Would you believe that an Italian dish like this one could be gluten free? You might be surprised to know, that other than the pasta, there was only one ingredient swap needed to make this meal completely Celiac safe!
It’s true! There are some recipes that require major modifications, but the vast majority will only need a swap of one or two ingredients to be gluten free. This Beef Guazzetto, or Italian Beef Stew is a great example.
An economical cut like beef chuck becomes melt in your mouth tender using this slow cooked, braising method. With today’s soaring food prices, it is a great way to stretch your grocery budget.

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Ingredients:
- 1 lb. stew beef (chuck), cut into cubes
- 1 cup gluten free beef broth
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp. gluten free flour (you can use rice flour)
- 3 tbsp. olive oil, divided
- 1/2 sweet onion, minced
- 2 small carrots, minced or grated
- 2 small celery stalks, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp. tomato paste
- 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 tsp. basil
- gluten free pasta
- grated cheese, for serving
- fresh Italian parsley, for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
If the prep sounds familiar, it’s because the steps are similar to making a Bolognese sauce. Let’s get started!
First, make a “soffritto” by pulsing the onion, carrot and celery in a food processor or electric chopper.
Dry the beef with paper towels, this helps with browning.
Place the beef cubes in a food safe plastic bag with 2 tbsp. rice flour and shake to coat.
Heat 1 tbsp. olive oil in a Dutch oven and begin browning the beef. Don’t crowd the pan, brown in batches if needed using an additional tbsp. of olive oil for each batch.
Leave those caramelized brown bits in the bottom of the pan, they are full of flavor! Set the beef aside and keep warm.
Add more olive oil to the pan with the onion, carrot, celery and garlic. Cook for several minutes, stirring frequently, then clear a space in the center for the tomato paste.

Toast the tomato paste for a minute, then stir it into the vegetables. Add the wine, using a spatula to scrape up those browned bits at the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to a simmer and continue cooking until the wine is reduced by half.
Add the beef cubes back to the pan, with the bay leaves.
Stir in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes, cover and simmer on lowest heat for 2-½ hours.
Stir the sauce frequently to be sure it isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pan. A simmer mat is great for keeping sauces on a low simmer. As it cooks, you will see the stew gradually thickening.
After 2 hours, this is what it will look like. You will still have distinct chunks of beef, but some will partially break down and become one with the sauce. It is incredible!
A sauce like this deserves an extra special pasta. Check out these Gluten Free Paccheri Rigati – OMG what a find! I got them from La Piccola Rosa Culinary Classics and believe me they are fabulous. Check them out!

To plate, spoon cooked pasta into serving bowls and ladle the Beef Guazzetto over the top. Sprinkle with grated cheese and fresh Italian parsley if available.
Variations: For a splurge, substitute beef short ribs for the stew beef. At the end of cook time remove the bones and shred the meat. Or, for a lighter sauce, use veal stew meat with white wine and chicken broth.
Notes ♪♫ Beef Guazzetto, or Guazzetto di Manzo was adapted from an episode of Lidia’s Italy, Lidia has long been one of my favorite TV chefs! If you are thinking that you cannot enjoy your Italian favorites on the gluten free diet, think again. Or better yet, let me inspire you!
Originally posted 5/28/2022 Updated and rephotographed 5/16/2026




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Cook the bacon, drain on paper towels and cut into small dice. Cover and set aside.




The next morning, heat the canola oil in a deep skillet. Add the cornstarch and the rest of the seasoning mixture to a small bowl. When oil is very hot, use tongs to pick up one piece of chicken at a time and dredge in the cornstarch, shaking off the excess. Add to the hot oil and cook until browned on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 165º. If you’re not sure, use a thermometer.
To assemble, arrange the waffles on a serving dish in a single layer (if you made them the night before, pop them into the microwave for 1 minute to reheat). Top each waffle section with a piece of chicken and secure with a skewer or toothpick.
Wow, these little skewers were so tasty! The recipe was a bit of extra work, but I think everyone enjoyed them along with my usual brunch offerings. As I said before, it was all about trying something different. And would you believe, I myself had never had Chicken and Waffles before?


Transfer to the prepared loaf pan and use a wet spatula to smooth the top out.
Bake for 1 hour and check the center with a toothpick. The top should be nice and golden brown.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift the loaf out of the pan by grasping both sides of the parchment paper (you’re welcome).
Remove the parchment and cool on a rack before slicing. Cover any leftovers in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes:
















Peel the garlic cloves and slowly warm them in the olive oil over lowest possible heat. A
Mince half of the rosemary and thyme and add to the butter along with the lemon zest. Mash it together with a fork.
-Preheat the oven to 425º. Remove the giblets packet from the chicken.
-Rub the butter mixture all over the chicken, be sure to coat the wings and legs. Season with salt and pepper.
Roast uncovered for 1 to 1-1/2 hours, or until a
The skin should be nicely browned. Be sure to let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Notes ♪♫

Preparation:
I did think the veggies were a bit large for fried rice, so I cut them into smaller pieces. Season the veggies with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with garlic and ginger powder and leave them out to defrost.



































Notes ♪♫