Hearty Beef and Celery Stew
A deeply savory stew with ground beef, celery, and a hint of thyme, simmered in bone broth for a satisfying keto dinner. This american-inspired soups (keto, low-carb) ready in about 45 minutes pairs olive oil, ground beef, celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 155 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup, diced celery
- 1/4 cup, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup, chopped zucchini
- 1/2 cup, chopped carrots
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook until browned, breaking into small pieces, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup diced celery, 1/4 cup diced onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 cups beef broth, 1 cup chopped zucchini, 1/2 cup chopped carrots, 1 bay leaf, and 1 tsp dried thyme. Bring to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- Step 5: Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with 2 tbsp fresh parsley.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hearty Beef and Celery Stew take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Hearty Beef and Celery Stew?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hearty Beef and Celery Stew?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Hearty Beef and Celery Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Hearty Beef and Celery Stew keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Easy to make and so satisfying. The whole family asked for seconds.
- ★★★★★
Delicious! The beef was tender and the celery added a nice touch.
- ★★★★★
My kids devoured this! So hearty and perfect for winter nights.
