Bring in the festive cheer with a hearty and robust Keto-friendly Christmas Beef Stew. Slow-cooked to perfection, this rich, aromatic dish is the epitome of holiday comfort food. It’s not only low-carb but also packed with savory flavors that will surely make your Christmas meal a hit.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 3 celery stalks, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meat on all sides and transfer to your slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Add the carrots, celery, bell pepper, paprika, cumin, thyme, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices and sauté for a few more minutes.
- Transfer the vegetable-spice mixture to the slow cooker, over the beef. Add the beef broth and bay leaves.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Discard the bay leaves before serving.
Nutrition Profile
Each serving (assuming 6 servings per dish) contains:
- Calories: 340
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 530mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Net Carbs: 6g
- Protein: 30g
Please note that nutrition may vary depending on the cut of your beef and the exact brands of ingredients used.
Ingredient Swaps
For different dietary needs or ingredient availability, consider these swaps:
- Beef: You can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or even a meaty fish like salmon. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Olive Oil: Avocado oil can replace olive oil for a higher smoke point.
- Carrots: For fewer carbs, replace carrots with more bell peppers or other low-carb vegetables like zucchini.
- Beef Broth: If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead.
- Spices: Feel free to experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg or cloves to give this stew your personal touch.
This Christmas, bring warmth and comfort to your dinner table with this slow-cooked spiced Christmas beef stew. It’s the perfect keto-friendly dish to share with your loved ones, making your holiday meal not just delicious, but also memorable.
