Ingredients

Scale

(Serves 6)

Beef & aromatics:

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½” cubes (you love rich, tender cuts!)
2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
1 large onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced (you love garlic!)
2 tbsp tomato paste (no added sugar—you love clean labels!)

Veggies & broth:

3 cups low-sodium beef broth (you love low-sodium!)
2 cups beef or chicken stock (optional, for richer flavor)
3 medium carrots, sliced (or swap for radishes—you love low-carb!)
2 cups baby potatoes, halved (or swap for turnips/radishes for keto!)
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup frozen green beans or peas (optional—you love fresh produce!)

Herbs & seasonings:

2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
½ tsp black pepper
Salt to taste (use reduced-sodium—you love low-sodium!)
Optional: 1 tbsp coconut aminos or low-sodium Worcestershire (for umami depth!)

Thickener (optional):

2 tbsp almond flour or arrowroot powder (you love GF/low-carb!) + 2 tbsp cold water

Finish:

Fresh parsley
Lemon zest (brightens richness—you love citrus!)

Instructions

1. Sear beef:

Pat beef cubes very dry; season lightly with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tbsp oil in large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches 3–4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Remove; set aside.

2. Sauté aromatics:

Add remaining oil to pot. Add onion; cook 4–5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute more.

3. Deglaze & build:

Pour in broth, scraping bottom to release browned bits. Return beef to pot. Add carrots, potatoes (or low-carb swap), celery, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, pepper, and optional coconut aminos.

4. Simmer:

Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and veggies are soft.

5. Thicken (optional):

If desired, whisk almond flour or arrowroot with cold water; stir into stew. Simmer 5 minutes more until slightly thickened.

6. Finish & serve:

Remove bay leaf. Stir in fresh parsley and lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
✅ Sear beef in batches—prevents steaming and builds deep flavor.
✅ Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Use low-sodium broth + skip added salt
→ Boost umami with extra garlic, herbs, tomato paste, and a splash of coconut aminos
✅ Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Naturally zero-glycemic—no added sugars!
→ Net carbs: 14g/serving (with potatoes)
✅ Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Swap potatoes for radishes or turnips (they mimic potato texture!)
→ Net carbs drop to 7g/serving
✅ Make ahead:
→ Flavors deepen overnight! Keeps 4 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen
→ Reheat gently; add splash of broth if too thick

Slow Cooker Option:

→ After searing beef and sautéing aromatics, transfer everything to slow cooker.
→ Cook on LOW 7–8 hours or HIGH 4–5 hours until tender.
→ Thicken at end if desired.

Storage & Serving Ideas

→ Fridge life: 4 days | Freezer: 3 months
→ Serving ideas:
→ As a standalone dinner with crusty GF bread
→ Over cauliflower mash for extra comfort
→ With a crisp side salad for balance
→ For meal prep—portion into containers

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving, with potatoes):