Craving the ultimate comfort food without the carbs? This Creamy Keto Instant Pot Lamb Stew is your answer! Tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb and hearty vegetables swim in a luxuriously rich and creamy sauce, all coming together in a fraction of the time thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. It’s a decadent, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for a chilly evening or whenever you need a truly nourishing and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
• For the Stew
• 1 lb / 450g lamb neck, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup / 125g cauliflower, chopped into small florets
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 whole garlic head
• ¼ cup / 15g fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 cup / 240ml heavy cream
• ½ cup / 113g cream cheese, softened
• 4 tbsp / 57g butter
• 2 tbsp / 30ml olive oil or avocado oil
• For the Spices
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function on high heat. Add the oil. Once shimmering, add the chopped lamb neck and sear for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. This step builds incredible flavor! Press “Cancel”.
3. Add the chopped cauliflower, celery, red bell pepper, and the whole head of garlic to the pot with the seared lamb. Sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, then stir everything together to combine.
4. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the steam release handle is in the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 25 minutes on high pressure.
5. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid away from your face.
6. Remove the whole garlic head. Stir in the butter until it has completely melted into the hot stew.
7. Allow the stew to cool for a few minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese and heavy cream together until smooth. Slowly stir this cream mixture into the stew until it’s fully incorporated and velvety. This prevents the cream from curdling.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving
• Calories: 411
• Total Fats: 32g
• Net Carbs: 5.8g
• Protein: 24.4g
• Fiber: 1.1g
Pro Tips
• Don’t overcrowd the pot when searing the lamb; work in batches if necessary to ensure a deep, golden-brown crust on all sides for maximum flavor.
• For a milder, sweeter garlic flavor, slice the top off the garlic head, drizzle with a little oil, and roast it in the oven or air fryer before adding it to the pot.
• To ensure a silky-smooth sauce, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature and whisk it with the heavy cream before slowly tempering it into the slightly cooled stew.
• If your stew isn’t as thick as you’d like, create a slurry with 1/2 tsp of xanthan gum and 1 tbsp of oil, then whisk it into the simmering stew until it thickens.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different cut of lamb for this stew
A: Yes, absolutely. While lamb neck provides amazing flavor, you can substitute it with other stewing cuts like lamb shoulder or boneless leg of lamb, cut into 1-inch cubes. The pressure cooking time should remain the same for tender, fall-apart meat.
Q: How can I make the stew thicker
A: If you prefer a thicker consistency, the easiest keto-friendly way is to use a xanthan gum slurry. Simply whisk 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum with 1 tablespoon of oil and stir it into the stew on the ‘Sauté’ setting until it thickens.
Q: My creamy sauce curdled, what went wrong
A: To prevent curdling, it’s crucial to temper the dairy. Allow the stew to cool for a few minutes after cooking. In a separate bowl, whisk the room-temperature cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth before slowly stirring the mixture into the slightly cooled stew. This gradual introduction prevents the dairy from splitting.
Q: What can I serve with this keto lamb stew
A: This hearty stew is a wonderful meal on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with cauliflower rice, steamed green beans, or a fresh garden salad to complete your delicious low-carb dinner.
