Keto Beef Stew makes weeknight dinners at my house feel less like a boring keto routine and more like a celebration (no joke, even my picky cousin asks for seconds). If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a plain plate of steamed vegetables and some chicken breast, wishing for comfort food that actually tastes like something, this stew is the antidote. I mean it: hearty, rich, rib-sticking, and you stay in keto lane. So if you’re tired of eating “just meat with salad” and want a keto dish that feels old-school cozy? Grab a spoon.
How To Make Keto Beef Stew
Okay, first thing’s first: you need decent stew meat. I get chuck roast and cut it into cubes (sometimes I’m lazy and buy it pre-cut). Heat a big pot, splash in a bit of olive oil, and brown that beef. Get some real color on there. Don’t rush this part! Smells amazing already, right?
Then toss in onions (chopped), garlic (I always go heavy on garlic, you do you), and let them get soft. Add carrots (yeah, just a couple—carbs, remember) and celery. Keep stirring. I mix in a spoonful of tomato paste and a sprinkle of Italian herbs.
Pour in a couple cups of beef broth. I like to sneak in a splash of red wine (optional, but don’t tell my mom I skip it sometimes). Bring it up to a simmer, slap the lid on, and walk away for at least an hour. More like two if you want mind-blowingly tender beef. At the end, I throw in some frozen green beans—peas aren’t keto, but green beans do the trick!
Last thing: taste and adjust salt and pepper. That’s your flavor insurance. Your kitchen smells better than a five-star restaurant at this point.
“I tried your keto beef stew last weekend and my non-keto husband raved about it for days. Easy and so filling. This one’s a keeper!” – Janelle M., reader
What To Serve With Keto Beef Stew
Trust me, you don’t need much, but here are some ideas for rounding out your bowl of keto beef stew:
- Cheesy cauliflower mash (my guilty pleasure, especially with melting butter)
- Side of roasted broccoli with lemon zest
- Simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette
You could tear up some low carb bread and dunk it, if you’re a “sop it up” stew person. But honestly, it stands alone—no side dish required for ultimate satisfaction.
Storage Tips for Keto Beef Stew
One nice surprise: keto beef stew tastes even better the next day. Fridge leftovers are a blessing (my future self always thanks me). Just throw it in an airtight container and it’ll be good for four days. I reheat mine in a saucepan over medium heat—sometimes I add a splash more broth if it’s too thick from chilling.
For longer keepers, portion it out and freeze. Defrost overnight in the fridge and gently heat. Just never microwave from frozen (learned that one the hard way—yikes).
Swear, if you manage to hide a bowl from family, the flavors deepen over a couple days and it’s downright irresistible.
Thickening Low Carb Stew
So, about that ‘perfect stew’ thickness on keto—no flour allowed, obviously. Instead, I just keep simmering with the lid off for the last half hour so some liquid evaporates. It thickens naturally. Or you can whisk in a pinch of xanthan gum (that’s my super-secret trick—barely a sprinkle or it gets gooey).
Cauliflower is another magic worker: mash a spoonful of cooked cauliflower directly into the stew for instant body. Oh, and don’t skip the “reduce the liquid” trick; it always gets things just right. Nobody wants soup for dinner when stew is promised.
If you need a visual about thickening, check out this handy keto thickening guide on Ruled.me.
More Low Carb Keto Beef Recipes
Maybe you’re hooked on keto beef stew now and want to keep the steak train rolling—yeah, I get it. There’s more out there! Have you ever tried keto beef stroganoff? Or my personal favorite, Keto Philly Cheesesteak Skillet from Wholesome Yum. That one’s weeknight-friendly and pure comfort.
If you’re a chili fan, you’ll love my no-bean keto chili recipe. Oh, or slow-cooker barbacoa, shredded for meal prep. So many options, honestly. Stew is just the gateway dish.
Common Questions
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
You bet. It even gets better sitting overnight in the fridge, so meal prepping with keto beef stew is a win.
Do I have to use chuck roast?
Nope. Any “stew meat” beef works, just pick something with a little fat for best flavor.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Brown the meat first, then toss everything in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low. Lazy day perfection.
What can I use instead of xanthan gum?
Just simmer a bit longer with the lid off (or try mashing a little cauliflower in, like I mentioned above).
Does it actually taste like classic beef stew?
Honestly, yes. Keto beef stew checks every comfort food box, but without the carbs that put you to sleep after dinner.
Ready for Your Comfort Food Fix?
So, keto beef stew doesn’t just fit your low carb life—it actually tastes like home. Give it a go, don’t be afraid to tweak it your way. It’s super forgiving, honestly. Check out other awesome keto dinner ideas if you’re looking for more ways to shake up the weekly menu.
Promise: once you taste this, sad keto dinners are a thing of the past. Now go make your kitchen smell like a Sunday pot roast.
Keto Beef Stew
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a large pot with olive oil and brown the beef until it has nice color.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft.
- Stir in carrots and celery, mixing well.
- Mix in tomato paste and Italian herbs.
- Pour in beef broth and optional red wine.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 for tenderness.
- After the stew is cooked, add frozen green beans and season with salt and pepper to taste.
