
This recipe is a crockpot thai beef stew that is easy to make and my husband absolutely LOVES this recipe.
Aila Update
Before I begin, thank you all for your condolences, messages of encouragement, and for donating to Aila's fundraiser after my post last week. We are taking things day by day, and some are better than others, but your support has been an integral part of our healing process so far.
I was amazed at the amount of people who commented on the post on Facebook and have experienced infant loss. It is a topic that is not discussed enough in society and hearing that others have experienced it is truly helpful for a grieving mother.
Meals Made Simple Cookbook
As I mentioned, amongst everything that has been going on in our lives, I managed to finish my book Meals Made Simple last month. It was actually a wonderful outlet and I was comforted and joyful while I was in the kitchen with my sweet girl. Now that it is off to print, I can officially share the table of contents from the book and let you all have a peek into what will be included! I am especially excited for the 8 weeks of meal plans, accompanying grocery lists, and nutrition facts!
I also wanted to share one of my favorite easy recipes with you for a paleo crockpot Thai beef stew with you to give you a taste of the type of meals you will find. We serve it over the Coconut Cilantro Cauli-Rice from my first book Against all Grain, but it's also wonderful and filling just on its own.
You can read more about the book and find another sneak peek recipe in my previous posts here and here. Both Amazon and Barnes & Noble have it available for pre-order now, and it releases September 2nd. If you order on Amazon, they will guarantee that you are charged the lowest price if it drops between now and when the book releases. They also will not charge you until it ships, so you're basically securing that a copy lands on your doorstep release day and that you get the best price.
I hope you enjoy the recipe!

Ethne Hedren Denham
Danielle, thank you so much for telling us Aila’s story. My four best girlfriends and I have followed your blog and your story and want you to know we are here for you in spirit! We look forward to your new cookbook (my copy of your first cookbook is in tatters almost!) and pray for you, Ryan and Asher.
Megan
Hi Danielle thank you for sharing your story. I am not familiar with jicama or cilantro could you tell me a bit about them
ckwseeger
Jicama is a root like vegetable with a mild flavor. Cilantro is an herb used often in salsa and also in Indian cooking. It is usually used fresh, not dried. Both can usually be found regularly at your local grocery store and both are fairly inexpensive.
Noon
cilantro is known as Koriander outside of the US 😉
Michelle Farrell O Malley
Hi there,this looks and sounds yummy and would like to make it but i dont have a slow cooker so could you please advice whether this could be cooked in a regular pot on a hob and for how long. Thank you in advance
Danielle
I’m sure this can be made in a dutch oven like a traditional stew, but have not tried this recipe that way personally. I suggest using my ingredients but following another stew recipe that uses your preferred method to help you figure out times and temperatures. Best of luck!
Zoe
I made this a few days ago, cooking it on the stove for 1.5-2 hours on low, adding the veggies for the last 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it as you may need to add more liquid. It was delicious!
Michelle Farrell O Malley
Thank you Zoe-will give it a go 🙂
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes
Danielle — praying for your sweet family; thank you for sharing Aila’s story. This stew is in my crockpot this afternoon — smells amazingly good. 🙂
Maria Z
I pray for your FAMILY to continue to have Healing and Peace!!
I just bought your first cookbook and already in LOVE with it!!! So much that I already Pre-Ordered your NEW COOKBOOK on AMAZON!!! Can’t wait till September
Rebecca
Hi Danielle, I’m looking to buy a slow cooker/crock pot, they can be got in sizes from 4.5-6.5 litres, what do you use/recommend? Ps. Can’t wait to buy your book! 😀
Janie Lynn
Thanks for sharing another delish recipe and even your story. I often think about you and your family so know that you are in my prayers!
From your whole food-y!
Janie Lynn
Stacy Maplesden
what is SCD?
Jeannie
Specific Carbohydrate Diet
anna
I just wanted to ask about the curry paste. It says 1/2 c?!? One entire jar is 4 oz., so 2 jars??? That seems like a lot. Am I mistaken?
Danielle
Hi Anna, 1/2 cup is equal to 4 ounces, so 1 jar.
Nina Cesena
I made this for dinner tonight with a pork shoulder roast and it was a HIT! My husband’s comment was, “I didn’t have to use any extra salt or pepper!” Thank you for this recipe! 🙂
t
I just came across this recipe and read about your story with Aila. I don’t normally comment but your story hit me hard and wanted to offer my condolences. I loved reading your story, it was so real and raw, and it Aila is so lucky to have you as her mama. May you find comfort knowing that her minutes of life were blessed with lots of love and hope.
Chrissy
This was amazing! Made it tonight and my husband and I loved it!
Leanne
This was delicious! A hit with the whole family. Will definitely be making this again
Jodie
What size slow cooker did you use for this recipe?
Bambi Lynn Holt
Is there anyway you can add nutritional facts for your first book’s recipes? I am on an extremely restricted amount of carbs due to liver disease and prediabetes. Your recipes sound delicious but I must have a nutritional breakdown of them before I can tell if they can be added to my meal plan.
Danielle
Hi Bambi, we would recommend that you use a nutritional calculator, available online or as a phone app for the recipes from the blog and the first book. ~Eileen
Jen
This dish was delicious. We didn’t add the jicama and cilantro and it was still incredible. Cooked it for guests and everyone went back for 3rds. Thank you once again!!
LA
Do you really use 1/2 cup of the red curry paste? That’s the whole jar, and seems like a lot.
Larry
Two question: (1) if I brown per this recipe, can I then follow chicken stew recipe to cook in instant pot; and (2) what about adding a few potatoes to smash to thicken sauce?
Danielle
Hi Larry!
1) Yes! If you follow the browning steps, you should be able to cook the rest in your Instant Pot.
2) That sounds like a good idea with the potatoes – I haven’t tried it so I can’t give you specifics. Let me know how it turns out!
Bonnie
I was going to make beef stew but am sensitive to tomatoes. Do you think cooked purred squash could replace the tomatoes.
Danielle
Hi Bonnie! I think that would make a good sub for the tomatoes, although I haven’t tried it that way so I can’t guarantee how it will turn out. Let us know if you try it this way and what your final result is – it’ll be so helpful to another reader who may have the same question!
Laura
Can this be made in the instant-pot?
Danielle
Yes! Just check your appliance for the recommended cooking time.
Elaine
I would love to see this recipe updated for the pressure cooker. I am new to Instant Pot cooking and not confident on how to adapt it.