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Hearty Low-Carb Irish Beef Stew with Turnips

low-carb Irish beef stew - featured image

A comforting and satisfying low-carb Irish beef stew made with turnips instead of potatoes, delivering rich flavors and a hearty texture perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 grams) beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 3 cups (450 grams) turnips, peeled and chopped into chunks
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (1 liter) beef broth, homemade or low-sodium store-bought
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Cut the beef into 1.5-inch cubes, peel and chop turnips into roughly 1-inch chunks, slice carrots, and chop onions. Mince the garlic cloves finely. Set everything aside for easy access.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of brown. Brown each batch for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms. Remove beef to a plate and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, lower heat to medium and add chopped onions. Cook for 5 minutes until softened and slightly translucent, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes to caramelize slightly. Then add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Put the browned beef back into the pot. Pour in 4 cups (1 liter) beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  7. After an hour, add chopped turnips and carrots. Stir, cover, and continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes until vegetables are tender but not mushy.
  8. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.
  9. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when browning beef to ensure proper caramelization. Keep heat steady during simmering to avoid toughening the meat. Avoid overcooking turnips to maintain their texture and subtle sweetness. To thicken stew, mash a few cooked turnip pieces against the pot side and stir. If stew is too thin, simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes; if too thick, add broth or water.

Nutrition

Keywords: low-carb, Irish beef stew, turnips, hearty stew, comfort food, gluten-free, paleo-friendly