Smoky Keto Beef and Vegetable Stew
A deeply flavorful slow-cooked stew with tender beef, smoky spices, and low-carb vegetables for a satisfying keto dinner. This american-inspired slow cooker (keto) ready in about 435 minutes pairs stew beef, avocado oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 1.5 lbs (680g), cut into 1-inch cubes stew beef
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 cup (240g), diced zucchini
- 1 cup (150g), diced cauliflower
- 1 cup (100g), sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear 1.5 lbs stew beef cubes for 3 minutes per side until browned, then transfer to slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Add 1 cup diced zucchini, 1 cup diced cauliflower, and 1 cup sliced mushrooms; cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened.
- Step 3: Transfer vegetable mixture to slow cooker. Add 2 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours until beef is fork-tender.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken without curdling.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Keto Beef and Vegetable Stew take to make?
Total time is about 435 minutes (15 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 Smoky Keto Beef and Vegetable 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 stew beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Keto Beef and Vegetable 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 Smoky Keto Beef and Vegetable 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 Smoky Keto Beef and Vegetable Stew keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 420-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
