Low Carb Beef Stew

This Low Carb Beef Stew is a comforting, hearty dish that’s packed with tender beef, savory vegetables, and rich, flavorful broth. With no potatoes or high-carb ingredients, it’s a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet. The beef is perfectly seared, then slow-simmered with aromatic herbs and vegetables to create a deep, satisfying flavor that’s sure to warm you up.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Low Carb Beef Stew is everything you want in a hearty meal—tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. The combination of rosemary, thyme, and garlic elevates the flavors, while the mushrooms and other veggies add natural depth without the carbs. The slow simmering allows the beef to become incredibly tender, making it a satisfying meal that’s low in carbs but high in flavor. It’s perfect for cozy evenings or meal prep for the week!

Ingredients

• 2 lb. beef stew meat
• 6 oz. sliced white mushrooms
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
• 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the beef
   Start by patting the pieces of beef dry using paper towels. Season the dried beef generously with salt and pepper (to taste).
2. Sear the beef
   Heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat in a large, heavy-bottomed sauce pot. Once hot, sear the beef pieces in batches, making sure not to crowd the meat. Cook each batch until all sides are browned, approximately 3 minutes per side. Add more oil if needed. Transfer the cooked pieces to a plate and continue until all beef pieces are browned. Set aside.
3. Cook the mushrooms
   In the same pot, add the sliced mushrooms and stir. If needed, deglaze the pot with a couple of splashes of beef broth to release any flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom. Cook the mushrooms, stirring every minute, for about 10 minutes, until golden and softened.
4. Add the vegetables
   Add the diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Season with salt and pepper, and stir. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
5. Add garlic and tomato paste
   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then, add the tomato paste and stir well to coat all the veggies.
6. Add the beef and broth
   Return the cooked beef to the pot, along with the beef broth, dried rosemary, and thyme. Stir to combine all ingredients.
7. Simmer the stew
   Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the stew simmer for at least 1 hour (2-3 hours is even better) to allow the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender.
8. Serve
   Once the stew is ready, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 1-3 hours (simmering time)
• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 3 hours

Variations

• Add more veggies: You can add more low-carb vegetables, such as zucchini, green beans, or bell peppers, to the stew for extra nutrition and variety.
• Thickening option: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can blend a portion of the vegetables and broth and stir it back into the pot.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a small chopped chili pepper to give the stew a bit of heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until hot. You can add a little water or broth if the stew has thickened too much while storing.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for this stew?

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef, such as chuck roast or brisket, which also become tender when slow-cooked. You can also use lamb or pork if you prefer.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! After searing the beef and cooking the mushrooms, onions, and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

Can I add potatoes to this stew?

To keep the recipe low-carb, avoid using potatoes. Instead, consider adding cauliflower or turnips for a similar texture and heartiness.

How can I make this stew spicier?

For a spicier stew, add more fresh or dried chili peppers, or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or chili flakes when cooking the vegetables.

Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly on the stovetop before serving.

Conclusion

This Low Carb Beef Stew is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for those following a low-carb or keto diet. With tender beef, savory vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s the ideal dish for warming up on a chilly day. The long simmering time allows all the flavors to meld, making it even better the next day. Serve it with a side salad or your favorite low-carb bread for a complete, satisfying meal.

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