, anti-inflammatory)
- Salt to taste (optional, limit to <¼ tsp total)
- For Garnish
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels. Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sear beef in small batches for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly browned; transfer to the slow cooker.
- Transfer Aromatics: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic on top of the beef.
- Layer Vegetables: Add carrots, celery, and turnips (or cauliflower) to the pot.
- Mix Broth & Seasonings: In a bowl, whisk broth, tomato paste, paprika, thyme, black pepper, turmeric, and add the bay leaf. Pour over the ingredients, ensuring they are just covered.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 7–8 hours (best texture) or High for 4 hours. Avoid lifting the lid.
- Add Final Vegetables: 20 minutes before the end, stir in green beans or peas; cook until tender-crisp.
- Finish & Serve: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and garnish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Optional Thickening: Mash ½ cup cooked vegetables and stir back in for natural body without flour.
Notes
Keep broth low-sodium; avoid alcohol-based additions to keep purines low. Add extra non-starchy greens (spinach, kale, zucchini) for fiber. Hydrate well throughout the day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Healthy / Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 400 g)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 60