If you’re dreaming of warm, comforting flavors that fit perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle, you’re in for a treat with this Keto Crockpot Beef Stew. Hearty chunks of beef, piles of fresh veggies, and rich seasonings all come together in a slow cooker to create a deeply satisfying meal—without the extra carbs. This slow cooked classic is the kind of homey, wholesome dinner you crave on chilly nights, effortlessly combining comfort food with keto-friendly ingredients for a weeknight hit or make-ahead superstar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Keto Crockpot Beef Stew couldn’t be more inviting—it’s simple, but every component is essential, each bringing unique flavor, texture, and color to every spoonful. The secret to this stew’s savory success is choosing the right cuts of meat, a good balance of aromatic veggies, and just the right mix of herbs to nudge all those flavors together.
- Beef stew meat (2 pounds): Choose well-marbled cuts for fork-tender richness after slow cooking.
- Beef broth (3 cups): Adds amazing depth and keeps everything juicy and saucy.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Offers a concentrated burst of umami and a beautiful color.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings subtle tang and a lovely savory kick.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Foundational for that cozy flavor, don’t skimp on it!
- Yellow onion, chopped (1 medium): Softens into the stew for sweet, savory notes.
- Celery stalks, chopped (2): Delivers a little crunch and rounded flavor.
- Sliced mushrooms (1 cup): Meld with the beef for earthiness and umami.
- Zucchini, chopped (1 medium): Stays tender and juicy, soaking up those rich flavors.
- Radishes, halved (1 cup): The perfect potato swap—they mellow out and soak up broth deliciously.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds that classic herby warmth.
- Dried rosemary (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle piney kick that’s magic with beef.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): A little smokiness takes everything up a notch.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for that final balance—always taste and adjust!
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Use for a great sear, and a heart-healthy fat source.
- Xanthan gum (1 teaspoon, optional): Stir in if you like a stew with extra body and thickness.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Brightens up the finish and adds a pop of color.
How to Make Keto Crockpot Beef Stew
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by seasoning your beef stew meat generously with salt and pepper. Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. In batches, sear the beef until all sides are gorgeous and browned. This is where you lock in serious flavor and get those irresistible caramelized edges. Don’t rush—let that beef develop its deep crust before transferring it to your crockpot.
Step 2: Load Up the Crockpot
Add your browned beef to the crockpot, then pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Next, toss in the garlic, onion, celery, mushrooms, zucchini, radishes, and all those fragrant dried herbs. Give everything a good stir to ensure the meat and veggies get evenly coated with the rich sauce and spices.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The magic of slow cooking is that the beef becomes meltingly tender and the vegetables soak up incredible flavor. This is the heart of what makes this Keto Crockpot Beef Stew so comforting and effortless.
Step 4: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If a hearty, spoon-coating stew is your jam, sprinkle in a teaspoon of xanthan gum about 30 minutes before serving. Stir well and let it thicken up as it finishes cooking. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding a little more salt or black pepper if you like.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Right before you serve, scatter a handful of fresh parsley over the top. Not only does this add a hit of color, but it brings a little burst of brightness and freshness that really wakes up the bowl. Ladle into bowls and savor every bite!
How to Serve Keto Crockpot Beef Stew
Keto Crockpot Beef Stew Garnishes
Nothing beats a flourish of chopped fresh parsley—it brings a spark of color and freshness that complements the deep richness of the stew. For an extra punch of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, or even a touch of grated parmesan if your diet includes it. You can even drop in a few fresh thyme leaves or a pop of red pepper flakes if you love a gentle heat.
Side Dishes
When serving Keto Crockpot Beef Stew, you might not even need much on the side—it’s hearty all by itself! But for a meal that feels truly complete, pair it with creamy cauliflower mash, roasted broccoli, or a simple arugula salad. If you’re entertaining, keto almond flour rolls are perfect for dipping into the savory broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy twist, serve your stew in rustic soup bowls or mini cast-iron pots. If you’re meal-prepping, ladle it into mason jars for easy grab-and-go lunches. For gatherings, set up a “stew bar” with bowls of garnishes and let everyone dress up their own bowl—fun for family dinners or casual parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stew is a superstar for meal prep! Cool any leftovers completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to four days, and the flavor actually deepens as it sits, making lunch or next-day dinner even more delicious.
Freezing
Keto Crockpot Beef Stew freezes like a dream. Let it cool, portion into airtight freezer containers or zip-top bags, and freeze for up to three months. To save space, consider freezing individual portions laid flat for easy stacking in your freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, simply transfer the stew to a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring gently until hot. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight first. You can also microwave portions in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely with a lid or paper towel, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?
Absolutely! While stew meat is convenient, you can use chuck roast cut into cubes for even more tenderness and richness in Keto Crockpot Beef Stew. Brisket or round will work in a pinch, though chuck is my top pick for texture and flavor.
Are radishes a good substitute for potatoes? Do they really work in stew?
Yes, and you’ll be surprised! Radishes soften beautifully while the stew cooks, losing their peppery bite and soaking up the stew’s delicious flavors, making them a fantastic low-carb swap for potatoes.
Can I make Keto Crockpot Beef Stew dairy-free?
Definitely! The base recipe is already dairy-free, but just double-check any garnish (like cheese or sour cream) if you want to keep it strictly dairy-free.
How can I make the broth thicker if I don’t have xanthan gum?
If you’re out of xanthan gum, try simmering the stew uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate, or mash a few vegetables into the broth to naturally thicken it. Just remember, the longer you cook, the more concentrated those flavors get!
Is this Keto Crockpot Beef Stew good for meal prep?
This recipe is perfect for meal prep! It tastes even better the next day and stores well, so you can portion it out for lunches or dinners all week without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, nourishing dinner that delivers big on both flavor and comfort, give this Keto Crockpot Beef Stew a try—it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to enjoy each hearty, delicious bite!
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Keto Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Keto Crockpot Beef Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with tender beef and a variety of low-carb vegetables, it’s a satisfying option for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
Ingredients
Beef Stew:
2 pounds beef stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes,
Broth Mixture:
3 cups beef broth, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce,
Veggies:
3 cloves garlic minced, 1 medium yellow onion chopped, 2 celery stalks chopped, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 1 medium zucchini chopped, 1 cup radishes halved,
Seasonings:
1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt and black pepper to taste, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, for thickening), chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the beef: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the beef stew meat.
- Sear the meat: Brown the beef in batches in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Combine ingredients: Transfer beef to crockpot and add broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, vegetables, and seasonings.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Thicken (optional): Add xanthan gum during the last 30 minutes of cooking if desired.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- This stew is a low-carb option, using radishes and zucchini instead of traditional potatoes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
