If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and perfectly suited for your low-carb lifestyle, this Keto Beef Stew Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how this stew turns out — rich, tender beef with veggies that don’t spike your carbs, all simmered in a savory broth that warms you right up. Keep reading because I’m sharing all my favorite tips to make it just right every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: You get a satisfying stew without any of the carb-heavy ingredients like potatoes, keeping things keto-compliant.
Rich, Tender Beef: The chuck roast cubes melt in your mouth thanks to slow simmering and rich broth.
Flavor-Packed Veggies: Celery root and mushrooms bring earthiness and texture without adding carbs.
Super Versatile: You can easily swap veggies or adjust spices to match your taste or what’s in your pantry.

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, keto beef stew recipe, low-carb beef stew, hearty keto stew, savory beef stew for keto

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Keto Beef Stew Recipe is built on simple, wholesome ingredients that work beautifully together. Choosing the right cuts and fresh veggies makes all the difference in flavor and texture, so I’ll highlight a few shopping tips to make your life easier.

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, keto beef stew recipe, low-carb beef stew, hearty keto stew, savory beef stew for keto

Beef chuck roast: It’s perfect for slow cooking—gets meltingly tender and so flavorful.
Whole mushrooms: I use cremini or baby bellas, quartered to soak up that stew goodness.
Celery root: This low-carb alternative to potatoes adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess; turnips or radishes make good subs.
Pearl onions: These little beauties soften nicely without overpowering the stew; you can use regular onions diced if needed.
Celery stalks: Adds crunch and flavor, sliced thinly for even cooking.
Carrots: Just a small amount for a touch of sweetness—roll-cut or sliced works.
Garlic: Fresh slices bring aromatic depth to the stew.
Tomato paste: Concentrated flavor that boosts richness without adding carbs.
Olive oil (or avocado oil/bacon grease): For browning and adding fat that keto cooks love.
Beef broth: I swear by Kettle and Fire bone broth for its rich taste and nutrients.
Bay leaf and dried thyme: Classic herbs that infuse the stew with deep comforting notes.
Salt and pepper: To taste, but be generous for full-flavored beef.
Optional herbs & spices: A pinch of marjoram, oregano, or even a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar if you’re feeling fancy.

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’ve tweaked this Keto Beef Stew Recipe a few times to suit different moods and what I had on hand, and it’s fun to customize! Feel free to play with vegetable swaps or seasonings to make it truly your own.

Veggie swaps: I sometimes use turnips instead of celery root or add radishes for extra zing—they hold up well and keep carbs low.
Spices: Adding a pinch of juniper berries or a dash of clove lends a subtle warmth I discovered when experimenting with gamey flavors.
Cooking method: If you’re short on time, shift to a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to cut down cook time without sacrificing tenderness.

How to Make Keto Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the beef to seal in flavor

Start by heating your oil (I like avocado oil for its high smoke point) in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Pat your cubed beef chuck dry with paper towels—this helps get a beautiful brown crust. Brown the beef in batches so it sears instead of steams; this usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t crowd the pan! Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics and veggies

In the same pot, toss in your quartered mushrooms, pearl onions, celery, and garlic. Sauté them until they start to soften and pick up some color—about 5-7 minutes. Then stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes; this will deepen the flavor base of the stew. If you notice the bottom sticking or browning too fast, deglaze with a splash of beef broth or water to lift those tasty bits.

Step 3: Combine beef, broth, and seasonings for slow simmering

Return the browned beef to the pot, add your cubed celery root and carrots, then pour in the beef broth. Toss in the bay leaf and dried thyme, along with salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer, covered, for about 2 hours. This slow cooking is key — it allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to marry beautifully. Check occasionally and add more broth if it looks too thick.

Step 4: Final seasoning and resting

About 10 minutes before serving, taste the stew and adjust seasoning if you need more salt, pepper, or a splash of acidity—sometimes a little balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice lifts the flavor wonderfully. Remove the bay leaf, and let the stew rest a few minutes off heat to thicken up slightly before serving.

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Pro Tips for Making Keto Beef Stew Recipe

Dry Your Meat Thoroughly: This little prep step ensures your beef browns properly instead of steaming, which builds a better flavor base.
Patience with Simmering: Letting the stew cook low and slow is what tenderizes the beef — rushing this step makes everything tough.
Use Quality Broth: Choosing a rich bone broth like Kettle and Fire adds unmatchable depth and even nutrients to your stew.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: When browning, too much meat clumps together and won’t brown properly — do it in batches to get that perfect crust.

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, keto beef stew recipe, low-carb beef stew, hearty keto stew, savory beef stew for keto

Garnishes

I usually top my bowl with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme—it brightens up the rich stew and adds a lovely fresh note. Sometimes, a dollop of sour cream or a few crumbled crispy bacon bits works wonders, especially on chilly nights.

Side Dishes

This stew is hearty enough on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed broccoli are great keto-friendly sides to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this beef stew in individual mini crock pots or rustic bread bowls using keto-friendly bread. It adds a cozy, eye-catching touch that makes dinner feel extra special without complicating prep.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers into airtight containers and keep them refrigerated for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it often tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It keeps well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

I reheat leftover stew gently on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to warm evenly. If it’s too thick, adding a splash of beef broth or water helps revive that perfect stew consistency.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef in this Keto Beef Stew Recipe?

Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking because of its fat content and tenderness, you can try brisket or even short ribs. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly, and tougher cuts especially benefit from a slow simmer.
What can I substitute for celery root?

Celery root gives that creamy texture but is lower in carbs than potatoes. If you can’t find it, turnips or radishes work well and keep it keto-friendly. Each has slightly different flavor, so choose based on your preference!
Is this recipe suitable for slow cookers or Instant Pots?

Definitely! For slow cookers, brown your beef and sauté veggies first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. For Instant Pots, use the sauté function for browning, then pressure cook on high for about 35-40 minutes. Both methods yield tender, flavorful stew.
How do I keep the stew from becoming too watery?

Make sure to simmer uncovered for the last 20-30 minutes to reduce excess liquid if needed. Also, avoid adding too much broth at the start. If it still ends up a bit thin, stirring in a small amount of xanthan gum can help thicken it without carbs.
Can I make this Keto Beef Stew Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free if you skip garnishes like sour cream. Use oils like avocado or olive instead of butter for browning, and you’re all set for a dairy-free keto stew.

Final Thoughts

This Keto Beef Stew Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen whenever I want something cozy that fits effortlessly into my keto lifestyle. It’s one of those dishes you can prep on a lazy afternoon and come home to a simmering pot of pure comfort. I hope you give it a try and find as much joy in it as my family and I do—it truly makes those chilly evenings feel extra special.