Chilly Breeze Keto Stew

The windows were rattling that night and all I wanted was something that would make the house feel warm from the inside out. My grandmother always said stews are better when you make them in a hurry with love.

Last winter my friend Sarah came over shivering and I served her this steaming bowl. She sat at the table quiet for five minutes just letting the warmth reach her fingers before saying anything.

Ingredients

• Beef chuck: This cut has the perfect marbling that breaks down into melting tenderness during slow cooking
• Olive oil: Creates that beautiful sear on the beef and builds a foundation of flavor
• Onion: Sweetens as it cooks adding depth to every spoonful
• Celery: Brings a subtle aromatic backbone that people notice but cannot name
• Garlic: Freshly minced is non negotiable here it blooms into something magical
• Zucchini: Holds its shape beautifully while absorbing all those herb flavors
• Cauliflower: The secret to making this feel substantial without the carbs
• Red bell pepper: Adds little pockets of sweetness that balance the rich beef
• Beef broth: Use the good stuff low sodium so you control the seasoning
• Tomato paste: Concentrates the flavors and gives the stew its gorgeous deep color
• Dried thyme: Earthy and warm it pairs perfectly with beef
• Dried oregano: Brings that classic herb aroma that fills the whole kitchen
• Bay leaf: The quiet hero that pulls everything together
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle warmth without heat and incredible depth
• Salt and pepper: Your finishing touch taste and adjust as you go
• Butter: Swirled in at the end it makes the sauce impossibly silky
• Fresh parsley: Brightens everything up and makes it look like you tried harder than you did

Instructions

Sear the beef:

Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add beef cubes in batches. Brown them on all sides until they develop that gorgeous crust then remove and set aside.

Build the base:

In the same pot add onion and celery and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Wake up the garlic:

Add garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until you can smell it throughout the kitchen.

Deepen the flavors:

Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for a minute then return all that beautifully browned beef back to the pot.

Add the vegetables:

Toss in zucchini cauliflower and bell pepper then pour in the beef broth.

Season it up:

Add thyme oregano bay leaf smoked paprika salt and pepper and give everything a good stir.

Let it simmer:

Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low cover and simmer for 1 hour 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until beef is fork tender and vegetables are perfectly cooked through.

The silky finish:

Remove the bay leaf and stir in the butter until melted and incorporated.

Serve it up:

Taste and adjust seasoning then ladle into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Save

My husband took one bite and asked if this was the recipe his grandmother used to make. I will never tell him it took me an hour and a half and a little bit of butter to get there.

Making It Your Own

Swap in lamb or chicken thighs if beef is not your thing. The cooking time stays the same but the flavor changes completely.

What To Serve Alongside

Sautéed greens with garlic work beautifully or serve with keto bread for soaking up that incredible broth. Sometimes I just serve it with nothing else and let it shine.

Storing And Make Ahead Tips

This stew keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days and honestly tastes better on day two. Freeze portions for those nights when cooking is just not going to happen.

• Cool completely before storing to prevent condensation
• Reheat gently on the stove adding a splash of broth if needed
• The flavors continue to develop overnight so do not be afraid to make it ahead

Save

There is something about a pot of stew simmering away that makes even the coldest day feel cozy inside.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of beef works best?

Beef chuck, cut into cubes, is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness after slow simmering.

→ Can I substitute the vegetables?

Yes, seasonal vegetables like carrots or spinach can be added or swapped based on preference.

→ How long should the stew simmer?

Simmer gently for about 1 hour 15 minutes until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.

→ What herbs enhance the flavor?

Thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and smoked paprika combine to give a fragrant, savory depth.

→ Is the stew suitable for keto diets?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and rich in protein and fats, making it perfect for keto and gluten-free plans.

→ How to achieve a silky finish?

Stir in butter at the end for richness and a smooth texture that balances the stew’s flavors.