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Hearty Keto Beef Stew – The Perfect Low-Carb Comfort Food

Keto Beef Stew Hand pouring keto beef stew from a silver spoon into a smaller bowl, with the main bowl on a white plate, emphasizing the thick stew's texture against a minimalist background.

If you're looking for a keto beef stew that satisfies those cravings for a warm, hearty meal without blowing your carb count for the day, you've come to the right place. This dish is brimming with succulent beef, perfectly cooked low-carb veggies, and a thick, rich broth that makes every spoonful irresistible. Whether you're making it in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop, this keto beef stew is going to be a family favorite in no time. Plus, it's versatile enough to be adapted based on the veggies you have on hand.

Table of Content

Look at the Recipe (Key Highlights)
Ingredients for Keto Beef Stew
How to Make This Healthy Keto Beef Stew
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Tips & FAQs

Look at the Recipe: Keto Beef Stew

Imagine walking through your front door after a long day—whether it’s snowing outside or you’ve been juggling a million things—and the comforting aroma of Keto Beef Stew hits you like a warm hug. This dish is more than just a low-carb beef stew; it’s everything you need for a cozy night in, packed with savory beef, tender low-carb vegetables like turnips and radishes, and a thick, rich broth that wraps you in comfort.

This keto beef stew recipe is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this keto beef stew delivers on flavor without compromising your keto lifestyle. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you’ve got meals ready for those busy days when you just don’t have time to cook.

Here’s why this keto crockpot beef stew is a must-try:

  • Hearty, yet low-carb: Radishes and turnips replace traditional potatoes, offering that comforting bite without the carb overload.
  • Adaptable to your favorite cooking method: Whether you go the slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop route, you’ll end up with a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Make it ahead, store it in the fridge, or freeze it for up to 3 months. When life gets busy, future-you will thank you for having this hearty keto beef stew with turnips on standby.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Got leftovers? Lucky you! This keto beef stew freezes well and can last up to 3 months, making it a perfect option for meal prepping.
  • Customizable: Want more veggies? No problem. Throw in some cauliflower, kale, or even zucchini. The recipe is flexible enough to let you get creative while staying keto.
  • Hearty and Filling: The richness of the beef combined with a thick, savory broth and filling low-carb vegetables will leave you satisfied without kicking you out of ketosis.

Ready to dig in? Grab your bowl and enjoy every spoonful of this rich, flavorful keto beef stew. It’s like giving your taste buds a cozy night by the fire.

Ingredients Needed for Keto Beef Stew

Keto Beef Stew Glass bowl filled with raw beef chunks, radishes, carrots, celery, and mushrooms, surrounded by small bowls of spices, tomato paste, and beef broth on a wooden counter.
  • Beef stew meat
  • Olive oil
  • Yellow onion
  • Garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • Tomato paste
  • Beef broth
  • Coconut aminos
  • Radishes
  • Turnips
  • Celery stalks
  • Mushrooms
  • Frozen peas (optional)
  • Xanthan gum

How to Make Keto Beef Stew: (Quick Overview)

This recipe can be made using your favorite cooking method: slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop. Here’s the rundown:

  1. Sear the beef: Start by browning the beef in a skillet to lock in flavor.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Cook onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning before adding tomato paste and broth to deglaze.
  3. Combine and cook: Add the beef and veggies (radishes, turnips, mushrooms, celery) to your chosen cooking device and let the magic happen.
  4. Thicken the stew: Add xanthan gum to reach your preferred consistency. No one likes a runny stew!
  5. Serve: Stir in frozen peas (optional), and enjoy your deliciously thick, rich, keto-friendly beef stew!
Keto Beef Stew Zoomed-out photo of keto beef stew with steam rising, showing a wider view of the kitchen counter with a cutting board and tomato paste jar in warm light.

Storage and Serving Tips

Storage Tips

Now, picture this: You’ve had a crazy day, the kids are asking a million questions, and the last thing you want to think about is what to cook for dinner. This is why you made extra Keto Beef Stew, my friend—future-you will thank you!

  1. In the Fridge (For Now):
    Once the stew cools down (it’s as stubborn as my kids getting ready for bed, so give it time), transfer it into an airtight container. Pop it into the fridge and let it hang out there for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they settle and mingle, kind of like you after your first coffee in the morning—fully bloomed and ready for action!
  2. In the Freezer (For Later):
    Sometimes life throws curveballs, and your stew might not make it into tomorrow’s dinner rotation. That’s totally okay! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags and make sure to leave room for expansion—because stew expands, much like my waistline when I first started experimenting with keto desserts!
    • Hot tip: Write the date on the container. Trust me, if you’re anything like me, things get lost in the freezer abyss, and suddenly it’s the mystery meal game every week.
  3. Reheating with Love:
    • Stovetop: Gently reheat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This brings the stew back to life slowly and keeps the texture perfect.
    • Microwave: In a hurry? No judgment here! Reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through so you don’t get that weird hot-cold patchy thing happening.
    • From Frozen: Forgot to thaw it? Again, no judgment! You can reheat it on the stovetop directly from frozen. It’ll just take a little longer, but hey, that’s what good things require sometimes, right?

Serving Tips

There’s no right or wrong way to serve this keto beef stew, but why not make it extra special? Here’s how you can make your cozy meal feel like an event:

  1. Pair it with Keto Bread:
    Imagine this—dipping warm, buttered keto cheddar biscuits into that thick, rich broth. Doesn’t that sound like the culinary equivalent of wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly day? It’s heaven, plain and simple.
  2. Over Cauliflower Rice:
    If you’re like me, you need something to bulk up a meal. Ladle this low carb beef stew over some cauliflower rice and you’ll forget potatoes ever existed. It’s hearty, healthy, and makes you feel like you’re indulging without the guilt.
  3. Add Some Green:
    For a pop of freshness, throw in some chopped parsley or cilantro before serving. Not only does it look pretty (hey, we eat with our eyes too), but it also gives a fresh zing to balance the richness of the stew.
  4. Meal Prep Hero:
    Get your future self a little excited. This stew is perfect for meal prep. Portion it into individual containers, and boom—you’ve got lunch or dinner set for the week. Just heat and eat. It’s like a present to yourself every time you open the fridge.
  5. Side Salad:
    Keep it light and fresh with a crisp, simple salad on the side. Think romaine lettuce, cucumbers, and a keto-friendly vinaigrette. It’s the yin to the stew’s savory yang.

FAQs For Keto Beef Stew

1. Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, like many stews, this keto beef stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

2. What can I substitute for turnips?
If turnips aren’t your thing, you can use other low-carb veggies like cauliflower or zucchini. Just make sure they won’t get too mushy during the long cooking process.

3. Is this keto beef stew recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this stew is naturally dairy-free. Just ensure any broth or additional ingredients you use are dairy-free as well.

4. Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes! While beef stew meat is the standard, you can also use chuck roast, brisket, or short ribs. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Customization Options for Your Keto Beef Stew

This keto beef stew recipe is a versatile base that you can tweak to fit your tastes or dietary needs.

  • Add more veggies: While radishes and turnips are excellent low-carb options, you can also add more celery or leafy greens like kale or spinach for additional fiber without adding too many carbs.
  • Skip the peas: If you’re looking to reduce the carb count even further, you can omit the peas. While the small quantity won’t impact the stew too much, every carb counts on keto!
  • Wine in the broth: To enhance the flavor, try adding 1/2 cup of dry red wine in place of some of the broth, much like a traditional keto beef bourguignon.
Keto Beef Stew Close-up of keto beef stew in a white bowl, showcasing tender beef and vegetables in a thick broth, taken from a slight angle with a spoon beside it.
Cooking Method
Cuisine
Courses
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Rest Time: 5 mins Total Time: 40 mins
Cooking Temp 370  °C
Servings 8
Estimated Cost 28
Calories 380
Best Season Spring, Autumn, Summer, Winter, Fall
Dietary Keto-Friendly
Description

This Keto Beef Stew is a rich, savory dish packed with flavor and low in carbs. Ideal for meal prep, slow cooking, or even an Instant Pot. Comfort in every bite!

Ingredients
    For the meat:
  • 2 tablespoons oil (avocado or olive oil)
  • 2 pounds 2.5 beef stew meat (cut into chunks)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust based on broth's saltiness)
  • Black pepper to taste
  • For the gravy:
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1/3 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste (no sugar added)
  • 2 1/2 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut aminos or tamari (soy sauce alternative for a low-carb/keto version)
  • For the vegetables:
  • 1 pound radishes, halved
  • 2 medium turnips, peeled and cut into thick slices (use these instead of carrots for fewer carbs)
  • 5 large celery stalks, thickly sliced
  • 1 8 oz package mushrooms, (cleaned and sliced)
  • 3 tablespoons frozen peas (optional – small quantity to keep carbs low)
  • To finish:
  • 2 teaspoons xanthan gum (or glucomannan, your choice)
Instructions
    Prep the Oven or Slow Cooker:
  1. If using the oven, preheat to 350°F. If using a slow cooker, have it ready.
  2. Brown the Beef:
  3. Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Brown the beef for about 2 minutes on each side. Season with salt and pepper while cooking. Transfer the browned beef to a slow cooker or set aside on a plate if using a Dutch oven.
  4. Make the Gravy:
  5. In the same skillet or Dutch oven, sauté the diced onion and garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning and tomato paste, letting them cook for about 30 seconds. Add 1/2 cup of beef broth and the coconut aminos (or tamari), scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker (or leave it in the Dutch oven with the beef).
  6. Add Vegetables and Broth:
  7. Add the radishes, turnips, celery, and mushrooms to the slow cooker (or Dutch oven). Pour the remaining 2 cups of broth over everything.
  8. Cooking:
  9. Slow Cooker: Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  10. Oven: Cook for about 2 hours, stirring carefully every 30 minutes. Lower the heat to 320°F if the top starts browning too quickly.
  11. Finishing Touches:
  12. Open the lid and stir the stew. Add in the frozen peas (if using) and cook for an additional 15 minutes on low heat without the lid (or 5 minutes on the stove).
  13. Thickening the Stew:
  14. Mix the xanthan gum (or glucomannan) with a few tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the stew a little at a time, stirring well after each addition, until the stew reaches your desired thickness (it should take 1-3 minutes to thicken).
  15. Serve:
  16. Ladle the thickened stew into bowls and serve hot. Perfect for a cozy, low-carb, keto-friendly meal!
Nutrition Facts

Servings 8


Amount Per Serving
Calories 380kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 28g44%
Total Carbohydrate 8g3%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Protein 30g60%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For me this keto beef stew is everything you want in a low-carb meal—hearty, flavorful, and filling. Whether I am serving it up for a cozy family dinner or prepping it for a week of keto-friendly lunches, this dish is a total winner. It's incredibly easy to adapt for different cooking methods, whether you're looking to make a keto beef stew in the Instant Pot, slow cooker, or on the stovetop. With all the comforting richness of a classic stew but none of the carbs, it's a dish that proves keto-friendly meals don't have to be boring. Enjoy!

Keywords: keto beef stew, low carb beef stew, keto beef stew slow cooker, keto instant pot beef stew, keto crockpot beef stew, keto beef stew recipe, keto beef bourguignon, keto beef stew with turnips, keto stew recipes, low carb vegetable beef stew, keto beef stew no tomatoes
Read it online: https://littlehealthylife.com/recipe/keto-beef-stew/
Kristy Cook
Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Kristy Cook, A passionate food enthusiast and recipe creator. I love crafting delicious, healthy meals that are both nutritious and easy to prepare. My goal is to inspire you to embrace wholesome cooking in your everyday life, making it simple and enjoyable.