When the weather drops, this easy keto beef stew recipe will warm you right up! My low carb beef stew takes just 10 minutes to prep, and some time on the stove. When it’s done cooking? You’ll be left with rich and hearty stew that makes a delicious and filling winter meal. And once you know how to make beef stew keto, pair it with a veggie side, or keto bread (or keto breadsticks from my Easy Keto Cookbook!)… or just a big bowl, it’s hearty enough to be a meal all on its own. For more meaty meals, try keto chili or Instant Pot beef short ribs next. Bonus: The beef bone both in this healthy beef stew recipe can also help you avoid keto flu!
What Is The Secret Ingredient In Keto Beef Stew?
The low carb trick to this healthy beef stew? Celery root! Low in carbs, this root veggie has the texture of potatoes once it’s soft and tender (even as celery root soup). You might just think it’s potatoes! (Seriously, my husband totally did and accused me of making a non keto beef stew… haha.)
How To Make Low Carb Beef Stew
This easy keto beef stew takes just 10 minutes to prep and some simmer time on the stove. Here’s how we make my keto beef stew recipe:
Peel and cube the celery root. This will be our keto friendly stand-in for potatoes!
TIP: You’ll get about 1 pound peeled, cubed celery root from 1.5 pounds celery root with stems and peel. So, buy 1.5 pounds at the grocery store to make this low carb beef stew recipe. Here is how to peel celery root: You can see the various steps of the process below:
Season the meat. Cut the beef into chunks and season it with salt and pepper.
Brown meat. Working in batches, brown the meat in a dutch oven. Sear until well browned, then set aside. Repeat as necessary.
TIP: It’s important to brown the beef over high heat, in a single layer, and without moving it around too much. This ensures a nice sear. Do it in batches if necessary so that each piece touches the pan.
Saute veggies. Heat more oil in the dutch oven and add onions and carrots. Saute until soft and lightly browned. Add in garlic and Italian seasoning.
Cook the keto friendly beef stew. Place the beef back into dutch oven. Add broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaves. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom – this is called de-glazing.
TIP: I used a can of diced tomatoes in place of higher-sugar tomato paste. It also helps balance out the richer flavor of using bone broth instead of regular beef broth.
TIP: If you like, you can add 1/2 cup red wine at the same step as the broth – some people consider red wine a must for beef stew. This will increase carb count though, and isn’t absolutely necessary. I skipped it for my stew to make it more kid friendly, too.
Boil the easy low carb beef stew. Bring the stew to a boil and reduce heat. Cove and let it simmer until the beef is tender.
TIP: Simmering beef stew will take a while, at least 45-60 minutes, and it’s not a problem if you let it simmer for longer. Not to worry – you don’t have to stand by the stove, so this is a good time to meal prep other dishes or do something else around the house.
Add celery root. When the beef is tender, add in the celery root and cook until tender.
TIP: We add the celery root at this later step so that it doesn’t get too mushy. It takes about 15-20 minutes to get soft, similar to boiling potatoes.
Serve your healthy beef stew. Remove bay leaves from the beef stew keto recipe and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Is Beef Stew Healthy?
Yes, this easy homemade beef stew is healthy! It’s made with beef chuck stew meat, onion, carrots, garlic, celery root, beef bone broth, and diced tomatoes. So much good stuff and just 11 grams net carbs in this hearty and satisfying low carb beef stew. While that is a bit more carbs than some keto soup recipes, it’s not bad for a hearty dinner that feels like a carb lover’s soup!
How To Thicken Beef Stew
This beef stew keto recipe doesn’t need any thickeners! It thickened up really nicely all on its own. But, if you want it more of the consistency of gravy, you can add some gelatin. (If you need an alternative thickener to a traditional one like cornstarch, check this list of cornstarch substitutes.) Here is how thicken with gelatin after your keto stew is done cooking:
Can You Make Healthy Beef Stew Ahead?
Yes, you can definitely make this healthy beef stew recipe ahead. Most soups and stews taste even better the day after they have been made and this one is no exception! Simply let it cool completely, and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Microwave or heat on the stove top until hot, once you’re ready to eat.
Can You Freeze Easy Beef Stew?
Yes, this recipe for keto beef stew freezes very well! Let it cool completely and then place in the freezer in a freezer bag or airtight container. TIP: If you freeze your low carb stew in a bag, lay it flat in the freezer. Once it’s solid, you can store it vertically for easier access. Let it thaw out overnight in the refrigerator and then heat in the microwave or stove top until hot. Serve!
What To Serve With Keto Beef Stew
This beef stew keto recipe is a meal-in-a-bowl, but if you’d like a veggie or bread side to go along with it, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few keto low carb side dishes to try:
Keto Mashed Cauliflower – If you love your healthy beef stew with mashed potatoes, try this mashed cauliflower recipe for a low carb – but just as tasty – alternative. Italian Marinated Artichoke Salad – This bright salad is a fresh addition to hearty stew. Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts – This simple side dish is great for fall and winter dishes. 5-Ingredient Keto Bread – The easiest way to ensure you don’t leave a single drop of low carb beef stew in the bowl!
Vegetable Peeler – A veggie peeler makes the vegetable prep for this low carb beef stew recipe easy! Dutch Oven – A sturdy dutch oven is helpful for keto stew meat recipes, this one is my favorite. Functional and gorgeous! Soup Bowls with Handles – These bowls are the perfect way to serve your quick and easy beef stew.
Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too - I’d love to see it!
