Keto Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

The Coziest Keto Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe for Winter Nights

Cold winter nights call for a hearty, warming stew that delivers maximum flavor with minimal carbs in this keto crockpot beef stew recipe.

Tender chunks of beef slowly simmer with robust vegetables and rich seasonings that melt in your mouth.

The slow cooker works its magic, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting meal packed with nutrients.

Each spoonful brings a depth of flavor that satisfies hunger without compromising your low-carb lifestyle.

Robust herbs and carefully selected ingredients create a stew that feels indulgent yet aligns perfectly with keto guidelines.

Meaty, savory, and supremely filling, this stew proves that healthy eating never means sacrificing taste.

Warm up your evening with this nourishing dish that promises to become a staple in your kitchen.

Keto Crockpot Beef Stew: Comfort in a Bowl

  • Unlock Slow-Cooker Convenience: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic with minimal prep, giving you a delicious meal without constant monitoring.
  • Keto-Friendly Comfort: Enjoy a hearty beef stew that fits perfectly into low-carb dietary needs, delivering rich flavors without compromising your health goals.
  • Hands-Off Cooking Delight: Simply set up the recipe and walk away while the crockpot transforms tough beef into melt-in-your-mouth tender chunks packed with savory goodness.
  • Meal Prep Champion: This stew stores wonderfully, making it an ideal option for batch cooking and enjoying leftovers throughout the week with zero extra effort.

Keto Beef Stew Ingredients

Main Protein:
  • Beef Chuck Roast: A flavorful and tender cut that becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft when slow-cooked.
Vegetables:
  • Cauliflower, Celery, Radishes: Low-carb vegetables that provide texture and nutrition without adding extra carbohydrates to the stew.
Seasonings and Liquids:
  • Beef Broth, Worcestershire Sauce, Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Thyme: Ingredients that create a rich, savory flavor profile and help tenderize the meat during slow cooking.
  • Tomato Paste: Adds depth and a slight tanginess to the stew while helping to thicken the sauce.

Beef Stew Slow Cooker Steps

Step 1: Prep the Beef and Vegetables

Trim any excess fat from the beef and cut it into hearty chunks.

Peel and chop onions, carrots, and celery into rustic pieces.

Mince fresh garlic cloves to release their aromatic flavor.

These ingredients will create a rich, satisfying base for your stew.

  • Beef (chuck roast or stew meat)
  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Dried thyme
  • Dried rosemary

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in Crockpot

Create a flavor-packed foundation by placing the chopped vegetables at the bottom of the crockpot.

Arrange the beef chunks on top of the vegetables.

Sprinkle herbs and seasonings evenly across the meat to ensure every bite is deliciously seasoned.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Thickeners

Pour beef broth or bone broth over the meat and vegetables.

Whisk in tomato paste and a splash of apple cider vinegar to enhance the depth of flavor.

Sprinkle in xanthan gum or almond flour to help thicken the stew without adding carbs.

  • Beef broth
  • Tomato paste
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Xanthan gum or almond flour

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat.

Let the stew simmer and meld flavors for 6-8 hours.

The low, slow cooking process will transform tough meat into melt-in-your-mouth tender bites while developing a rich, complex taste.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serve

Once the beef is fork-tender, give the stew a gentle stir.

Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.

Ladle the hot stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Rich, Tender Beef Stew

  • Remove excess fat from beef to keep the stew lean and keto-friendly without losing flavor.
  • Use xanthan gum instead of flour to maintain low-carb consistency and create a rich, smooth texture.
  • Opt for radishes or turnips as potato substitutes to keep the carbohydrate count low while adding great texture.
  • Pick chuck roast or stew meat with good marbling for tender, flavorful results that melt in your mouth.
  • Add a splash of red wine or beef broth with herbs like thyme and rosemary to boost the stew's complexity without adding carbs.

Keto Beef Stew Variations for Extra Flavor

  • Low-Carb Lamb Stew: Swap beef with lamb for a rich, gamey flavor while maintaining keto principles. Use rosemary and thyme to complement the lamb's natural taste.
  • Vegetarian Keto Alternative: Replace beef with cauliflower and mushrooms, using beef broth for depth. Add extra low-carb vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for texture.
  • Carnivore Diet Version: Use only beef chunks with bone broth, increasing fat content by adding beef tallow or butter. Eliminate all vegetables for a pure protein and fat approach.
  • Mediterranean Keto Spin: Incorporate olives, artichoke hearts, and add a splash of red wine for complex flavors. Use oregano and garlic to enhance the Mediterranean profile while keeping carbs low.

Serving Ideas for Beef Stew

  • Rustic Stew Companion: Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that soaks up the rich, savory broth.
  • Hearty Plate Pairing: Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese to add a burst of freshness and depth.
  • Keto-Friendly Side: Complement the stew with roasted green vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to boost nutritional value and maintain ketogenic macros.
  • Protein Power Boost: Top with crispy bacon bits or sliced almonds for extra crunch and a protein-packed finishing touch.

Storing Keto Beef Stew

  • Store leftover stew in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the rich flavors sealed and fresh.
  • Pour cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, where it will maintain quality for 3 months without losing its hearty taste.
  • Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and restore the stew's original delicious texture.
  • Divide stew into individual serving sizes before storing, making future meal prep quick and convenient for busy weekdays.

FAQs

  • Is this stew suitable for low-carb diets?

Yes, this Keto Crockpot Beef Stew is specifically designed for low-carb and ketogenic diets, using low-carb vegetables and avoiding high-carb ingredients.

  • Can I use different cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chuck roast, bottom round, or stew meat work great. Choose cuts with some marbling for more tenderness and flavor.

  • Do I need to brown the meat before adding to the crockpot?

While not mandatory, browning the meat beforehand can enhance the depth of flavor and create a richer taste profile for the stew.

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Keto Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

Keto Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty keto crockpot beef stew brings robust flavors from tender meat and low-carb vegetables simmering slowly in rich, savory broth. Comfort meets nutrition in this simple, nourishing meal that satisfies hunger while keeping carbohydrates minimal.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 lbs (907 grams) beef stew meat, cubed

Vegetables:

  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef broth
  • 1 cup (150 grams) celery, chopped
  • 1 cup (70 grams) mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) thyme
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) rosemary
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meat and vegetables by cutting beef into uniform cubes and chopping aromatics into roughly equal sizes to ensure consistent cooking.
  2. Layer beef chunks at the bottom of the crockpot, creating a solid protein foundation for the stew.
  3. Sprinkle low-carb seasoning blend over the beef, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor penetration.
  4. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped celery on top of the seasoned beef to create a robust aromatic base.
  5. Pour beef broth and tomato sauce carefully around the ingredients, avoiding disturbing the layered arrangement.
  6. Incorporate radishes or turnips as low-carb potato substitutes, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  7. Secure crockpot lid and set temperature to low, allowing stew to slow-cook for 7 hours until meat becomes exceptionally tender.
  8. During the final hour of cooking, gently stir contents to blend flavors and prevent ingredient settlement.
  9. Test meat’s tenderness by easily piercing with a fork; if needed, continue cooking additional 30-45 minutes.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs before serving hot in deep bowls.

Notes

  • Choose fatty cuts like chuck roast for maximum flavor and keto-friendly results.
  • Pat beef dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and deeper caramelization when slow cooking.
  • Swap traditional potatoes with low-carb vegetables like radishes or turnips to maintain keto profile without losing hearty texture.
  • Add a splash of apple cider vinegar during cooking to tenderize meat and enhance overall depth of flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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