Imagine coming home after a long day to the incredible aroma of a rich, hearty beef stew simmering away, ready to be devoured. That dream is a reality with this incredibly simple Slow Cooker Keto Beef Stew! We’re swapping traditional potatoes for a surprising low-carb hero: radishes. Don’t worry, the slow cooking process transforms their peppery bite into a tender, mild flavor that’s remarkably similar to new potatoes. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that proves comfort food can be both effortless and healthy.
Ingredients
• 1¾ pounds / 800 g boneless chuck steak
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 10 ounces / 280 g radishes, peeled
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ white onion, diced
• 1 14.5-ounce / 400 g can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup / 240 ml heavy cream
• ½ cup / 120 ml all-natural salted chicken stock
• 2 teaspoons ground mustard
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef: Cut the chuck steak into 2-inch cubes. Pat the cubes dry with a paper towel for a perfect sear.
2. Sear for Flavor: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the steak cubes and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
3. Load the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker. Add the peeled radishes, minced garlic, diced onion, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken stock, and ground mustard.
4. Set It and Forget It: Stir all the together. Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 8 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender.
5. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, give the stew a good stir. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information
• (per serving)
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Fat: 42g
• Protein: 35g
• Net Carbohydrates: 8g
Pro Tips
• Don’t skip the sear! Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker creates a deep, caramelized flavor base that you can’t get from just slow cooking.
• For a thicker stew, create a slurry with 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum and 2 teaspoons of water. Stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• This stew freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months for a quick and easy future meal.
• Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables like mushrooms or celery along with the onion for extra flavor and nutrients.
FAQ
Q: Why use radishes instead of potatoes in this beef stew
A: Radishes are a fantastic low-carb, keto-friendly substitute for potatoes. The slow cooking process transforms their peppery bite, making them tender and mild with a texture very similar to new potatoes.
Q: Is it necessary to sear the beef before slow cooking
A: Yes, searing the beef is a crucial step for flavor. Browning the meat creates a deep, caramelized base that you can’t achieve from slow cooking alone. Don’t skip this step for the richest tasting stew.
Q: How can I make my keto beef stew thicker
A: To thicken the stew, you can use a xanthan gum slurry. Simply whisk together 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum with 2 teaspoons of water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Q: Can I freeze this slow cooker beef stew
A: Yes, this stew freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months for a convenient meal later.
