When it comes to the ketogenic diet, one of the biggest challenges is finding recipes that are both low-carb and filling. Enter Instant Pot Keto Beef Stew — a hearty, savory meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep, or just when you’re craving a comforting, low-carb dish. Packed with tender beef and nutrient-rich, keto-friendly vegetables, this stew brings the flavors of a traditional beef stew without all the carbs.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make an easy and delicious keto beef stew using your Instant Pot, saving you time while maximizing flavor. We’ll also provide key tips on ingredient swaps, seasoning, and storage.

Why Choose Instant Pot Keto Beef Stew?

Cooking on a keto diet can sometimes feel restrictive, but keto-friendly beef stew gives you the freedom to enjoy comfort food without worrying about carbs. Traditional beef stew recipes typically include starchy vegetables like potatoes and carrots, along with flour or cornstarch to thicken the broth. In this keto version, we’ve made a few swaps to keep the flavors deep and satisfying while staying within low-carb guidelines.

Using the Instant Pot for this stew not only cuts cooking time in half, but it also locks in moisture and enhances the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables. The result is tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat, perfectly cooked veggies, and a thick, rich broth that’s full of savory goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Instant Pot Keto Beef Stew

To make the best keto beef stew in your Instant Pot, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Stew:

Beef Chuck Roast (2 lbs.): Chuck roast is ideal because it’s a tougher cut of meat that becomes tender when cooked under pressure.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
Beef Broth (3 cups): A low-carb, flavor-rich base for the stew.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds a rich, aromatic flavor.
Onion (1 medium, diced): Sautéed onion brings depth to the dish.
Tomato Paste (2 tbsp): A low-carb way to add tang and enhance the broth’s richness.
Turnips (2, peeled and diced): A great low-carb potato substitute that holds its shape well in the stew.
Zucchini (1 large, diced): Adds texture and bulk while keeping the carb count low.
Celery (3 stalks, chopped): Adds crunch and flavor.
Bay Leaves (2): Infuse the broth with a deep, herbal flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp): Adds a rich, umami depth to the stew.
Thyme (1 tsp dried or 2 tsp fresh): For a touch of herbal freshness.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors.
Paprika (1 tsp): For a subtle smokiness.

Optional Add-ins:

Mushrooms (1 cup, sliced): For an earthy, savory addition.
Xanthan Gum (½ tsp): If you want a thicker stew without adding carbs, xanthan gum is a great keto-friendly thickener.

How to Make Instant Pot Keto Beef Stew: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by cutting your beef chuck roast into bite-sized cubes (about 1.5 inches). Pat the meat dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Dice the onions, garlic, turnips, zucchini, and celery. If you’re using mushrooms, slice them now as well.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Sear each side of the beef cubes for 2-3 minutes until browned. This helps lock in the flavor. Remove the beef and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

After removing the beef, add the onion and garlic to the Instant Pot. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This will help build a flavorful base for your stew.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and stir it into the onions and garlic. This will create a rich, savory flavor. Pour in about ½ cup of the beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step is crucial for preventing a “burn” warning while pressure cooking.

Step 5: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Once the pot is deglazed, return the seared beef to the Instant Pot. Add the turnips, zucchini, celery, and any optional add-ins like mushrooms. Pour in the remaining beef broth, then add the bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Stir well to combine.

Step 6: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (Manual) on High for 35 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10 minutes, then perform a quick release to let out the remaining pressure.

Step 7: Thicken the Stew (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker stew, you can set the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode after pressure cooking. Allow the stew to simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes to reduce the liquid. For a faster thickening option, stir in ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum and let it cook for 2 minutes.

Step 8: Final Adjustments and Serve

Once the stew is ready, taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Net Carbs: 6g
Fiber: 3g

Keto Vegetable Alternatives for Your Beef Stew

One of the best features of a keto stew is its versatility when it comes to vegetables. Here are some low-carb swaps to keep your stew flavorful and keto-friendly:

Turnips: These have a similar texture to potatoes but contain far fewer carbs, making them an excellent substitute.
Cauliflower: Cauliflower can bulk up your stew while soaking up all the rich broth.
Radishes: Surprisingly, radishes lose their sharp bite when cooked, making them a great keto-friendly option.
Zucchini: With its mild flavor, zucchini adds texture without overpowering the stew.

Variations to Try with Your Keto Beef Stew

Once you’ve mastered this classic recipe, feel free to experiment with some variations:

Bacon & Beef Stew: Add crispy bacon bits to the stew for extra flavor and richness.
Spicy Beef Stew: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to give your stew a kick.
Creamy Beef Stew: Stir in some heavy cream or cream cheese after pressure cooking for a creamy, comforting version of the stew.

Tips for Success with Instant Pot Keto Beef Stew

Don’t Skip the Searing: Browning the beef before pressure cooking is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors.
Cut the Vegetables Evenly: Make sure all vegetables are roughly the same size for even cooking.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley can make a huge difference in the final flavor of your stew.
Adjust the Consistency: If your stew is too thick, add more broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a bit longer or use xanthan gum as a thickener.

Why You Should Use the Instant Pot for Keto Beef Stew

The Instant Pot is a game-changer when it comes to making beef stew. Not only does it drastically cut down the cooking time compared to traditional stovetop or slow-cooker methods, but it also helps preserve the moisture and flavor of the meat and vegetables. Plus, pressure cooking ensures that the beef becomes tender and flavorful without drying out. With its set-it-and-forget-it convenience, the Instant Pot is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or making large

How to Make the Perfect Keto Beef Stew in the Instant Pot