keto beef stew slow cooker low carb 2025

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When the weather cools down and life heats up, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of keto beef stew simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. Whether you’re juggling a packed weekday schedule or simply craving a hearty meal without the carb crash, this dish is like a cozy sweater for your taste buds—minus the gluten and with all the flavor.

This low carb, gluten free stew is the kind of recipe that reminds me of my grandmother’s slow-simmering magic—except with a modern, keto-friendly twist. It’s everything we love about comfort food, made easy for your busy lifestyle. And trust me, even your non-keto family members will be fighting for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Keto Beef Stew

Let’s be real—finding a keto beef stew that actually tastes like stew (and not some sad, watery bowl of meat bits) is harder than it should be. But this one? It checks all the boxes:

✅ Low carb and keto-approved
✅ Perfectly gluten free
✅ Made in the slow cooker—so minimal hands-on time
✅ Loaded with rich, savory flavor and tender beef
✅ It makes your whole house smell like a hug

Whether you’re doing keto for the long haul or just need a break from pasta night, this stew is here to warm your soul without weighing you down.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into making this flavorful stew. The ingredients are simple but powerful when they come together:

2 lb. beef chuck roast, cut into 1″ pieces
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into rounds (yes, a little carrot won’t wreck your carb count—promise)
2 stalks celery, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
6 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp. freshly chopped rosemary

Note: If you’re super strict with carbs, you can skip the carrot or swap it for chopped radish or turnip.

How to Make Keto Beef Stew in the Slow Cooker

Here’s how to get this comfort food classic on your table with minimal effort:

Browning beef in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker. — Browning the beef first adds incredible depth to the stew’s flavor.

1. Brown the beef.
Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. (Don’t skip this step—this is where the deep flavor starts!)

2. Sauté the veggies.
In the same pan, add mushrooms, onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring for another minute until fragrant.

Raw keto stew ingredients arranged in a slow cooker. — Once it’s all in the pot, the slow cooker does the rest—minimal hands-on time!

3. Load the slow cooker.
Transfer everything to your slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, then add thyme and rosemary. Give it a little stir and pop on the lid.

4. Cook low and slow.
Set your slow cooker to low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender and the stew is rich and flavorful.

5. Taste and serve.
Give it a final taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot. It’s fantastic on its own, but if you want something on the side, try it with a slice of keto almond flour bread or over mashed cauliflower!

Tips for the Perfect Low Carb Stew

Use a good cut of beef. Chuck roast is ideal—it breaks down beautifully in the slow cooker.
Don’t rush the browning. Browning the meat gives depth to your stew. Worth every minute.
Want it thicker? Stir in a little xanthan gum or let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes after slow cooking.
Meal prep bonus: This stew gets even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Keto beef stew served with keto bread and rosemary garnish. — Pair your stew with low carb bread for a fully satisfying keto-friendly meal.

A Little Family Story

This stew became a regular in our house after one especially rainy weekend. I tossed it all in the slow cooker before heading to my son’s soccer game (in a downpour, of course). We came home soaked and starving—and let me tell you, walking into a house that smells like rosemary and beefy heaven? Instant mood boost. My kids went from hangry to happy in one bowl.

👉 If you love hearty, slow-cooked meals like this, don’t miss my Boneless Beef Short Ribs Magic recipe—another comforting dinner that’s perfect for cozy nights.

FAQs About Keto Beef Stew

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better the next day. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Is this really low carb with carrots?

Yes—in moderation. One carrot in a whole pot adds minimal net carbs per serving. But you can leave it out or swap for turnips if you prefer.

What’s a good thickener for keto stew?

Xanthan gum is a great low carb thickening option. Just sprinkle in a tiny bit at the end and stir.

Can I freeze this stew?

Totally! Let it cool, then store in freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 3 months.

When life feels a little chaotic (or just a bit chilly), this keto beef stew is here to wrap you in comfort—no gluten, no carbs, no fuss. Just spoonful after spoonful of slow-cooked goodness. So next time you’re wondering what to toss in the slow cooker before work, let this be your go-to.

Now go ahead—grab your slow cooker, throw on your comfiest socks, and let this stew work its magic. 💛