This keto beef stew is pure comfort in a bowl. Rich, savory, and satisfying, it tastes like a classic stew but keeps the carbs low—perfect for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb plan.
Tender beef simmered with hearty, low-carb vegetables creates a full-flavored, warming meal. With a few simple swaps—turnips for potatoes and zucchini for extra bulk—you get the texture and comfort of a traditional stew without the carbohydrate load. Active prep is about 20 minutes and most of the cooking is hands-off in the oven. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Best cuts of beef for stew
Tougher, inexpensive cuts are ideal because they become tender and flavorful as they braise. Chuck roast and round roast are classic choices—cut them into 1 to 1½-inch cubes. Pre-cut stew meat also works well if you prefer convenience.
Keeping the stew low carb
This recipe relies on smart ingredient choices to stay keto-friendly without sacrificing flavor. Turnips replace potatoes, giving a similar texture and mild flavor with far fewer carbs. Zucchini adds color and body late in the cooking process. Using only half an onion limits added sugars while still contributing savory depth. The broth blends beef stock with balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, tamari, and a low-carb sweetener—ingredients that build a rich, complex sauce without a carb penalty. Finish with chopped parsley to brighten the bowl.
Tips for perfect keto beef stew
A few simple steps help this stew turn out reliably well: sear the beef first to develop deep flavor; cut vegetables into similar-sized bite-size pieces for even cooking; dissolve tomato paste into a cup of broth with the vinegar, tamari, and sweetener before adding to the pot so the paste disperses evenly; and decide how tender you want the turnips—add them at the start for very soft turnips or during the last 60–90 minutes for firmer pieces.
More comforting low-carb soups and stews
If you enjoy this stew, try other cozy low-carb soups and stews for variety and easy weeknight dinners.
Helpful hints
*My turnips, peeled and chopped, weighed about 1 pound.
*Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and a fresh flavor contrast.
Main kitchen equipment
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Measuring spoons
A little encouragement
Comforting soups and stews make any meal feel special—enjoy the process and the result.
Keto Beef Stew
8 Servings
20 minutes
2 hours 30 minutes
2 hours 50 minutes
Rich, low-carb beef stew that tastes like the real comfort-food thing—without the extra carbs.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 3 pounds beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 medium turnips, peeled and chopped (about 1 lb)
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 7 cups beef broth, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon tamari
- 1½ teaspoons granulated sugar substitute (such as erythritol or Swerve)
- 2 medium zucchini, chopped
- Optional: chopped parsley for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat avocado oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef, season with salt and pepper, and sear on all sides until browned.
- Add turnips, onion, celery, garlic, 6 cups of beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
- In a bowl, whisk the remaining 1 cup beef broth with balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, tamari, and the sugar substitute until the tomato paste is fully dissolved. Pour into the pot and stir to combine.
- Cover and transfer the pot to the oven. Bake for 1½ hours. Add zucchini, return to the oven, and continue baking for an additional hour.
- Remove from the oven, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 433Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 168mgSodium: 1308mgCarbohydrates: 8.4gNet Carbohydrates: 6.4gFiber: 2gProtein: 58g
Nutrition values are estimates provided for convenience and may vary by ingredient brands and preparation. Net carbs shown account for sugar alcohols where applicable.