Keto Beef Stew

Dive into the comforting world of homemade Keto Beef Stew, a satisfying dish that combines tender meat, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices for a meal that warms the soul.

This hearty stew is packed with tender chunks of beef, a variety of vegetables, and a savory broth that will warm you from the inside out. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to creating the ultimate beef stew.

Prepping the Ingredients

Vegetables

The first step in making this beef stew is preparing the vegetables. Start by taking some radishes, cutting off their tips, and slicing them in half. Next, grab a rutabaga, peel it, and chop it into one-inch pieces. Put both the radishes and rutabaga into a large bowl, then rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt. Set these aside as we move on to the other ingredients.

Beef

For the beef, select a quality cut and place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This firming process makes it easier to chop the beef into uniform, one-inch cubes. Once you’ve diced the beef, heat some olive oil in a cast iron skillet, and add the beef cubes. Season lightly with salt and pepper, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed. Brown the beef on all sides to achieve a nice color, then remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Onion

Take a medium-sized onion and chop it into one-inch pieces, similar to the other vegetables. The goal is for all components to be approximately the same size to ensure even cooking. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook it until browned, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Assembling the Stew

Slow Cooker Setup

Now, get your slow cooker or crockpot ready. For this recipe, set it to cook on low for about eight hours. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together wonderfully, producing a rich and hearty stew.

Adding Ingredients

Start by adding the browned beef cubes to the slow cooker, including any juices that have accumulated. Next, add the onions and some baby carrots. Follow this with your rinsed radishes and rutabaga.

Seasoning and Liquid

To the mix of veggies and meat, add about two tablespoons of tomato paste. This will help deepen the flavor of the stew. Then, sprinkle in some Italian seasoning, which includes oregano, marjoram, basil, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Additional seasonings include chili powder, paprika, and celery seed.

Dice up a few cloves of garlic and add them to the pot. Pour in some beef stock to cover the ingredients and mix everything to ensure it’s well coated with the liquid. To optimize the cooking process, consider placing the root vegetables at the bottom and layering the meat and onions on top, though this step isn’t critical.

Final Touches

Before closing the lid, don’t forget to add a few sprigs of rosemary and some bay leaves. At this point, you might also wish to include some celery for extra flavor. Give everything one last mix, then pop the lid on and let the slow cooker do its job.

Cooking the Stew

Midpoint Check

At the four-hour mark, take a moment to check on your stew. You’ll notice a significant amount of liquid as the vegetables and meat release their juices. Stir the stew, making sure to submerge all ingredients in the broth, and re-cover the slow cooker.

Thickening the Broth

At the seven-hour mark, you’ll have just an hour left of cooking. The broth will have developed a rich color, and the vegetables should be nearing full tenderness. At this point, remove about two ladles of liquid from the slow cooker and place it in the refrigerator to cool for about 10-15 minutes.

Once the broth has cooled, add one tablespoon of xanthan gum to it. Using a fork, mix thoroughly to eliminate any lumps. This mixture will act as a thickening agent for your stew. Pour this back into the slow cooker, stir well, and replace the lid for the final hour of cooking.

Final Result

After eight hours, your stew should be perfect. The beef will be fork-tender, and the vegetables perfectly cooked. The radishes and rutabaga serve as unique substitutes for traditional potatoes, adding an earthy flavor to the dish. The broth, thickened with xanthan gum, will have a delightful consistency, coating each component of the stew beautifully.

Serving Your Beef Stew

To serve, ladle the stew into large bowls and finish with a garnish of chopped parsley. This final touch adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish.

The stew’s flavor will have developed beautifully over the long cooking period, resulting in a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. If you prefer more vibrant-looking vegetables, you can par-cook them separately and add them to the stew about two hours before it’s done. This will help maintain their color and texture.

Enjoy this hearty beef stew on a cold day, and let its cozy flavors warm you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or comments about this recipe, feel free to share them below. Happy cooking!

Additional Tips

• Choosing the Beef: Opt for cuts like chuck roast or brisket for a stew that’s melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes.
• Storage: This stew stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days and can be frozen for up to three months. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair this stew with a crusty loaf of bread or over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Final Words

Thank you for following along with this beef stew recipe. The detailed steps ensure that each component is given the attention it deserves, resulting in a dish that’s rich in flavor and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is a surefire way to impress anyone at your table. Enjoy every delicious bite!