Slow-Cooked Beef and Turnip Stew with Thyme

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef chunks simmered with earthy turnips and fresh thyme in a savory broth for a hearty keto stew. This american-inspired keto ready in about 440 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, olive oil, medium yellow onion, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 420 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds cubed beef chuck and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer beef to slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 medium chopped yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté over medium heat for 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  3. Step 3: Transfer onion and garlic to slow cooker. Add 3 cups peeled and cubed turnips, 2 diced celery stalks, 4 cups beef broth, 4 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary.
  4. Step 4: Set slow cooker to low and cook covered for 7 hours or until beef is fork-tender and turnips are soft.
  5. Step 5: Remove thyme sprigs before serving. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef and Turnip Stew with Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 440 minutes (20 min prep + 420 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 Slow-Cooked Beef and Turnip Stew with Thyme?

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 chuck, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef and Turnip Stew with Thyme?

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 Slow-Cooked Beef and Turnip Stew with Thyme 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.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Beef and Turnip Stew with Thyme?

American keto like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.