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When the weather drops, this easy keto beef stew recipe will warm you right up! My low carb beef stew takes just 10 minutes to prep, and some time on the stove. When it’s done cooking? You’ll be left with rich and hearty stew that makes a delicious and filling winter meal. And once you know how to make beef stew keto, pair it with a veggie side, or keto bread (or keto breadsticks from my Easy Keto Cookbook!)… or just a big bowl, it’s hearty enough to be a meal all on its own.
Bonus: The beef bone both in this healthy beef stew recipe can also help you avoid keto flu!
What Is The Secret Ingredient In Keto Beef Stew?
The low carb trick to this healthy beef stew? Celery root!
Low in carbs, this root veggie has the texture of potatoes once it’s soft and tender. You might just think it’s potatoes! (Seriously, my husband totally did and accused me of making a non keto beef stew… haha.)
How To Make Low Carb Beef Stew
This easy keto beef stew takes just 10 minutes to prep and some simmer time on the stove. Here’s how we make my keto beef stew recipe:
- Peel and cube the celery root. This will be our keto friendly stand-in for potatoes!
TIP: You’ll get about 1 pound peeled, cubed celery root from 1.5 pounds celery root with stems and peel. So, buy 1.5 pounds at the grocery store to make this low carb beef stew recipe.
Here is how to peel celery root:
- Start by chopping off the top and bottom.
- Place a flat side onto the counter and use a peeler away from you, toward the counter, to peel the skin on the sides. Flip and repeat with any parts you didn’t get.
- Slice the peeled celery root into discs.
- Stack the discs and cut them into thin strips.
- Place the strips next to each other and cut crosswise into small cubes.
You can see the various steps of the process below:
- Season the meat. Cut the beef into chunks and season it with salt and pepper.
- Brown meat. Working in batches, brown the meat in a dutch oven. Sear until well browned, then set aside. Repeat as necessary.
TIP: It’s important to brown the beef over high heat, in a single layer, and without moving it around too much. This ensures a nice sear. Do it in batches if necessary so that each piece touches the pan.
- Saute veggies. Heat more oil in the dutch oven and add onions and carrots. Saute until soft and lightly browned. Add in garlic and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the keto friendly beef stew. Place the beef back into dutch oven. Add broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaves. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom – this is called de-glazing.
TIP: I used a can of diced tomatoes in place of higher-sugar tomato paste. It also helps balance out the richer flavor of using bone broth instead of regular beef broth.
TIP: If you like, you can add 1/2 cup red wine at the same step as the broth – some people consider red wine a must for beef stew. This will increase carb count though, and isn’t absolutely necessary. I skipped it for my stew to make it more kid friendly, too.
- Boil the easy low carb beef stew. Bring the stew to a boil and reduce heat. Cove and let it simmer until the beef is tender.
TIP: Simmering beef stew will take a while, at least 45-60 minutes, and it’s not a problem if you let it simmer for longer. Not to worry – you don’t have to stand by the stove, so this is a good time to meal prep other dishes or do something else around the house.
- Add celery root. When the beef is tender, add in the celery root and cook until tender.
TIP: We add the celery root at this later step so that it doesn’t get too mushy. It takes about 15-20 minutes to get soft, similar to boiling potatoes.
- Serve your healthy beef stew. Remove bay leaves from the beef stew keto recipe and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Is Beef Stew Healthy?
Yes, this easy homemade beef stew is healthy! It’s made with beef chuck stew meat, onion, carrots, garlic, celery root, beef bone broth, and diced tomatoes.
So much good stuff and just 11 grams net carbs in this hearty and satisfying low carb beef stew. While that is a bit more carbs than some keto soup recipes, it’s not bad for a hearty dinner that feels like a carb lover’s soup!
How To Thicken Beef Stew
This beef stew keto recipe doesn’t need any thickeners! It thickened up really nicely all on its own.
But, if you want it more of the consistency of gravy, you can add some gelatin. Here is how to do that after your keto stew is done cooking:
- In a medium bowl, sprinkle 1 tbsp gelatin over 1/3 cup water and let sit to bloom for 2-3 minutes.
- Ladle 1 cup hot liquid from the soup and whisk into the gelatin mixture until dissolved.
- Stir the gelatin mixture back into the pot of soup.
Can You Make Healthy Beef Stew Ahead?
Yes, you can definitely make this healthy beef stew recipe ahead. Most soups and stews taste even better the day after they have been made and this one is no exception!
Simply let it cool completely, and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Microwave or heat on the stove top until hot, once you’re ready to eat.
Can You Freeze Easy Beef Stew?
Yes, this recipe for keto beef stew freezes very well! Let it cool completely and then place in the freezer in a freezer bag or airtight container.
TIP: If you freeze your low carb stew in a bag, lay it flat in the freezer. Once it’s solid, you can store it vertically for easier access.
Let it thaw out overnight in the refrigerator and then heat in the microwave or stove top until hot. Serve!
What To Serve With Keto Beef Stew
This beef stew keto recipe is a meal-in-a-bowl, but if you’d like a veggie or bread side to go along with it, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few keto low carb side dishes to try:
- Keto Mashed Cauliflower – If you love your healthy beef stew with mashed potatoes, try this mashed cauliflower recipe for a low carb – but just as tasty – alternative.
- Italian Marinated Artichoke Salad – This bright salad is a fresh addition to hearty stew.
- Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts – This simple side dish is great for fall and winter dishes.
- 5-Ingredient Keto Bread – The easiest way to ensure you don’t leave a single drop of low carb beef stew in the bowl!
Tools To Make Low Carb Beef Stew
Tap the links below to see the items used to make this recipe.
- Vegetable Peeler – A veggie peeler makes the vegetable prep for this low carb beef stew recipe easy!
- Dutch Oven – A sturdy dutch oven is helpful for keto stew meat recipes, this one is my favorite. Functional and gorgeous!
- Soup Bowls with Handles – These bowls are the perfect way to serve your quick and easy beef stew.
Easy Keto Beef Stew Recipe:
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Easy Low Carb Keto Beef Stew Recipe
This easy keto beef stew recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep, with a secret ingredient that tastes like potatoes. Low carb beef stew is rich and hearty - without the carbs!
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Season the beef with salt and pepper. (It will be a light amount because the broth will be salty.)
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Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large dutch oven over medium heat. Add the beef in a single layer. (Work in batches if you can't get the beef in a single layer on the bottom of the pan.) Sear for about 8-10 minutes total per batch, moving only every few minutes after each side has well browned. Remove the beef and set aside on a plate.
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Heat another tablespoon of oil in the same dutch oven. Add the onions and carrots. Saute for about 10 minutes, until soft and lightly browned.
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Add the garlic and Italian seasoning. Saute for about a minute, until fragrant.
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Place the beef back into the dutch oven. Add the broth, diced tomatoes, and whole bay leaves. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
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Bring the beef stew to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 45-60 minutes, until beef is tender.
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Add the celery root. Increase heat to bring to a boil again. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, until tender.
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Remove the bay leaves. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
This low carb recipe was featured in the November 2020 Wholesome Yum Challenge! Learn more and join the challenge to enter this month's giveaway.
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71 Comments
Heather
Hi, I just wanted to say thanks for posting this recipe. My husband and mother in love do not like potato substitutes but when I gave them this they didn’t even know it wasn’t potato. They loved it. I was wondering if you have ever made “potato” hash using diced cooked celery root. If so wohld you mind sharing the recipe?
Wholesome Yum D
Hi Heather, That sounds great I will have to try it, in the meantime I have Cauliflower Hash Browns that are delicious!
Jennifer
Hi! I am making this today but want to make it in the slow cooker. I assume everything up to step 5 is the same – how long would you cook it for on low? Also, if I choose to use potatoes instead (I’m not eating keto right now), would I put them in with the beef, or add them towards the end? Thanks!
Wholesome Yum D
Hi Jennifer, I have never tested this recipe in the slow cooker. I think it would work though and would be fine on low for 3-4 hours. I would add the potatoes near the end of cooking so they don’t get soggy.
Paula
Hello how are you doing today? I’m doing good and one reason is I just made this recipe for my family and they enjoyed it immensely!!!!
Wholesome Yum D
Hi Paula, So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe!
Lisa
Hi, in the UK this is called celariac. Its nickname is the ugly vegetable because its root is very knarley. I hope this helps those whose area calls this the same. It is a very nice flavour and texture without the strong celery taste (yes they are related) happy eating people, fab site.
Susan
I have what is probably a stupid question, but in my 7 decades + of life I have never eaten celeriac. My question is, does celeriac have a significant celery flavor? I ask because I dislike celery intensely, and would probably do better using rutabaga as the veggie in this stew. I do realize that they are higher carb. Thanks.
Wholesome Yum D
Hi Susan, Celery root does have a slight celery taste so I would suggest rutabaga as a substitute if you do not like that flavor.
Mary Ann Shawmeker
I don’t see how to print recipe.
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Mary Ann, On the recipe card (just below the video for the recipe) there is a ‘Print’ button located on the right side.
Michelle Langan
Could I use Lamb chunks? If so, should I use Lamb stock too? Thanks beef stew was amazing and I am now obsessed with Celeriac!
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Michelle, Yes lamb would work great! Feel free to use either beef or lamb stock.
Olivia Walker
The instructions include turnips but the recipe ingredients do not.
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Olivia, The recipe actually includes celery root. 1 pound cubed is needed for this stew. Enjoy!
Robert
Hi one question….do you cover while simmering for an hour. The recipe says just simmer for 45 min to an hour. Then add CR and cover to simmer for 15 min.
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Robert, Great question. I let it simmer for about an hour uncovered. After adding the celery root, I cover and let simmer for an additional 15 minutes. This allows the celery root to fully cook through. Enjoy!
Rachelle
Omg!!! Best beef stew ever!!!!
I wasn’t sure about celery root, as i dislike the taste of celery. But, you couldn’t taste celery much at all. And the texture, you would swear it was potatoes.
I will definitely make this again, maybe add some green beans
Wendy Lewis
My husband loves radishes and wants to know if we can add radish in to the beef stew in order to get some kind of flavour or look of potato ?
I also had to substitute Rutabaga instead of celery root. I’m wondering if the rutabaga will give it the potato he’s looking for and to not use Radishes. Wendy
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Wendy, Either radishes or rutabaga will work well in the recipe. Both options are very potato-like, so it’s just a matter of personal preference.
Tammy
Thank you so much for this recipe! It was amazing! Celery root…who knew?!?
Catherine
Just finished dinner. Thank you!! I only added a few mushrooms to the recipe. Delicious! Even my husband, the picky eater, said he prefers potatoes, but this was good, too. Win! My guys had dinner rolls with theirs. I was fine with just the stew. Later I’m having your coconut cream pie!
Mimi
I really enjoyed this stew but could not find any celery root so I cut some big bite size pieces of a small cauliflower and put them in a microwave safe bowl with 1/8 cup of water or less and added a little salt and pepper and some garlic powder and 1 tsp. of Italian spices with a Tlbsp. of butter. Then I heated them in the microwave on full power for 6 minutes and stiiring them every 2 minutes. When they were fork tender I added them to the beef stew in place of the celery root.
It worked well for me and I’m so glad I was able to substitute for another healthiy alternative to potatoes with less carbs!
Thanks for the recipe …
My family really enjoyed it!!! It was really satisfying and yummy!
HALEY
I was wondering if you could use rutabaga instead of pototatoes?
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Haley, This recipe doesn’t use potatoes, it’s actually celery root. Yes, rutabaga will work too!
Tammy
This hit the spot…I used radishes (needed to use) in place of the celery root.
Lacey
This was one of best beef stew dishes I’ve ever tasted in life! I didn’t have the celery root so I added a bag of frozen mixed veggies instead. ABSOLUTELY Delicious… my Picky kids ate it all and now I want to make it again the very next day!! Soooo flavorful with depth … perfect fur a cold November day! Thank you!!! Love your recipes!
Gail Ouellette
Great recipe! I made this tonight for the family (who is not keto/low carb) and they LOVED it. They did not even question the lack of potatoes. I have always enjoyed stew and have missed/felt left out because I could not have the potatoes. The celery root really is a game-changer! Thank you, Maya, for another great recipe
Stacy
I really liked this recipe and more importantly so did my picky family! The broth was so flavorful. I did add a splash of worcestershire. I was a little worried about the family’s reaction to the celery root and they did notice the slight spicy ness, but thought it was fine. I loved that the texture was a spot on substitute for potato. And, they held up the next day for leftovers and by then, it was practically impossible to tell they weren’t potato’s. This was exactly what I have been craving since the weather turned cooler!
Les'a Cole
Sounds very yummy! Can it be made in the instant pot?
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Les, Use the saute function for steps 2-5. For step 6, turn the saute function off and place the lid on your Instant Pot. Cook at high pressure for 20 minutes. Quick-release the steam. Remove the lid and add the celery root. Turn the saute function back on and let it cook for a final 15 minutes, or until the celery root is fork-tender.
Rayna
This beef stew is absolutely delish! It has so much flavor that it fills you up instantly. Keeps you satisfied for the rest of the night, if eating it for dinner. Definitely work making, if you are on the fence. I have never had celery root & was on the fence about it. I am so glad I tried this!
Valerie
I made this beef stew and it was amazing. I substituted swede/rutebaga for the tomatoes and it worked great. I have never tasted celery root before ( didn’t even know what it looked like lol!) We had broccoli as a side and a couple of small slices of homemade keto sourdough bread. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will definately make this again.
Megan
This beef stew recipe was really good. I wasn’t able to get the celery root, so I left it out. It was still good but would probably have been better with the celery root. I’ll get it for next time. Beef stew is one of my all-time faves. Thanks for the recipes đŸ™‚
LISA J BROYLES
Very good. Substituted celery sticks for celery root. Might try turnip or rutabaga next time
Kayla
How would you do this in the crockpot? Or more specifically, when would you add the celery root since you wait to add it while making it on the stove? Thank you!!
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Kayla, You could reserve the celery root and add to the crockpot for the last hour of cooking. This will prevent it from becoming too mushy in the stew. Enjoy!
Pamela Martinez
I couldn’t find celery root, so I subbed turnips instead. It was fantastic! Next time I may try it in the crock pot, just because I felt like I had to babysit the stew the whole time. But, my kiddos demand my attention when they find me occupied. lol
Karen
Can you please post an instant pot version of this recipe?
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Karen, Use the saute function for steps 2-5. For step 6, turn the saute function off and place the lid on your Instant Pot. Cook at high pressure for 20 minutes. Quick-release the steam. Remove the lid and add the celery root. Turn the saute function back on and let it cook for a final 15 minutes, or until the celery root is fork-tender.
Casie
I really enjoyed this stew. It was so easy to make, and it tasted so yummy! My family members don’t eat low carb, and I didn’t have access to celery root, so I subbed regular russet potatoes and just didn’t eat them.
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Casie, I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Keep in mind that the starch from the potatoes will impact the whole recipe, so your meal was likely higher carb than listed in the recipe, even if you didn’t eat the potatoes themselves.
Jessica G
Is there something you can recommend in place of celery root? I can’t find that in any of the stores near me.
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Jessica, Radishes, jicama, or cauliflower florets will all work well in place of the celery root. Cook times will vary for each of these veggies, so be sure to test them for doneness before enjoying your stew.
Heather Ross
This was really hearty and just what we were looking for. My local Sprouts Has been out of celery root for the last couple of weeks so I used radishes in place and they were wonderful. I also found a tomato paste that was no salt added and it had 4 g of carbs in 1 g of sugar so net carbs was three. I like using tomato paste rather than diced tomatoes and I feel like this was a really good find.
Goldie
Very tasty! I used celery instead of the root because that what I have. It was still delicious. My husband liked it and this would be my go to recipe if I want to have a hearty, healthy, keto friendly meal.
Veronika
Great recipe! Btw, you could use chayote, we Mexicans use it in our caldos ( soups & stews). It’s a type of squash but tastes very similar to potato as well as in texture and only half the carbs 6g for 1 cup! Buen Provecho!
Martha Hagelin
Thank you for this tip!! I never knew how to use chayote! I’m going to try this.
Marlies
Also can you use parsnips instead of celery root?
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Marlies, Yes that will work fine.
Marlies
Do you have to use beef bone broth or can you use beef broth?
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Marlies, Use what you have. Bone broth is more healthful, but beef stock or broth is great too!
Megan
I can’t wait to make this. Will cutting the carrots out reduce the carbs?
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Megan, Yes, omitting the carrots will reduce the carbs. 1 Medium sized carrot is approximately 6 total carbs.
Linda Edmonds
This was delicious !! I hadn’t cooked with celery root before, and was excited to try this dish….perfect! A keeper for winter nights in Canada!
Cathy Phifer
Is there a recipe book with these low carb soup recipes I can buy, also the bread low carb?
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Cathy, I don’t have a soup book, but I do have a bread book! It’s part of the Wholesome Yum Keto Ebook Bundle.
Brenda Lim
Hi, What can you use instead of celery root? I haven’t found any Where I live. Thank you.
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Brenda, You could substitute a different low carb root vegetable, like a rutabaga, or just omit it entirely.
Monica Miltimore
This was fantastic! The best low carb stew recipe I’ve found.
Jennifer
My husband loves beef stew and he has been doing keto for about 5 months now…how would you thicken it? He is not a fan of runny (soup like) broths.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Jennifer, It actually already comes out pretty thick because of the celery root (it acts similar to potatoes), but I do have some tips in the post above on how to thicken it if you want it even thicker.
Molly Kumar
This is an absolute comfort food and so easy to make.
Fiorenza
I made it! And me and my family loved your recipe a lot.
We prefer the thick sauce, thus I thickened it by simply adding a bit of tomato paste becuase I has that one available
Thanks for sharing
Whitney
Beef stew is one of my favorite comfort foods! This healthy version is a perfect go-to!
Eileen
This is one flavorful stew. The celery root adds amazing flavor and is so hearty . This was a hit and we’ll add into our weekly rotation.
Christina
I love that this version is low carb! It’s perfect for chilly autumn days!
Kimberley Medina
Can you make this in the instant pot instead?
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Kimberly, Yes you can make this in an Instant Pot. Follow directions as written until step 6. Set up your IP to manual, high pressure for 30 minutes. Quick release and then add the celery root. Set to manual, high pressure for another 5 minutes. Quick release.
Amanda
This dc looks great! Do you think the celery root would also work well for a NE clam chowder in place of potatoes?
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Amanda, I have not personally tried that, but it sounds great! Please let us know if you decide to try it.