Set-And-Forget Keto Beef Stew with Zucchini and Mushrooms
Hearty slow-cooked beef stew enriched with fresh zucchini and earthy mushrooms, all simmered to tender perfection. This keto-inspired slow cooker (low carb) ready in about 475 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, beef broth, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms
- 2 cups diced zucchini
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown 2 lbs beef chuck cubes in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned; transfer to the slow cooker.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté 1 cup diced yellow onion, 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms, and 3 cloves minced garlic for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then transfer the mixture to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Step 4: Add 3 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the slow cooker; stir gently.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 7 hours, then add 2 cups diced zucchini and cook uncovered for an additional 30 minutes until zucchini is tender but not mushy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Set-And-Forget Keto Beef Stew with Zucchini and Mushrooms take to make?
Total time is about 475 minutes (25 min prep + 450 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 Set-And-Forget Keto Beef Stew with Zucchini and Mushrooms?
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 beef broth from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Set-And-Forget Keto Beef Stew with Zucchini and Mushrooms?
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 Set-And-Forget Keto Beef Stew with Zucchini and Mushrooms for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Set-And-Forget Keto Beef Stew with Zucchini and Mushrooms low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
