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    Home » Beef

    Beef Stew (Keto)

    Published: Sep 28, 2020 · Modified: Jun 24, 2025 by Sula · This post may contain affiliate links · 24 Comments

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    Today I have another of my classic recipes that I experimented with to make a lower carb version. I started with Bloody Mary Beef Stew and created Keto Beef Stew. Just as yummy, with significantly fewer carbs!

    What makes this a keto beef stew?

    The main difference between this stew and my traditional beef stew is the use of parsnips and turnips in place of potatoes and carrots. The potatoes are the biggest source of carbs in the traditional version, so using these lower carb root vegetables decreases the carb count significantly.

    In addition, I made the tomato-based sauce differently. In my traditional stew, I use Bloody Mary mix or V8. V8 has over 16 grams of carbohydrates in the 1 ½ cups called for. By comparison, this keto version uses a 6 ounce can of tomato paste, for only 6 grams total carbohydrate. Win!

    Keto Beef Stew Recipe Ingredients

    • Beef – I usually buy stew meat but a chuck roast works well also, if cut up
    • Beef stock
    • Tomato paste
    • Parsnips – I use these to substitute for the carrots
    • Turnips – substitute for potatoes
    • Onion – yellow usually
    • Carrot – just one, and this is optional (see below)
    • Worcestershire sauce
    • Spices: garlic powder, dried thyme, dried marjoram
    • Bay leaf
    Ingredients needed to make the keto beef stew

    How to make Keto Stew

    I use an Instant Pot for the ease and speed in preparation. If you’d like to use a slow cooker, please refer to my Bloody Mary Beef Stew for crock pot directions.

    1. Start by browning the beef using the sauté function. Mix the tomato paste with a little of the beef stock and add in the spices. Once the beef is brown, add in the vegetables and all sauce ingredients plus a bay leaf. Seal the instant pot and use the Meat/Stew setting with an 18 to 20- minute cook time. (20 minutes if you like extra soft veggies)
    2. Once the cooking cycle is done, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for at least 20 minutes (it’s usually 30-45 for me) before manually venting and opening.
    3. To thicken, we use xanthan gum in place of carb-heavy flour. Put a little water in a small bowl, then sprinkle a half teaspoon of xanthan gum over the surface. Whisk in immediately, then add to the stew and stir in.
    beef stew in a small white bowl

    Keto Stew Variations

    This recipe makes about 8 cups of stew. I have it marked as 6 servings, so that means each serving is about a cup and a half. I find this is adequate as a stand-alone meal. You might find one cup enough. It's especially cozy on a chilly winter day.

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    As I mentioned above, feel free to omit the carrot if you want to save yourself that one gram of carbohydrate per serving. (sometimes every little bit makes a difference!) You can also add additional xanthan gum for a thicker stew, but just keep in mind that a little goes a long way!

    Classic Beef Stew taste in a lower carb keto version.

    pin for keto beef stew

    How to serve Low Carb Beef Stew

    This stew is filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, there are some great low-carb options to pair with it. I sometimes serve it over cauliflower mash or with a side of roasted green beans. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also works well to balance the richness of the stew. And if you’re missing that bread-and-stew combo, try it with a slice of keto-friendly bread to soak up the broth.

    Storing Leftover Keto Beef Stew

    Leftovers keep beautifully, and the flavors actually deepen overnight. Let the stew cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just warm it on the stove top over medium heat or use the microwave. You can also freeze the stew in individual portions for easy meals down the road—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

    Keto Stew FAQs

    Are carrots keto friendly?

    If you are following a very strict keto diet, carrots are probably not recommended. But they are not completely off limits. It’s a vegetable that can be consumed if you watch portions carefully. That’s why I only included one in this recipe, mainly for that little pop of color the carrot provides. One carrot contains about 6 grams of carbs, so one gram per serving of this recipe. Feel free to omit the carrot if you prefer to keep your carbs super low.

    What is xanthan gum?

    Xanthan gum is a popular food additive. It's commonly added to foods as a thickener or stabilizer. Xanthan gum is created by fermenting sugar with a type of bacteria called Xanthomonas campestris. The resulting substance is dried and turned into a powder.
    When we add xanthan gum powder to a liquid, it will quickly disperse and create a viscous and stable solution. This makes it a great thickening, suspending and stabilizing agent for many products.
    Even though it’s made in a lab, it’s a soluble fiber. Soluble fibers are carbs that your body cannot breakdown. Since your body is not able to digest xanthan gum, it does not provide any calories or nutrients. (healthline.com)

    📖 Recipe

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    keto beef stew in a white bowl
    5 from 63 votes
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    Low Carb Stew

    Classic beef stew taste in a low carb version
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time1 hour hr
    Total Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 290kcal
    Author: Sula

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 ½ pound stew meat
    • 2 ½ cups beef stock
    • 6 oz tomato paste
    • ¾ pound parsnips peeled and chunked
    • ¾ pound turnips peeled and chunked
    • 1 medium carrot peeled and sliced
    • 1 medium onion peeled and chunked
    • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon thyme dried
    • ¼ teaspoon marjoram dried
    • 1 bay leaf
    • To thicken:
    • ½ cup water
    • ½ teaspoon xanthan gum

    Instructions

    • Turn Instant Pot to “sauté” setting. Add oil, then beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned (5 to 7 minutes).
    • To a small bowl, add the tomato paste and ½ cup beef stock. Stir together until smooth. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme and marjoram and stir to incorporate.
    • Add vegetables to instant pot followed by the tomato paste mixture and the remaining 2 cups beef stock. Add bay leaf.
    • Seal Instant Pot and set to “meat/stew” setting, for 18-20 minutes.
    • Once cooking cycle is done, allow to vent naturally for at least 20 minutes. Then, open and remove bay leaf.
    • To thicken: place ½ cup water in a small bowl. Sprinkle xanthan gum over the surface and quickly whisk to incorporate. Add to stew in the Instant Pot and stir to evenly distribute. You can repeat with a little more xanthan gum if a thicker stew is desired.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 573mg | Potassium: 1262mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2131IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 4mg

    Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

    More Keto Meal Ideas

    • Keto Taco Casserole
    • Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions
    • Keto Coleslaw
    • Cheesy Cauliflower Rice
    « Butternut Squash & Zoodle Spaghetti Bake
    Keto Raspberry Sauce »

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. LJ

      January 17, 2024 at 9:37 pm

      5 stars
      This stew came out perfect in my Instant Pot. Thank you for such an easy and very tasty recipe!

      Reply
      • Sula

        January 18, 2024 at 12:55 pm

        You are very welcome, and thank you for the kind review!

        Reply
    2. Toni

      August 24, 2021 at 6:51 am

      5 stars
      An all-time favorite meal at my house!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 24, 2021 at 11:30 am

        Same here - it's a go-to meal again and again!

        Reply
    3. Michelle | Taste As You Go

      August 23, 2021 at 8:34 pm

      5 stars
      We loved the combination of vegetables in this stew! Thanks for the delicious recipe!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 24, 2021 at 11:30 am

        You're so welcome!

        Reply
    4. Audrey

      August 23, 2021 at 5:31 pm

      5 stars
      Great for those of us on keto!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 24, 2021 at 11:31 am

        Isn't it great to be able to enjoy comfort food and still maintain ketosis?

        Reply
    5. Emily Flint

      August 23, 2021 at 12:01 pm

      5 stars
      This stew is the ultimate comfort food! Everyone loved it and they are already asking for it again!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 24, 2021 at 11:31 am

        That's what happens at my house too!

        Reply
    6. Makhaya

      August 23, 2021 at 9:09 am

      5 stars
      This looks like such a hardy and delicious stew! I need to try this!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 23, 2021 at 9:21 am

        I hope you try it soon!

        Reply
    7. Soniya

      October 09, 2020 at 12:41 pm

      Love good hearty stew and this looks so delicious! Adding ingredients to my grocery list... can't wait to try it

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 09, 2020 at 3:29 pm

        I hope you enjoy this Keto Beef stew very soon!

        Reply
    8. Tania | Fit Foodie Nutter

      October 09, 2020 at 10:51 am

      5 stars
      Such a great winter warmer! My family will absolutely love this! thank you for the recipe x

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 09, 2020 at 3:30 pm

        You're welcome. Beef stew is always a hit in this house, so I was thrilled to be able to make a keto version. Win-win!!

        Reply
    9. veenaazmanov

      October 09, 2020 at 10:32 am

      5 stars
      Comfort meal at its best. Looks so delicious, spicy and love the combinations of veggies too. Yum

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 09, 2020 at 3:31 pm

        Thank you, I hope you enjoy it soon!

        Reply
    10. Katherine

      October 09, 2020 at 9:41 am

      5 stars
      Such a nourishing bowl with so many great veggies and flavors in it!

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 09, 2020 at 3:31 pm

        Don't you just love a good bowl meal?

        Reply
    11. Beth Sachs

      October 09, 2020 at 8:35 am

      5 stars
      Thee really is nothing more comforting than a bowl of warm beef stew. This looks delicious and perfect for the colder nights to come.

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 09, 2020 at 3:31 pm

        Yes, I find it the perfect cold weather meal!

        Reply
    12. Scarlet

      October 02, 2020 at 6:56 am

      I have been trying to decide what to fix for dinner and this keto beef stew looks perfect. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 02, 2020 at 6:58 am

        You're welcome, enjoy!

        Reply
    5 from 63 votes (53 ratings without comment)

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