Hearty Keto Beef Stew
A rich, tender low carb beef stew with turnips and zucchini instead of potatoes. Cozy comfort food that keeps you on track.
Ingredients
Beef
- 2 lb beef stew meat cut into 1-inch chunks
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp avocado or olive oil divided
Aromatics
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 stalk celery finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
Broth
- 1/2 cup beef broth for deglazing
- 1 cup beef broth main liquid base
Vegetables
- 1 zucchini medium, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 turnip small, cubed
- 1/2 carrot small, chopped — optional, for color
Thickener
- 1/2 tsp glucomannan or a pinch of xanthan gum
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Pat the beef chunks completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil. Once shimmering, add half the beef in a single layer. Sear until deeply browned on all sides, then transfer to a bowl. Repeat with another tablespoon of oil and the remaining beef.
- Lower the heat slightly. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pot. Add the diced onion and celery. Sauté for about 4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the rosemary, tomato paste, and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the ½ cup of beef broth to deglaze. Scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Let the liquid reduce for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the remaining 1 cup of beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Return all the seared beef and any resting juices back into the pot.
- Cover with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 1 full hour.
- Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Stir in the zucchini, turnip, and carrot. Replace the lid and return to the oven for another 30–45 minutes, until the vegetables are fork-tender.
- Push the meat and vegetables to one side. Rapidly whisk the glucomannan directly into the broth. Let the stew sit for a few minutes — it will thicken as it cools slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve on its own or over creamy mashed cauliflower.
Notes
Chuck roast works great here — cut it into 1-inch cubes yourself for a cheaper option. If you can't find glucomannan, a small pinch of xanthan gum thickens just as well. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. The flavors deepen overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.