Keto Roast Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Roasting is a classic cooking method that brings out the natural flavors of ingredients, and when tailored to a keto diet, it can be both delicious and satisfying.

Close-up of sliced roast beef with a pink center, served with roasted carrots

This keto roast recipe is perfect for those looking for a hearty, low-carb meal that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare.

Jump to:

Preparation and Cooking Overview

This keto roast recipe is a straightforward way to create a hearty, low-carb meal. Start by trimming any excess fat from a beef chuck roast, then pat the roast dry for a good sear. Season the meat with garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper, and sear it in a hot skillet until browned on all sides. Transfer the seared roast to a roasting pan, surround it with onions, carrots, and celery, and pour in beef broth to add richness. Roast in the oven until the meat is tender and juicy. After a short resting period, slice the roast and enjoy a flavorful, satisfying dish.

Chef's note

A keto roast is all about enhancing the natural flavors of the meat with simple, keto-friendly seasonings. Make sure to rest the meat after roasting for the juiciest results!

This recipe pretty much sums up the basics of roasting – season, sear, roast, and rest. The very same steps apply to mostly all types of meat and poultry, differing only in recommended internal cooking temperatures. A basic guide for seasoning would be 18 grams of salt and 12 grams of pepper for every kilogram of meat or poultry. Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices.

The roasting vegetables used (carrots, onions, celery) make up the classic French trinity, also called the mirepoix. Roughly chopped into chunks, this combination of vegetables is added for flavor and not to be served with the meat. The standard ratio would be 2 parts onions: 1 part carrot: 1 part celery.

For a more flavorful roast, choose bone-in cuts like rib or shank. A perfect roast all starts from a perfect sear. Make sure to pat the meat dry before searing, that the searing skillet is really hot, and to leave the roast undisturbed as it sears in the pan.

The juices in the pan after roasting hold just as much, if not more, flavor as the roast itself. Making a sauce out of it would be an excellent idea.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour 40 Minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Makes 6 Servings

Ingredients Required

Item	Amount	Measurement	Other Details
Beef Chuck Roast	3 pounds	~1.36 kg	Grass-fed, if possible
Olive Oil	2 tablespoons	~30 ml	Extra virgin
Garlic	4 cloves	-	Minced
Fresh Rosemary	2 sprigs	-	Chopped
Fresh Thyme	2 sprigs	-	Chopped
Salt	1 tablespoon	~18 grams	Sea salt preferred
Black Pepper	2 teaspoons	~12 grams	Freshly ground
Onion	2 cups		Cut into chunks
Carrots	1 cup		Cut into chunks
Celery Stalks	1 cup		Cut into chunks
Beef Broth	1 cup	~240 ml	Low sodium

Ingredient Substitution / Variation Options

Beef Chuck Roast: Substitute with pork shoulder or lamb shoulder.
Other cuts of beef, such as shank, rib, or brisket, would all be perfect for roasting.
Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or melted ghee.
Fresh Herbs: Substitute with dried herbs (⅓ of the fresh amount).

Additional Ingredients

Brush the meat with Dijon mustard before rubbing on the seasoning. Not only will this add depth to the flavor, but it will also aid in browning the roast while searing, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Cooking Instruments / Tools Required

Roasting pan
Meat thermometer
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Aluminum foil

Tools Substitute Options

Baking dish (instead of roasting pan)
Digital thermometer (for more precise temperature control)

How to make Keto Roast Recipe: step-by-step guide

Cooking Method

Roasting

Preparation Steps

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels.
Rub the roast with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Prepare the vegetables by slicing the onion and cutting the carrots and celery into chunks.

Cooking Process / Options

Searing: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). Avoid moving the roast around the pan for the perfect sear. Remember, color means flavor!
Roasting: Place the seared roast in a roasting pan. Arrange the onion, carrots, and celery around the roast. Pour the beef broth (and wine if using) over the vegetables.
Cooking: Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Roast for 1.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer it more done.
Resting: Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Preparing the Jus:
Discard the roasting vegetables and strain the pan juices into a pan. Set over medium heat and allow to reduce by about half in volume.
Carve the roast and serve with prepared jus on the side.

Chef's pro tip

To achieve a perfect keto roast, focus on the details. First, ensure the meat is at room temperature before searing; this helps it cook more evenly. When searing, resist the urge to move the roast around in the pan—let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to develop a deep, flavorful crust. After roasting, let the meat rest for at least 15 minutes under a loose tent of aluminum foil. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is juicy and tender. Finally, don’t discard the pan juices—use them to make a rich, keto-friendly jus that enhances the flavor of your roast.

How to Make it Healthier

Use organic or grass-fed beef.
Use low-sodium broth.

Time-Saving Tips

Prep the vegetables right before cooking to maintain freshness.
Marinate the roast for a shorter time (around 1-2 hours) with herbs, oil, and minimal salt to preserve moisture while still enhancing flavor.

What Can I Prepare Ahead of Time?

Trim off any excess fat and sinew from the meat the day before to save time on the day of cooking.
Prepare the seasoning mix (including minced garlic and chopped herbs) in advance and store it in an airtight container. This way, you can season the meat just before cooking without losing moisture.
Chop the vegetables a few hours before cooking and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

Serving Size Suggestions

A serving size of 150-200 grams of roast is ideal for a balanced keto meal.
Pair the roast with a side of steamed broccoli or cauliflower mash for a complete, keto-friendly dish.

Storage and reheating instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Leftover Reheating Methods and Best Practices

Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm or use the microwave for quicker reheating.

Recipe Wrap-up and Conclusion

This keto roast recipe is not just easy to prepare but also full of rich, savory flavors that make it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a go-to recipe for anyone following a keto diet. Enjoy the robust taste of this classic roast while staying within your carb limits!

For more delicious beef recipes, check out these links:

Frequently Asked Questions

Approximately 30 minutes per pound. When roasting meat, a general guideline is to cook it for about 30 minutes per pound at 325°F (165°C), depending on the desired doneness. This timing ensures the meat is cooked through while maintaining tenderness.

Yes, but only up to a point. Roast cuts with more connective tissue, such as chuck or brisket, become more tender with longer, slower cooking methods like braising or slow roasting. However, cooking too long can dry out the meat, especially in leaner cuts.

Slow roasting at a moderate temperature while ensuring the meat rests after cooking helps retain moisture and tenderness. Searing the meat first also locks in flavors and creates a crust that enhances the dish.

Yes, a roast can be a healthy dinner option. A roast, particularly when using lean cuts of meat and serving with vegetables, is high in protein and can be low in carbs, especially when prepared without sugary marinades or sauces.

Yes, slow cooking a roast overnight is effective. Slow cooking a roast overnight at a low temperature (around 200°F or 93°C) ensures tender meat by morning. This method is convenient and results in a juicy, tender roast.

📖 Recipe