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Keto Beef Stew Recipe 🍲

Published: · Updated: by · 9 Comments

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This Keto Beef Stew recipe is a keto twist on traditional beef stew, where we have replaced potatoes with low-carb turnips! It's gluten-free, low-carb, and bursting with delicious flavors. It's a true comfort food where you enjoy tender beef chunks mingling with aromatic herbs, savory broth, and keto vegetables. 

Let's dig into the details to make a warm bowl of soup!

Keto Beef Stew in a cast iron Dutch oven on a black background
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Preparation and cooking overview

This Keto Beef Stew with Turnips is a breeze to prepare, so it's fantastic for both cooking novices and seasoned chefs. All you need to do is brown the beef, deglaze the pan with some red wine and vinegar, and let it all simmer with broth, butter, and fragrant bay leaves. In less than two hours, you'll have a robust stew that will make your taste buds leap for joy.

Chef's note

Want to add your personal touch to this Classic Keto Beef Stew? Great news! This versatile recipe is perfect for customization. Add fresh parsley or thyme before serving for a herby note. Experiment with different vegetables, such as mushrooms or celery, for extra depth of flavor. And if you're feeling adventurous, why not garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of tangy sour cream?

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 6 Servings

🍲 Ingredients for this keto beef stew recipe

Let's make a bowl of low-carb beef stew with the following simple ingredients:

  • 1 ½ pound beef stewing meat, trimmed and cut into cubes
  • ¼ cup avocado oil
  • 1 pound turnips, cubed
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into ¼-inch rounds
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 4 cups beef bone broth, we use Pacific Foods
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup pearl onions, peeled

Ingredient substitutions

Here are some ingredient substitutions if you feel swapping a specific ingredient in this recipe:

  • Red wine vinegar: If you don't have red wine vinegar, replace it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
  • Butter: Substitute butter with ghee or coconut oil.
  • Pearl onions: If pearl onions aren't available, use regular diced onions instead.
  • Bay leaves: Use thyme, oregano, or basil instead of bay leaves if you don't have bay leaves.
  • Avocado oil: You can swap avocado oil with coconut, ghee, or tallow oil. If you're using coconut oil, ensure to use the refined one.

Additional ingredients

These additional ingredients are optional but can truly enhance the flavors of your low-carb stew, making it an even more delicious meal. 

  • Garlic: Add minced garlic for a robust and aromatic flavor that complements the beefy flavor of the soup.
  • Rosemary: Sprinkle some fresh or dried rosemary into the stew for a delightful herbal note.
  • Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can bring a wonderful earthy flavor and a meaty texture to the stew.
  • Thyme: Alongside bay leaves, adding a pinch of fresh or dried thyme can contribute a subtle yet irresistible herbaceous flavor, creating an amazing flavor.
  • Worcestershire sauce: A dash of Worcestershire sauce provides a delightful tang and umami flavor to the stew, enhancing its savory profile.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Beef Stew With Turnips, you will need the following kitchen tools:

Tool substitutes list

  • Peeler: If you don't have a peeler, use a paring knife to peel the pearl onions and carrots.
  • Tongs: If you don't have tongs, use a regular spoon or silicone spatula to flip and remove the beef from the pot.
  • Dutch oven: Use any soup pot to cook the soup if a Dutch oven isn't your thing.

How to make Keto Beef Stew with Turnips: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Pan-frying
  • Simmering

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all the ingredients.
  2. Wash and cut the beef into small cubes.
  3. Peel and cut the carrots into ¼-inch rounds.
  4. Cut the onions and cube the turnips.

Cooking instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a 5-quart cast iron Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the beef with salt and black pepper, then arrange the beef in a single layer in the pot, a few pieces at a time.
  3. Cook, flipping each piece until the beef is browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch.
  4. Remove the beef from the pot, add vinegar and red wine to deglaze the pan, and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom.
  5. Add the beef, broth, butter, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1 hour.
  6. Uncover, add in the onions, carrots, and turnips, and simmer, covered, for 40 minutes. Add additional broth if the stew is dry. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • browning the beef stew meat in the Dutch oven
  • deglazing the Dutch oven with red wine and red wine vinegar

Chef's pro tip

Don't rush browning the beef in this recipe. Take time for each piece to caramelize properly. Also, avoid overcrowding the pot; sear, don't steam. Brown in batches with space for best results. Be patient for optimal results!

What to serve with Keto Beef Stew with Turnips?

This versatile recipe pairs well with a variety of keto-friendly foods. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside your stew:

  • Keto dinner rolls: Serve the Keto Dinner Rolls alongside the beef stew to scoop up the tender meat and soak up the savory broth.
  • Cauliflower mash: Serve the stew over a bed of creamy Cauliflower Mash for a satisfying low-carb twist.
  • Zucchini noodles: For a lighter option, serve the stew with zucchini noodles. Top with a generous ladle of the stew on the zoodles and enjoy the flavorsome combination.
  • Keto cornbread: To serve Keto Cornbread with beef stew, slice it into individual portions and serve it alongside the steaming bowl of stew.

How to make it healthier?

  • Go for lean beef or trim any visible fat from the meat to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
  • Add more carrots, turnips, or other low-carb options like celery or bell peppers. This boosts the fiber and nutrient content of the recipe, making it even more nutritious.
  • Choose organic ingredients if possible.
  • Make the beef bone broth at home to have control over the sodium content.

Time-saving tips

  • Use pre-cut beef: Pre-cut beef can save you time and effort in the preparation process. Look for beef stewing meat already cut into cubes or chunks at your grocery store or butcher shop.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Trim and cube the beef: Trim any excess fat from the stewing meat and cut it into cubes in advance. Place the cubed beef in a container or resealable bag and refrigerate until needed.
Keto Beef Stew in a bowl with a spoon and a grey tea towel to the side

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

  • Refrigerator: To store the stew, ensure it has cooled to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the stew promptly within 2 hours of cooking to preserve its freshness. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: For freezing a batch of stew, it's best to do so within a day or two to maintain optimal quality. Frozen stew can be safely stored for up to 3 months. However, keep in mind that the texture of the stew may undergo slight changes upon thawing.

Reheating best practices

  • Microwave: Put the stew in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Reheat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until the desired temperature is reached. The approximate time is 2-3 minutes.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stew to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed. Stir occasionally for even heating.
  • Stovetop: Pour the desired amount of stew into a saucepan or pot. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a simmer. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

The Keto Beef Stew is a true culinary masterpiece that brings comfort, flavor, and nourishment to your table. With its tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich broth, this stew is a testament to the joys of a healthy and delicious lifestyle.

So, why wait? Now it's time to unleash your inner chef and bring this recipe to life! Follow the steps, infuse your stew with love and creativity, and let the aromas fill your kitchen.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, they definitely can be! Keto is a metabolic state, not a food group. Carrots add a few net carbs to this recipe but tons of other nutrients. Don't fear the carrots!

Nope! This recipe does not need xanthan gum. While we don't have anything against xanthan gum (we use it sometimes for thickening), this recipe just doesn't need it.

You can! Be sure to use freezer-safe containers like Stasher Bags or Mason Jars.

As always, you can find the complete nutritional breakdown for this recipe at the bottom of the recipe card. This keto stew has just 9g net carbs per serving.

We haven't tested this keto stew recipe in an IP or slow cooker, but we don't see why it wouldn't work. Be sure to still brown the beef first in the IP or on the stovetop if you're using a slow cooker.

Yes, it is keto-friendly. Remember to use low-carb ingredients and avoid adding high-carb elements like potatoes or flour as thickeners. Our recipe has used all keto ingredients and kept the carb count in check, so go for it!

It usually takes 1 to 2 hours of simmering to achieve tender beef stew meat. This slow-cooking process allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in tender and flavorful chunks of beef.

Absolutely! Turnips are a fantastic low-carb substitute for potatoes in stew. They offer a similar texture and can absorb the stew's flavors beautifully.

Yes, turnips are keto-approved as they are relatively low in carbohydrates. They make a great alternative to higher-carb vegetables like potatoes. Turnips are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them nutritious for your keto diet.

📖 Recipe

Keto Beef Stew in a bowl with a spoon and a grey tea towel to the side

Keto Beef Stew

This Keto Beef Stew tastes just like your favorite classic recipe just low-carb with no potatoes!
5 from 7 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: beef soup, comfort, keto soup, low carb beef stew
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 374kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pound beef stewing meat trimmed and cut into cubes
  • ¼ cup avocado oil
  • 1 pound turnips cubed
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and cut into ¼-inch rounds
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 4 cups beef bone broth we use Pacific Foods
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup pearl onions peeled
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a 5-quart cast iron Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Season the beef with salt and black pepper, then arrange the beef in a single layer in the pot, a few pieces at a time.
  • Cook, flipping each piece until the beef is browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch.
  • Remove the beef from the pot, add vinegar and red wine to deglaze the pan, and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom.
  • Add the beef, broth, butter, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1 hour.
  • Uncover, add in the onions, carrots, and turnips, and simmer, covered, for 40 minutes. Add additional broth if the stew is dry. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Beef Stew
Amount Per Serving
Calories 374 Calories from Fat 171
% Daily Value*
Fat 19g29%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Cholesterol 80mg27%
Sodium 999mg43%
Potassium 705mg20%
Carbohydrates 12g4%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 32g64%
Vitamin A 3514IU70%
Vitamin C 20mg24%
Calcium 63mg6%
Iron 3mg17%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Zaina says

    5 stars
    I have never made beef stew before, but this? This is it!! My local grocery store was out of turnips so I ended up using some bite-sized potatoes. Which sort of defeated the purpose keeping it low carb. However, I only ate 4 potatoes and managed to keep it around 18 carbs. All in all, I will be using this recipe in the future! Thank you!

    Reply

  2. Lois Stuckey says

    Carrots are not good for Keto and/or Diabetics. They are a root vegetable and are loaded with sugar.

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      This isn't true, at all. The number of carrots in this recipe adds very little carbs but a host of nutrients. As always, if an ingredient doesn't fit your specific diet plan by all means leave it out.

      Reply

  3. Jennifer says

    5 stars
    Could you use frozen pearl onions?

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      You can!

      Reply

  4. Lexi says

    “Ketosis is a metabolic state, not a food group.” I love this and you hit the nail right on the head. So often ketogenic eating can verge on disordered, very black or white eating and it’s nearly impossible to see past the macros. I will tell you that this recipe is FANTASTIC *with* the carrots. Really, it was my first stew ever and it totally blew me away. Thank you for the wonderful recipe and grounding perspective!

    Reply

  5. Lexi says

    5 stars
    Forgot to include my rating 🙂

    Reply

  6. Taylor B Hinson says

    Can this be cooked in something other than a dutch oven?

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Sure, any soup pot will work!

      Reply

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