The Ultimate Keto Beef Stew Recipe (Rich, Hearty & Easy!)

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of rich beef stew on a cold day. That hearty, comforting sensation as the warmth spreads through your body, the tender chunks of beef, and that deep, complex flavor that can only come from slow cooking. It’s a classic comfort food that many of us miss terribly when transitioning to a keto or carnivore lifestyle.

Traditional beef stew recipes rely heavily on potatoes and flour for thickening – both high-carb ingredients that can kick you out of ketosis faster than you can say “comfort food.” But does that mean you have to give up on this classic dish forever?

Not at all! This ultimate keto beef stew recipe delivers all the rich, hearty flavor and comforting satisfaction of traditional beef stew without the carb overload. By using homemade bone broth and clever low-carb substitutions, we’ve created a version that’s just as delicious and satisfying while remaining completely keto-friendly (and easily adaptable for strict carnivore followers).

Why You’ll LOVE This Keto Beef Stew

Incredibly Rich & Flavorful

The secret to this stew’s incredible depth of flavor starts with properly searing the meat and using quality homemade beef bone broth. These two elements create that rich, savory base that makes beef stew so satisfying.

Not only does bone broth add flavor — it’s also packed with collagen, gelatin, and amino acids that support joint, gut, and skin health. According to Healthline, it may even help reduce inflammation and improve sleep quality.

Hearty & Satisfying

Packed with tender beef and low-carb vegetables (optional for strict carnivore), this stew fills you up without filling you out. The chunky texture and substantial mouthfeel deliver that classic stew experience you’re craving.

Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly

Unlike traditional recipes loaded with potatoes and flour, this version keeps carbs to a minimum (around 7g net carbs per serving) while maintaining all the flavor. It’s perfect for staying in ketosis while enjoying comfort food.

Easy to Make

With clear instructions for multiple cooking methods (slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop), this recipe fits your lifestyle and kitchen equipment. The hands-on time is minimal, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep Sundays.

Perfect Comfort Food

All the rich, savory goodness you remember from traditional beef stew, just without the carb crash afterward. Your family won’t even realize they’re eating “diet food”!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Makes 6-8 servings

Beef

• 2-3 lbs Chuck Roast (cut into 1.5-2 inch cubes) or pre-cut stewing beef
• Quality tip: Grass-fed beef is recommended for superior flavor and nutrition

Fat for Searing

• 2-3 tbsp Beef Tallow, Lard, or Avocado Oil

Liquid Base

• 4-6 cups Beef Bone Broth (homemade strongly recommended!)
• Optional: 1/2 cup Dry Red Wine (Cabernet or Merlot) for deglazing (alcohol evaporates during cooking)

Aromatics & Low-Carb Veggies (Adjust for Carnivore)

• 1 large Onion, chopped
• 3-4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 Celery Stalks, chopped
• 8 oz Mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• Potato Substitute: 1-2 medium Turnips or Daikon Radishes, peeled and cubed
• 1-2 tbsp Tomato Paste (no sugar added)

Carnivore Note: For a strict carnivore diet version, simply omit all vegetables and aromatics. You can use our carnivore meat stock recipe for an even simpler approach.

Seasonings & Herbs

• Unrefined Salt & Black Pepper to taste
• 1-2 tsp Dried Thyme
• 1 tsp Dried Rosemary (or 1 fresh sprig)
• 1-2 Bay Leaves

Keto Thickener (Optional)

• 1/4 – 1/2 tsp Xanthan Gum (mixed with a bit of oil before adding) OR natural reduction of the broth

How to Make Keto Beef Stew: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Sear the Beef (Crucial for Flavor!)

1. Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels (this ensures better browning).
2. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Heat fat in a heavy pot (Dutch oven) or using the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot.
4. Working in batches (don’t crowd the pan!), brown the meat on all sides until you get a deep, rich color.
5. Transfer browned meat to a plate.

PRO TIP: Patience is key during the searing process. Proper browning creates the Maillard reaction, which develops deep flavor compounds that make your stew irresistible. Don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

1. In the same pot with the remaining fat, add onion, celery (and mushrooms if using). Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic and tomato paste, cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze

1. Pour in wine (if using) or a splash of bone broth.
2. Using a wooden spoon, scrape all the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot – this is pure flavor!
3. Allow the liquid to reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method

Slow Cooker / Crock Pot Instructions:

1. Transfer the seared beef and aromatic mixture to your slow cooker.
2. Add the remaining broth, herbs (thyme, rosemary, bay leaves).
3. Add turnip/radish cubes NOW or during the last 1-2 hours if you prefer them firmer.
4. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the meat is very tender.

Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker Instructions:

1. Return the seared beef to the Instant Pot with the aromatics.
2. Add the remaining broth, herbs AND turnip/radish cubes.
3. Secure the lid, set valve to “Sealing”.
4. Cook on HIGH Pressure for 35-45 minutes.
5. Allow Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 10-15 minutes, then release remaining pressure manually.

Stovetop Instructions:

1. Return the beef to the Dutch oven. Add broth, herbs, turnips/radishes.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a VERY low simmer.
3. Cover and cook for 2.5 – 3.5 hours, or until meat is fork-tender. Check liquid occasionally and add more broth if needed.

Step 5: Finish & Thicken (Optional)

1. Remove bay leaves and herb sprigs.
2. Taste and adjust salt/pepper as needed.
3. If you desire a thicker stew: Mix xanthan gum with a small amount of cold oil to create a slurry. Whisk a LITTLE bit of this mixture into the hot stew until you reach your desired consistency (be careful, it thickens quickly!). Alternatively, simply remove the lid and simmer for 10-15 minutes more to reduce naturally.

Tips for the Ultimate Keto Stew

Don’t Skip Searing the Beef!

This step creates the foundation for the stew’s rich flavor. Taking an extra 10 minutes here elevates your final dish from good to spectacular.

Choose the Right Cut

Chuck roast is ideal for stews because of its marbling and how tender it becomes with slow cooking. Other good options include brisket, round, or short ribs (deboned). Whichever cut you choose, look for quality meat with good marbling.

Low and Slow is Best

While the Instant Pot offers convenience, the slow cooker or stovetop methods allow the flavors to develop more fully. If you have the time, these methods produce the most flavorful results, especially for keto crockpot recipes.

Use Quality Bone Broth

The broth forms the backbone of your stew’s flavor. Using homemade beef bone broth rather than store-bought will make an enormous difference in the final taste.

Let it Rest

Like many stews and soups, this keto beef stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. If you can, make it a day ahead of when you plan to serve it.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. The flavor will actually improve after a day or two!

Freezer

This stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunch options.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Add a splash of bone broth if needed to restore consistency.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy in a bowl on its own – it’s completely satisfying!
• Serve over creamy cauliflower mash for a classic comfort food experience
• Top with a dollop of sour cream or fresh parsley (if not strict carnivore)
• Pair with a side of zero-carb tortillas to sop up the delicious gravy

Keto Beef Stew FAQ

What are the best low-carb substitutes for potatoes?

Turnips are my favorite potato substitute in stews – they absorb flavors well and maintain a similar texture. Daikon radish is another excellent option with a milder flavor than other radishes. Celeriac (celery root) works well too but has a distinct celery flavor. Kohlrabi offers a similar texture but with a slightly sweeter taste.

How do I thicken keto stew without carbs?

Xanthan gum is the most popular keto thickener – start with just 1/4 teaspoon mixed with oil before adding to prevent clumping. Reduction is the most natural method – simply simmer uncovered until it reaches your desired thickness. Puréed vegetables work too – blend some cooked cauliflower or celery root and stir it in.

Can I make this carnivore-friendly?

Absolutely! For a strict carnivore diet recipe, simply omit all vegetables, aromatics, wine, and tomato paste. Focus on high-quality beef, bone broth, and appropriate seasonings. The result will be more like a rich bone broth with tender chunks of beef – equally delicious but simplified.

Is beef stew keto-friendly?

Traditional beef stew is not keto-friendly due to potatoes, carrots, flour, and sometimes added sugar. However, this version is specifically designed to be keto-compatible while maintaining all the flavor and comfort of traditional stew. At approximately 7g net carbs per serving, it fits perfectly into most keto meal plans.

Conclusion

This ultimate keto beef stew delivers everything you love about traditional beef stew without compromising your low-carb lifestyle. Rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying, it’s the perfect comfort food for cold evenings or whenever you need a nourishing meal. The slow cooking process makes the beef incredibly tender, while our smart substitutions keep the carb count low without sacrificing flavor.

Whether you’re a keto veteran or just starting your low-carb journey, this recipe deserves a place in your regular rotation. The versatility of cooking methods means you can adapt it to your schedule, and the leftovers taste even better the next day.

Have you tried this keto beef stew recipe? What low-carb vegetables did you include? Let us know in the comments below and share your photos if you make it! We’d love to see your delicious creations.

Looking for more hearty keto recipes? Check out our keto ground beef soup or carnivore ground beef recipe for other satisfying meal options!