Cold evenings call for comfort, but if you live with Crohn’s or another IBD, the wrong bowl can start a storm. Many classics rely on onion and garlic, which can be tricky on a low FODMAP plan. This low FODMAP beef stew with root vegetables keeps the comfort and drops the triggers, giving you a cosy, gut-friendly beef stew that is simple to make and kind to sensitive digestion.
Why this low FODMAP beef stew works
- Uses low FODMAP root vegetables like carrot, parsnip, and swede for a soothing root vegetable stew.
- Flavour comes from thyme, bay, tomato purée, and a FODMAP-checked beef stock, not onion or garlic.
- Flexible method, make it as a Dutch oven beef stew or a slow cooker beef stew.
- Fits an autumn beef stew recipe brief, hearty without the heaviness.
- Part of our IBD friendly recipes approach, always adjust to your own tolerance.
Hearty Low FODMAP Beef and Root Vegetable Stew
Equipment
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Measuring jug
Ingredients
- 500 g stewing beef cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large carrots peeled and sliced
- 1 parsnip peeled and diced
- 1 swede rutabaga, peeled and diced (about 150g)
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 700 ml low-sodium beef stock ensure low FODMAP
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare Vegetables: In the same pan, add carrots, parsnip, and swede. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
- Add Tomato Purée and Seasoning: Stir in the tomato purée, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for an additional minute.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the beef to the pan, add the beef stock, and stir well. Bring the stew to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Slow cooker beef stew method
Brown the beef in a pan, then transfer to the slow cooker with the vegetables, tomato purée, herbs, and low FODMAP beef stock. Cook 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high until the beef is tender. This makes a fuss-free, Crohn’s friendly beef stew for busy days.
FODMAP notes and easy swaps
- Stock tips, pick a certified low FODMAP beef stock. If you miss garlic, use garlic infused oil for flavour without the FODMAPs.
- Vegetable swaps, if swede is not your friend, try more carrot or a little celeriac. Keep portions modest for a low FODMAP stew recipe.
- Texture tweaks, peel veg and cook until very soft if that sits better with you.
- No onion or garlic, herbs, bay leaf, and tomato purée bring plenty of flavour.
Serving and storage
This healthy autumn stew pairs well with mashed potato or a slice of gluten free bread if tolerated. It is also a handy batch cook, freeze portions for easy reheats on tired days.
Crohn’s tips from our community
- Small bowl first, appetite and tolerance can vary. Start small and build up.
- Chew well and take your time, it helps with heavier proteins like beef.
- Keep a simple side, try plain rice or a low FODMAP green like courgette if you want extra veg.
- For a gentler finish, shred the beef pieces before serving a beef and root vegetable stew.
If you enjoy this, browse our IBD friendly recipes for more ideas, including a classic Dutch oven beef stew and an autumn beef stew recipe you can adapt across the season. It is an easy beef stew recipe to keep in your back pocket for a cosy weeknight.
Medical information and support
Remember, this page is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor to discuss your individual situation and the best course of treatment for you. Do not start or stop medications without speaking to a doctor. Do not change your diet without speaking to your doctor or a healthcare professional.
