If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting meal that fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle, this Keto Beef Stew Recipe is going to be your new favorite. I absolutely love how this stew turns out—rich, flavorful, and packed with tender beef and cozy veggies without breaking your keto goals. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it on repeat for dinner gatherings or simply a satisfying weeknight treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Keto Diet: This stew skips the traditional potatoes and carbs but keeps all the flavor and richness you want.
Tender, Melt-In-Your-Mouth Beef: Slow cooking the chuck roast cubes yields incredibly tender and juicy meat every time.
Versatile Vegetable Mix: Celery root, mushrooms, and pearl onions create a tasty, low-carb medley that boosts nutrition without sacrificing taste.
Simple Prep with Pantry Staples: You’ll find most ingredients are pantry-friendly staples or easy to find fresh produce, making this stew a breeze to throw together.

A white bowl filled with a rich beef stew showing several layers: the bottom layer is a dark brown broth with a glossy texture, floating on top are chunks of tender brown beef pieces with a slightly rough surface, whole small light brown pearl onions, orange carrot slices, green celery sticks, sliced beige mushrooms with a soft texture, and green beans. Some small green herb sprigs are sprinkled on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth partially visible on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Keto Beef Stew, low-carb beef stew, keto dinner ideas, healthy beef stew, easy keto recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The combination here is just magic—rich beef, earthy mushrooms, and the subtle sweetness from pearl onions make this stew a true comfort food hero without the carbs. When shopping, I recommend fresh, organic veggies if you can find them, and don’t skip the beef chuck roast because that fat marbles perfectly during slow cooking.

Flat lay of cubed beef chuck roast, whole quartered mushrooms, peeled and cubed celery root, peeled pearl onions, sliced celery ribs, roll-cut carrots, sliced garlic cloves, and a small dollop of rich tomato paste, all beautifully arranged in neat clusters with a few scattered dried thyme leaves and a single bay leaf, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Keto Beef Stew, low-carb beef stew, keto dinner ideas, healthy beef stew, easy keto recipes

Beef chuck roast: Choose well-marbled meat for the best texture and flavor.
Whole mushrooms: Quartered so they retain texture but soak up the broth.
Celery root: Adds body and slight sweetness; I’ve also used turnips or radishes as tasty substitutions.
Pearl onions: These little gems offer a mild and sweet bite; regular onion diced large will work too.
Celery ribs: For a subtle crunch and fresh flavor.
Carrot: Just a small amount for balance—you can slice or roll-cut as preferred.
Garlic: Thinly sliced to infuse the broth nicely.
Tomato paste: Adds depth and slight acidity.
Olive oil (or avocado oil, or bacon grease): For browning the beef and sautéing vegetables.
Beef broth: I love using bone broth like Kettle and Fire—it enriches the stew with extra nutrients and flavor.
Bay leaf: A classic aromatic to build complexity.
Dried thyme: For a warm, herbaceous note.
Salt and pepper: To taste—season carefully and adjust as the stew simmers.
Optional herbs & spices: Marjoram, winter savory, oregano, summer savory, juniper berries, clove, orange peel, red wine, or balsamic vinegar—feel free to experiment to find your perfect flavor combo.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love switching things up depending on what’s in season or what we have on hand. This Keto Beef Stew Recipe is forgiving and adapts beautifully to your tweaks—so don’t hesitate to make it your own.

Vegetable swaps: When celery root isn’t available, I use turnips or radishes, which add a nice texture and subtle sweetness without the carbs.
Spice it up: Adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar deepens the flavor; just be mindful of quantities to keep it keto-friendly.
Herbal changes: I’ve found marjoram and juniper berries lend a unique foresty aroma, making the stew feel a bit fancy for special dinners.
Cooking method: While slow cooker works well, I’ve also made it on the stovetop in a heavy pot with excellent results when I’m short on time.

How to Make Keto Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef for Maximum Flavor

Start by patting your cubed chuck roast dry—this step is key to get a good sear. Heat your choice of oil or bacon grease in a heavy pot over medium-high heat, then add the beef in batches, so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Brown all sides until you get that gorgeous deep crust, about 3-4 minutes per batch. I always toss the browned beef on a plate and set it aside; this step builds a rich base flavor that makes all the difference.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables and Build Layers

Next, toss the quartered mushrooms, pearl onions, sliced celery, and carrot into the pot and sauté until they start to soften and brown, around 5-7 minutes. Add the sliced garlic last to avoid burning it, stirring for about a minute until fragrant. Then stir in the tomato paste and cook it out for another 2 minutes to concentrate the flavor.

Step 3: Combine and Slow Cook

Return the beef cubes to the pot and pour in the beef broth along with your bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything gently to combine. Bring it to a simmer, then cover and either reduce the heat to low for stove-top cooking or transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Let it slow cook for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through but still hold their shape.

Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serve

Before serving, taste the stew and adjust seasoning. This is the moment to add any optional finishers like a splash of balsamic vinegar or fresh herbs. Remove the bay leaf and ladle your stew into bowls for a cozy meal. I promise, the depth of flavor here is absolutely worth the slow cook time!

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Pro Tips for Making Keto Beef Stew Recipe

Patience Is Flavor’s Best Friend: Don’t rush browning; those caramelized bits are what give your stew that mouthwatering depth.
Cut Veggies Uniformly: Even-sized pieces ensure everything cooks evenly and looks beautiful in the final dish.
Use Bone Broth for Richness: If you haven’t tried bone broth yet, it adds nutrients and a naturally velvety texture I adore.
Don’t Skip the Final Taste Test: Stews often need a last minute salt or acid boost—tasting before serving is key to perfection.

How to Serve Keto Beef Stew Recipe

Two white shallow bowls sit on a white marbled surface, each filled with a rich beef stew. The stew shows large, chunky pieces of deep brown beef mixed with round pearl onions, green celery sticks, sliced mushrooms, orange carrot chunks, and green beans all soaked in a dark brown broth. Small green herb sprigs lie on top for garnish. A shiny silver spoon rests near the bowls on a light gray cloth. The whole scene is softly lit, showing steam rising from the hot stew. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Keto Beef Stew, low-carb beef stew, keto dinner ideas, healthy beef stew, easy keto recipes

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme right on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes a little dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely creamy finish that contrasts the rich stew beautifully.

Side Dishes

Since this stew is keto-friendly and filling, I like to serve it with simple sides like steamed green beans, sautéed kale with garlic, or a crisp cucumber salad to add some brightness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this stew in small, individual mini cast iron pots—everyone felt like they were getting a restaurant-style meal at home. Pairing it with a keto-friendly garlic biscuit on the side also elevates the experience without adding carbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in airtight glass containers to keep flavors fresh. This stew actually tastes better the next day as the spices meld even more, so leftovers are a win in my book!

Freezing

Freezing this keto beef stew works wonderfully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, label them with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, so the beef stays tender and the vegetables don’t get mushy. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, but stovetop gives better texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Keto Beef Stew Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first for best flavor, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender and flavors meld beautifully.
What if I don’t have celery root? What’s the best substitute?

If you can’t find celery root, I recommend using turnips or radishes for a similar earthy texture and mild sweetness without adding carbs.
How do I keep the beef tender?

Slow cooking on low heat is key—either in the oven or slow cooker—to break down connective tissue. Also, avoid boiling; a gentle simmer keeps the meat juicy and tender.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, this Keto Beef Stew Recipe uses no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients, making it a safe and delicious choice for gluten-free eaters.
How can I thicken the stew without flour?

To keep it keto-friendly, I often reduce the stew uncovered at the end of cooking to concentrate the flavors and slightly thicken the broth naturally. You can also use a small amount of xanthan gum whisked in if you want more body.

Final Thoughts

This Keto Beef Stew Recipe has become a favorite in my household—and I bet it’ll feel like a comforting hug for you, too. It hits all the marks: hearty, soul-warming, and perfectly suited for keto without feeling like you’re missing out. When I first tried making a low-carb stew, I was worried about blandness or dry meat, but this one totally changed my mind. Give it a go, and I’m sure it’ll become a staple in your rotation—just like it did for me!