Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List
- My Keto Beef Stew Recipe Has A Secret Ingredient That Tastes Like Potatoes
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How To Make Keto Beef Stew
- My Recipe Tips
- Keto Beef Stew Recipe card
- Serving Ideas
- Recipe Reviews
My Keto Beef Stew Recipe Has A Secret Ingredient That Tastes Like Potatoes

I had one main challenge when I tried to create this keto beef stew : how do I get that hearty, starchy bite and thick, cozy texture without actual potatoes? For a while, I thought it just wasn’t possible on keto. But then I stumbled on a secret ingredient that changed everything. It looked, cooked, and even tasted surprisingly similar to potatoes. Here’s why this recipe turned out amazing with it:
- All the classic comfort food texture – My low carb beef stew has tender, melt-in-your-mouth chunks of beef, a rich and thick broth, and yes, soft, fluffy pieces that taste like starchy potatoes. If I hadn’t tasted it, I would have thought it’s too good to be true.
- Easy one-pot meal – Although this recipe simmers on the stove for a while, most of the time is hands-off. And I love that my entire dinner comes together in the same pot.
- Keto friendly – While the net carbs in this dish are a bit higher than some of my other keto recipes , I’ve always been able to fit it into my macros if I made it my highest carb meal of the day.
- Feel good ingredients – In addition to being low carb, this keto stew is naturally gluten-free, and packed with protein and veggies in soothing bone broth. I feel so good after eating it.
If you need something warm and comforting on a cold day that will also make your house smell amazing, you just found it. Make it with me!

“I made this today for supper and it was awesome. I was a little nervous about the celery root, but trust me when I say, it was like eating a potato. It was delicious. This will be my new go-to beef stew recipe.” –Darlene
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my keto beef stew recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .
- Beef Chuck Stew Meat – If you can’t find pre-cut beef stew meat, you could use a whole beef chuck roast, which I sometimes see labeled “ pot roast ” at the store. Just cut it into 1 inch cubes.
- Aromatics – A.k.a. onions and garlic ! I’ve made this keto stew with white and yellow onions at different times. Note that sweet onion is a bit higher in carbs. If you need a shortcut, feel free to use 2 teaspoons jarred minced garlic in place of fresh.
- Carrots – Peel and cut carrots into thick circles. Carrots are not very keto friendly on their own, but the small amount in this recipe works for me. If you don’t want to use them, I find bell peppers make a nice substitute.
- Celery Root – The secret ingredient in my keto beef stew recipe! This root veggie is low in carbs, and has the texture of potatoes once it’s soft and tender. I find it in the produce section in my local grocery store. (You can also make celery root soup with it, which is my dupe of loaded potato soup). For the stew, you’ll get about 1 pound peeled, cubed celery root from 1.5 pounds celery root with stems and peel — the perfect amount for this dish. If you can’t find celery root, you can swap in rutabaga , turnips , or radishes . You can also use cauliflower or other low carb vegetables , but the simmer time for that step will be shorter.
- Beef Bone Broth – I love bone broth for keto soups and stews because it adds rich flavor and can also help avoid keto flu ! But, I’ve also used regular beef broth in this recipe and it was still good.
- Diced Tomatoes – I used a can of diced tomatoes in place of the higher-sugar tomato paste I often see in stews. It also helps balance out the richer flavor of bone broth.
- Seasonings – I add Italian seasoning and bay leaves for flavor, plus sea salt and black pepper .
- Olive Oil – For sauteing. Other heat-safe oils, such as avocado oil, also work.

How To Make Keto Beef Stew
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .
- Peel and cut the celery root. I chop off the top and bottom first, because this makes peeling easier. 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, then line those up in a stack and cut into strips. Finally, cut the strips in the opposite direction to make small cubes.

- Sear the beef. Season it with salt and pepper, then sear it in a large Dutch oven with some olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook just until browned.

- Saute the veggies. Heat more oil in the same Dutch oven. Saute the onions and carrots, until soft and lightly browned. Add the garlic and Italian seasoning, and cook until they smell amazing.
- Deglaze the pot. Return the beef back to the Dutch oven. Add the broth, diced tomatoes, and whole bay leaves. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Simmer the keto beef stew. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer until the beef is tender.
- Cook the celery root. Add it to the pot, bring to a boil again, and simmer until tender. Once the keto beef stew is done, remove the bay leaves, and adjust salt and pepper to your taste. I like a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish, as shown below.
- Finish. Remove bay leaves. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.
My Recipe Tips
- Don’t crowd the meat or move it too much when searing. It won’t brown nicely if your pot is crowded or if you stir constantly. So, cook in batches if your beef pieces don’t all fit in a single layer, and move them only when it’s time to flip.
- If you like red wine in your beef stew, you can add 1/2 cup at the same step as the broth. This will increase carb count, and I recommend a dry red wine to limit the carbs and sugar. I skipped it for my stew and thought it was plenty flavorful without the wine.
- Simmer for long enough to get the beef fall-apart tender. The timing can vary depending on the size of the beef pieces, your pot, and even your stove. Check with a fork that the beef is very tender.
- Don’t add celery root too soon. I add it later rather than with the beef, so it doesn’t get too much. In my experience it takes about the same amount of time as potatoes, although some readers told me it takes longer for them.
- How to make this keto beef stew thicker: Honestly, it thickens on its own from the celery root, but if you want a super thick consistency (like keto gravy ), you can add gelatin. When I tried this, I bloomed 1 tablespoon of gelatin in 1/3 cup water, whisked with 1 cup of hot liquid from the stew, then stirred it back in. For other thickeners, check out my list of cornstarch substitutes .
Recipe Video
Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.
- 2 lb Beef chuck stew meat (cut into 1-inch pieces) ▢
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
- 2 tbsp Olive oil (divided) ▢
- 1 medium Onion (diced) ▢
- 2 medium Carrots (peeled, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick-circles) ▢
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning ▢
- 1 lb Celery root (weight peeled & cubed; from ~1.5 lb with peel and stems) ▢
- 6 cups Beef bone broth ▢
- 1 14.5-oz can Diced tomatoes ▢
- 2 medium Bay leaves ▢
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
- In a large bowl, season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. (It will be a light amount because the broth will be salty.)
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the garlic and Italian seasoning. Saute for about a minute, until fragrant.
- Place the beef back into the pot. Add the broth, diced tomatoes, and whole bay leaves. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Bring the keto beef stew to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes , until beef is tender.
- Add the celery root. Increase heat to bring to a boil again. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes , until tender.
- Remove the bay leaves. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.
Did You Like It?
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Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best sear on your beef, balance flavors, and avoid mushy veggies!
- Storage: Let it cool, then keep in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Meal Prep: This keto beef stew tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance.
- Reheat: Warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in zip lock bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Freezer Meal System !
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .
Add Your NotesYour Notes
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.
Easy Low Carb Keto Beef Stew Recipe
Serving Ideas
I consider this keto stew already a meal-in-a-bowl, but here are a few ways you can round out the meal if you like:
- Keto Bread – The easiest way to ensure you don’t leave a single drop of low carb beef stew in the bowl is to pair it with a side of keto bread , keto garlic bread , keto biscuits , or keto breadsticks from my Easy Keto Cookbook !
- Salad – Make it a soup and salad combo with my red cabbage salad or keto broccoli salad on the side.
- Mash – If you miss beef stew over mashed potatoes, try my mashed cauliflower recipe for a low carb (but just as tasty) alternative.

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List
- Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
- The Basic Keto Meal Formula
- Understanding Macros
- Keto Food Swaps
- Keto Food List
- Electrolyte Basics
- Keto Diet Types
- Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
- Recipe Reviews
Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.
You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).
Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:
- Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
- Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
- Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
- Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
- Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
- Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
- Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
- Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
- FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.
Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)
The Basic Keto Meal Formula
Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.
Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.
Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.
| Pick A Protein | Pick A Veggie | Add Fat |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Chicken Pork Eggs Lamb Turkey Fish Shellfish Protein powder Venison | Cauliflower Broccoli Zucchini Leafy Greens Cucumbers Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Asparagus Radishes Bell Peppers Jicama Celery | Butter Avocado Oil Cheese Bacon Avocado Lard Ghee Mayo Nuts MCT Oil |
Understanding Macros
Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.
You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.
Carbs Are A Limit.
Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.
A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.
“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.
A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.
Protein Is A Goal.
Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].
“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.
Fat Is A Lever.
Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.
A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).
Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.
Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.
“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.
Keto Food Swaps
One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.
So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .
Keto Swaps For Breakfast
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Pancakes | Almond flour pancakes or coconut flour pancakes |
| Oatmeal | Keto oatmeal with hemp seeds |
| Cinnamon rolls | Fathead cinnamon rolls |
| Cereal | Keto nut granola |
| Muffins | Almond flour muffins or coconut flour muffins |
| Donuts | Almond flour donuts |
| Scones | Almond flour scones |
| High-sugar smoothies | Smoothie with berries or avocado |
| Hash browns | Cauliflower hash browns |
| Breakfast casserole | Breakfast casserole with no potatoes |
| Egg whites | Whole eggs |
| Turkey bacon | Bacon |
| Waffles | Chaffles |

Keto Swaps For Bread
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Bagels | Fathead bagels |
| English muffin | Almond flour English muffin |
| White bread | Keto white bread |
| Multigrain bread | Coconut flour bread with seeds |
| Tortillas for wraps | Coconut flour tortillas |
| Corn taco shells | Cheddar cheese taco shells |
| Burger buns | Oopsie rolls , portobello mushroom caps |
| Breadsticks | Cauliflower breadsticks |
| Biscuits | Almond flour biscuits |
| Cornbread | Almond flour cornbread |
| Croutons | Parmesan crisps |
| Rice | Cauliflower rice , konjac rice |

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Breaded wings | Crispy air fryer wings (unbreaded) |
| Low-fat meat & poultry | High-fat cuts, or cook low-fat cuts with fat |
| Mashed potatoes | Mashed cauliflower |
| Roasted potatoes | Roasted or fried radishes |
| Tacos | Taco salad |
| Pizza | Fathead crust , chicken crust , or cauliflower crust pizza |
| Lasagna | Eggplant lasagna |
| Potato salad | Cauliflower “potato” salad |
| French fries | Jicama , rutabaga , or zucchini fries |
| Tater tots | Cauliflower tots |
| Wraps | Lettuce wraps , almond flour tortillas |
| Sushi | Naruto-style or homemade rice-free sushi |
| Breaded chicken or fish | Breaded cuts with almond flour or pork rinds |
| Spaghetti | Zoodles , spaghetti squash , shirataki noodles, kelp noodles |

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Nachos | Cheese crisps |
| High-sugar fruit | Berries & other keto fruits |
| Crackers | Almond flour crackers |
| Hummus | Cauliflower hummus |
| Soft pretzels | Fathead pretzels |
| Popcorn | Puffed cheese |
| Granola bars | Grain-free granola bars |
| Jam | Sugar-free berry chia jam |
| Sweet fruity yogurt | Full-fat plain Greek yogurt with berries |
| Sweet salad dressing | Ranch , blue cheese , or plain vinaigrette |
| Ketchup | Mustard and/or sugar-free ketchup |
| BBQ sauce | Sugar-free BBQ sauce |
| Sweetened peanut butter | Natural, sugar-free nut butters |
| Light mayo | Avocado oil mayo |
| Maple syrup | Sugar-free, maple flavored syrup |
| Potato chips | Zucchini chips , pepperoni chips , pork rinds |

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Sugar | Monk fruit or allulose |
| Powdered sugar | Powdered monk fruit or allulose |
| White flour | Almond or Coconut flour (use in tested recipes) |
| Making baked goods soft/chewy | Xanthan gum, flax seed meal, psyllium husk powder |
| Breadcrumbs | Pork rinds or almond flour |
| Margarine | Butter, coconut oil, or ghee |
| Vegetable oil | Olive or avocado oil |
| Bananas | Banana extract |
| Chocolate chips | Sugar-free chocolate chips |
| Cornstarch or flour roux | Xanthan gum or gelatin powder (used at the end) |
| Simple syrup | Dissolve monk fruit allulose blend in water over heat |

Keto Swaps For Drinks
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Lemonade | Water with lemon |
| Soda | Flavored sparkling water |
| Milk | Almond milk, coconut milk, heavy cream |
| Latte | Butter coffee |
| Coffee creamer | Heavy cream |
| Sweet wine | Dry wine |
| Beer | Ultra light beer |
| Mixed drinks | Hard liquor with soda + lemon |
If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List
When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.
The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto
- Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
- Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
- Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
- Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
- Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
- Avocados
- Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
- Almond flour and coconut flour
- Eggs
- Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.
Foods To Avoid On Keto
- White flour & sugar
- Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
- Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
- Cereal
- Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
- Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
- Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
- Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
- Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
- Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.
That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)
Electrolyte Basics
Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.
For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .
The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.
Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:
| Sodium | Magnesium | Potassium |
|---|---|---|
| Bone broth Boullion cubes Bacon Salted nuts Pickles | Seaweed Seeds Nuts Avocado Leafy greens | Potassium chloride Avocado Bone broth Spinach Broccoli Mushrooms Beef Pork |
Keto Diet Types
People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.
Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.
Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!
- Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
- Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
- Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
- Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.
For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!
Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:
- Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
- Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
- Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
- Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
- Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
- Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
- Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
- Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
- FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)
Keto Beef Stew

My easy keto beef stew recipe has fall-apart tender beef, thick broth, and a secret ingredient that tastes like potatoes. So comforting!
Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/easy-low-carb-keto-beef-stew-recipe/
Ingredients
- 2 lb Beef chuck stew meat (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive oil (divided)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 2 medium Carrots (peeled, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick-circles)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 lb Celery root (weight peeled & cubed; from ~1.5 lb with peel and stems)
- 6 cups Beef bone broth
- 1 14.5-oz can Diced tomatoes
- 2 medium Bay leaves
Instructions
- In a large bowl, season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. (It will be a light amount because the broth will be salty.)
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the garlic and Italian seasoning. Saute for about a minute, until fragrant.
- Place the beef back into the pot. Add the broth, diced tomatoes, and whole bay leaves. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Bring the keto beef stew to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes , until beef is tender.
- Add the celery root. Increase heat to bring to a boil again. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes , until tender.
- Remove the bay leaves. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best sear on your beef, balance flavors, and avoid mushy veggies!
- Storage: Let it cool, then keep in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Meal Prep: This keto beef stew tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance.
- Reheat: Warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in zip lock bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Freezer Meal System !
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)
Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List
- My Keto Beef Stew Recipe Has A Secret Ingredient That Tastes Like Potatoes
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How To Make Keto Beef Stew
- My Recipe Tips
- Keto Beef Stew Recipe card
- Serving Ideas
- Recipe Reviews
My Keto Beef Stew Recipe Has A Secret Ingredient That Tastes Like Potatoes

I had one main challenge when I tried to create this keto beef stew : how do I get that hearty, starchy bite and thick, cozy texture without actual potatoes? For a while, I thought it just wasn’t possible on keto. But then I stumbled on a secret ingredient that changed everything. It looked, cooked, and even tasted surprisingly similar to potatoes. Here’s why this recipe turned out amazing with it:
- All the classic comfort food texture – My low carb beef stew has tender, melt-in-your-mouth chunks of beef, a rich and thick broth, and yes, soft, fluffy pieces that taste like starchy potatoes. If I hadn’t tasted it, I would have thought it’s too good to be true.
- Easy one-pot meal – Although this recipe simmers on the stove for a while, most of the time is hands-off. And I love that my entire dinner comes together in the same pot.
- Keto friendly – While the net carbs in this dish are a bit higher than some of my other keto recipes , I’ve always been able to fit it into my macros if I made it my highest carb meal of the day.
- Feel good ingredients – In addition to being low carb, this keto stew is naturally gluten-free, and packed with protein and veggies in soothing bone broth. I feel so good after eating it.
If you need something warm and comforting on a cold day that will also make your house smell amazing, you just found it. Make it with me!

“I made this today for supper and it was awesome. I was a little nervous about the celery root, but trust me when I say, it was like eating a potato. It was delicious. This will be my new go-to beef stew recipe.” –Darlene
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Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my keto beef stew recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .
- Beef Chuck Stew Meat – If you can’t find pre-cut beef stew meat, you could use a whole beef chuck roast, which I sometimes see labeled “ pot roast ” at the store. Just cut it into 1 inch cubes.
- Aromatics – A.k.a. onions and garlic ! I’ve made this keto stew with white and yellow onions at different times. Note that sweet onion is a bit higher in carbs. If you need a shortcut, feel free to use 2 teaspoons jarred minced garlic in place of fresh.
- Carrots – Peel and cut carrots into thick circles. Carrots are not very keto friendly on their own, but the small amount in this recipe works for me. If you don’t want to use them, I find bell peppers make a nice substitute.
- Celery Root – The secret ingredient in my keto beef stew recipe! This root veggie is low in carbs, and has the texture of potatoes once it’s soft and tender. I find it in the produce section in my local grocery store. (You can also make celery root soup with it, which is my dupe of loaded potato soup). For the stew, you’ll get about 1 pound peeled, cubed celery root from 1.5 pounds celery root with stems and peel — the perfect amount for this dish. If you can’t find celery root, you can swap in rutabaga , turnips , or radishes . You can also use cauliflower or other low carb vegetables , but the simmer time for that step will be shorter.
- Beef Bone Broth – I love bone broth for keto soups and stews because it adds rich flavor and can also help avoid keto flu ! But, I’ve also used regular beef broth in this recipe and it was still good.
- Diced Tomatoes – I used a can of diced tomatoes in place of the higher-sugar tomato paste I often see in stews. It also helps balance out the richer flavor of bone broth.
- Seasonings – I add Italian seasoning and bay leaves for flavor, plus sea salt and black pepper .
- Olive Oil – For sauteing. Other heat-safe oils, such as avocado oil, also work.

How To Make Keto Beef Stew
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .
- Peel and cut the celery root. I chop off the top and bottom first, because this makes peeling easier. 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, then line those up in a stack and cut into strips. Finally, cut the strips in the opposite direction to make small cubes.

- Sear the beef. Season it with salt and pepper, then sear it in a large Dutch oven with some olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook just until browned.

- Saute the veggies. Heat more oil in the same Dutch oven. Saute the onions and carrots, until soft and lightly browned. Add the garlic and Italian seasoning, and cook until they smell amazing.
- Deglaze the pot. Return the beef back to the Dutch oven. Add the broth, diced tomatoes, and whole bay leaves. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Simmer the keto beef stew. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer until the beef is tender.
- Cook the celery root. Add it to the pot, bring to a boil again, and simmer until tender. Once the keto beef stew is done, remove the bay leaves, and adjust salt and pepper to your taste. I like a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish, as shown below.
- Finish. Remove bay leaves. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.
My Recipe Tips
- Don’t crowd the meat or move it too much when searing. It won’t brown nicely if your pot is crowded or if you stir constantly. So, cook in batches if your beef pieces don’t all fit in a single layer, and move them only when it’s time to flip.
- If you like red wine in your beef stew, you can add 1/2 cup at the same step as the broth. This will increase carb count, and I recommend a dry red wine to limit the carbs and sugar. I skipped it for my stew and thought it was plenty flavorful without the wine.
- Simmer for long enough to get the beef fall-apart tender. The timing can vary depending on the size of the beef pieces, your pot, and even your stove. Check with a fork that the beef is very tender.
- Don’t add celery root too soon. I add it later rather than with the beef, so it doesn’t get too much. In my experience it takes about the same amount of time as potatoes, although some readers told me it takes longer for them.
- How to make this keto beef stew thicker: Honestly, it thickens on its own from the celery root, but if you want a super thick consistency (like keto gravy ), you can add gelatin. When I tried this, I bloomed 1 tablespoon of gelatin in 1/3 cup water, whisked with 1 cup of hot liquid from the stew, then stirred it back in. For other thickeners, check out my list of cornstarch substitutes .
Recipe Video
Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.
- 2 lb Beef chuck stew meat (cut into 1-inch pieces) ▢
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
- 2 tbsp Olive oil (divided) ▢
- 1 medium Onion (diced) ▢
- 2 medium Carrots (peeled, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick-circles) ▢
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning ▢
- 1 lb Celery root (weight peeled & cubed; from ~1.5 lb with peel and stems) ▢
- 6 cups Beef bone broth ▢
- 1 14.5-oz can Diced tomatoes ▢
- 2 medium Bay leaves ▢
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
- In a large bowl, season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. (It will be a light amount because the broth will be salty.)
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the garlic and Italian seasoning. Saute for about a minute, until fragrant.
- Place the beef back into the pot. Add the broth, diced tomatoes, and whole bay leaves. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Bring the keto beef stew to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes , until beef is tender.
- Add the celery root. Increase heat to bring to a boil again. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes , until tender.
- Remove the bay leaves. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.
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Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best sear on your beef, balance flavors, and avoid mushy veggies!
- Storage: Let it cool, then keep in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Meal Prep: This keto beef stew tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance.
- Reheat: Warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in zip lock bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Freezer Meal System !
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .
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Easy Low Carb Keto Beef Stew Recipe
Serving Ideas
I consider this keto stew already a meal-in-a-bowl, but here are a few ways you can round out the meal if you like:
- Keto Bread – The easiest way to ensure you don’t leave a single drop of low carb beef stew in the bowl is to pair it with a side of keto bread , keto garlic bread , keto biscuits , or keto breadsticks from my Easy Keto Cookbook !
- Salad – Make it a soup and salad combo with my red cabbage salad or keto broccoli salad on the side.
- Mash – If you miss beef stew over mashed potatoes, try my mashed cauliflower recipe for a low carb (but just as tasty) alternative.
