Beef Heart Stew Keto Recipe: Rich, Savory, and Low-Carb

This Beef Heart Stew Keto Recipe is a rich, savory, and low-carb dish that’s perfect for anyone following a keto lifestyle. Made with nutrient-packed beef heart, this stew is a delicious way to enjoy organ meats while staying on track with your health goals. Using a slow cooker, the stew meat becomes tender and flavorful as it simmers on medium heat, making it an easy, hands-off meal.

Unlike traditional stews that rely on high-carb ingredients like potatoes and carrots, this keto-friendly version keeps it low-carb by using a small amount of keto-approved veggies and a rich base of beef broth. Whether you’re new to cooking with beef heart or a fan of cuts of beef, this stew recipe is a comforting and satisfying option. Feel free to grab your ingredients from local grocery stores and enjoy a hearty, slow-cooked meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!

Ingredients for Beef Heart Stew (Keto-Friendly)

• 1.5 lbs beef heart, trimmed and cut into bite-sized stew meat
• 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (for searing)
• 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium, for a rich base)
• 1 medium onion, diced (adds depth of flavor)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (for a savory kick)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (low-carb veggie option)
• 1 small turnip, peeled and diced (a keto-friendly potato substitute)
• 1 small amount of carrots, peeled and sliced (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 bay leaf (for aromatic flavor)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (adds a smoky richness)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (for earthy notes)
• 1 tsp rosemary (for a hint of freshness)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (adds depth without too many carbs)
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (for an umami boost)
• 1 small zucchini, diced (another low-carb veggie option)

Step-by-Step Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Heart

1. Trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the beef heart.
2. Cut the beef heart into bite-sized pieces, similar to traditional stew meat.
3. Pat the pieces dry with a paper towel to ensure they sear properly.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oilor avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the beef heart pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. This step locks in flavor and adds depth to the stew.
3. Transfer the seared meat to your slow cooker.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same skillet, add the diced onionand minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp thyme, and 1 tsp rosemary. Cook for another minute to release the flavors.
3. Pour in 1/2 cup dry red wine(if using) to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Stew in the Slow Cooker

1. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cookerwith the beef heart.
2. Add 4 cups beef broth, chopped celery, diced turnip, and a small amount of peeled and sliced carrots(if using).
3. Drop in 1 bay leafand season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

1. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heatfor 6-8 hours or on medium heat for 4-5 hours. The long, slow cooking process will tenderize the beef heart and meld the flavors together.

Step 6: Adjust and Serve

1. Once the stew is done, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
2. Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
3. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsleyfor a pop of freshness.

Step 7: Enjoy!

1. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. This rich, savory, and low-carb Beef Heart Stewis perfect for a cozy keto dinner.

Optional Tips:

• For a thicker stew, mix 1 tbsp of almond flour with 2 tbsp of cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Feel free to add other keto-friendly veggies like mushroomsor zucchini for variety.

Tips for Achieving Maximum Flavor

To make your Beef Heart Stew truly unforgettable, focus on building layers of flavor at every step. Start by searing the beef heart over medium heat to create a caramelized crust, which adds depth and richness to the stew. Don’t skip sautéing the aromatics like onion and garlic—they form the flavor foundation. Enhance the savory profile with a splash of dry red wine or a tablespoon of tomato paste for umami. For a well-rounded taste, balance the earthy notes of thyme and rosemary with a hint of smoked paprika. Finally, let the slow cooking process work its magic, allowing the beef broth to meld with the spices and tenderize the meat. A small garnish of fresh parsley before serving adds a bright, finishing touch. These simple yet impactful steps will elevate your stew from good to extraordinary!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other cuts of beef instead of beef heart?

   Absolutely! While beef heartis nutrient-dense and adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with other cuts of beeflike chuck roast or stew meat. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.

2. Is this stew really keto-friendly?

   Yes! This Beef Heart Stewis designed to be low-carb and keto-friendly. Instead of high-carb ingredients like potatoes, we use turnipsand a small amount of carrots to keep it within keto guidelines.

3. Can I make this stew on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

   Definitely! If you don’t have a slow cooker, simmer the stew in a large pot on the stovetop over medium heatfor 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender. Just stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Where can I buy beef heart?

   You can find beef heartat most grocery stores, especially those with a good butcher section. If it’s not available, try local farmers’ markets or specialty meat shops.

5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

   Store the stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef brothif needed to restore moisture.

   

   Beef Heart Stew Keto Recipe: Rich, Savory, and Low-Carb

   Whether you're on a ketogenic diet or simply looking for a wholesome and hearty dish, this stew is a great choice for a warm and nourishing meal.

   Print Recipe Pin Recipe

   Prep Time 20 minutes mins

   Cook Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

   Course Main Course

   Servings 3 people

   Ingredients

     

   Ingredients for Beef Heart Stew (Keto-Friendly):

   • 1.5 lbs beef heart trimmed and cut into bite-sized stew meat
   • 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil for searing
   • 4 cups beef broth low-sodium, for a rich base
   • 1 medium onion diced (adds depth of flavor)
   • 3 garlic cloves minced (for a savory kick)
   • 2 celery stalks chopped (low-carb veggie option)
   • 1 small turnip peeled and diced (a keto-friendly potato substitute)
   • 1 small amount of carrots peeled and sliced (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
   • 1 bay leaf for aromatic flavor
   • 1 tsp smoked paprika adds a smoky richness
   • 1 tsp dried thyme for earthy notes
   • 1 tsp rosemary for a hint of freshness
   • Salt and black pepper to taste
   • 1 tbsp tomato paste adds depth without too many carbs
   • ½ cup dry red wine optional, for extra flavor
   • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

   Optional Add-Ins:

   • ½ cup mushrooms sliced (for an umami boost)
   • 1 small zucchini diced (another low-carb veggie option)

   Instructions

    

   Step-by-Step Directions:

   • Step 1: Prepare the Beef Heart
   • Trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the beef heart.
   • Cut the beef heart into bite-sized pieces, similar to traditional stew meat.
   • Pat the pieces dry with a paper towel to ensure they sear properly.
   • Step 2: Sear the Meat
   • Heat 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the beef heart pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. This step locks in flavor and adds depth to the stew.
   • Transfer the seared meat to your slow cooker.
   • Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
   • In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
   • Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp thyme, and 1 tsp rosemary. Cook for another minute to release the flavors.
   • Pour in 1/2 cup dry red wine (if using) to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
   • Step 4: Assemble the Stew in the Slow Cooker
   • Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker with the beef heart.
   • Add 4 cups beef broth, chopped celery, diced turnip, and a small amount of peeled and sliced carrots (if using).
   • Drop in 1 bay leaf and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
   • Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
   • Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on medium heat for 4-5 hours. The long, slow cooking process will tenderize the beef heart and meld the flavors together.
   • Step 6: Adjust and Serve
   • Once the stew is done, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
   • Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
   • Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for a pop of freshness.
   • Step 7: Enjoy!
   • Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. This rich, savory, and low-carb Beef Heart Stew is perfect for a cozy keto dinner.

   Optional Tips:

   • For a thicker stew, mix 1 tbsp of almond flour with 2 tbsp of cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
   • Feel free to add other keto-friendly veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for variety.