Keto Beef Stroganoff: A Creamy, Low-Carb Comfort Food

Beef stroganoff is a classic dish, renowned for its comforting and hearty flavors. However, traditional recipes are often laden with carbs, making them unsuitable for those following a ketogenic diet. This article explores a keto-friendly version of beef stroganoff that retains all the rich and savory flavors of the original while remaining low in carbohydrates.

What is Keto Beef Stroganoff?

Keto beef stroganoff is a variation of the traditional beef stroganoff recipe, modified to fit the guidelines of a ketogenic diet. This involves reducing the carbohydrate content by eliminating ingredients like flour and egg noodles, and replacing them with low-carb alternatives. The result is a creamy, flavorful dish that satisfies cravings without derailing your keto goals.

Why Choose Keto Beef Stroganoff?

For those on a keto diet, comfort food can often feel off-limits. Keto beef stroganoff offers a way to enjoy a classic, comforting meal without the guilt. It’s hearty, filling, and delivers the same rich and beefy flavors that make traditional stroganoff so appealing. Many people who have tried this dish rave about its taste and how well it fits into their keto lifestyle.

Key Ingredients and Their Keto-Friendly Substitutions

The key to making a keto beef stroganoff lies in substituting high-carb ingredients with keto-friendly alternatives. Here are the main components:

• Beef: Sirloin steak, flank steak, stew meat, or even lean ground beef can be used. For a richer flavor, beef round or chuck roast are excellent choices.
• Mushrooms: Baby bella mushrooms are a popular choice, but any variety will work.
• Beef Broth: Use low-sodium beef stock or bone broth. Bone broth is particularly beneficial due to its gelatine content, which helps thicken the sauce.
• Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream and cream cheese are essential for creating the creamy sauce. Avoid low-fat or non-fat options, as they often contain more carbs.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a depth of flavor that is characteristic of beef stroganoff. Coconut aminos or soy sauce can be used as substitutes.
• Dijon Mustard: A touch of Dijon mustard provides a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the sauce.
• Thickener: Instead of flour, use tapioca starch, xanthan gum, or a small amount of cornstarch. Tapioca starch and xanthan gum are preferred for their low-carb properties.
• Noodles: The traditional egg noodles are replaced with cauliflower rice, mashed cauliflower, creamed Brussels sprouts, zucchini noodles, cabbage noodles, or hearts of palm pasta.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Keto Beef Stroganoff

Here are two variations of Keto Beef Stroganoff recipes:

Read also: Simply Delish Keto Pudding

Stovetop Keto Beef Stroganoff

This method is quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp butter, divided
• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean) or sliced steak
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 lb mushrooms, sliced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium beef stock or bone broth
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Finely chopped parsley, for garnish
• Steamed cauliflower rice or keto noodles, for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the ground beef or sliced steak and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Transfer the meat to a plate and set aside.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms: Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the remaining butter and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden, about 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Create the Sauce: Add the beef broth, cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and paprika to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Combine and Serve: Return the beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Serve over cauliflower rice or your choice of keto-friendly noodles. Garnish with finely chopped parsley.

Slow Cooker Keto Beef Stroganoff

This method is ideal for a hands-off approach, allowing the flavors to meld together over time.

Ingredients:

• Chuck roast (or stew meat)
• Water
• Beef bouillon (or beef stock/broth)
• Garlic and onion flakes
• Butter
• Mushrooms
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef: Place the chuck roast into the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together the water, beef bouillon, garlic, and onion flakes. Pour this mixture over the chuck roast.
2. Cook the Roast: Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours, or on low for 8 hours, until the roast is tender and falls apart.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms (Optional): While the roast is cooking, sauté the mushrooms in butter in a large skillet until golden brown. This step enhances the flavor, but you can also add the mushrooms directly to the slow cooker. If adding directly to the slow cooker, use ½ the amount of water in step one.
4. Shred the Beef: Once the roast is done, take it out of the crockpot and shred or slice it into bite-size pieces using two forks.
5. Create the Sauce: Before adding the roast back in, add the cream cheese to the hot beef broth in the slow cooker and whisk to combine until smooth.
6. Combine and Serve: Place the shredded meat back into the slow cooker and let it sit for about 5 minutes to soak up the sauce. Serve as is or over riced cauliflower or other keto-friendly noodles.

Tips for the Perfect Keto Beef Stroganoff

• Browning the Beef: For the best flavor, don't rush browning the beef. Do it in batches to ensure each piece gets a good sear.
• Using Full-Fat Sour Cream: Always use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest and most keto-friendly results.
• Tempering Sour Cream: To prevent the sour cream from curdling, temper it by mixing it with a bit of the hot sauce before adding it to the skillet.
• Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, use xanthan gum or tapioca starch to thicken it. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the sauce gummy.
• Avoiding Overcooking: Be careful not to overcook the beef, especially if using a tender cut like sirloin.

Serving Suggestions

Keto beef stroganoff is versatile and can be served with a variety of low-carb sides:

• Cauliflower Rice: A classic keto-friendly side that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
• Mashed Cauliflower: For a richer, more indulgent side dish.
• Creamed Spinach: Adds a boost of nutrients and complements the flavors of the stroganoff.
• Zucchini Noodles: A light and refreshing alternative to traditional noodles.
• Cabbage Noodles: Another excellent low-carb noodle option.
• Hearts of Palm Pasta: Holds up well to the creamy sauce and provides a great texture.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stroganoff.

Storage and Meal Prep

Keto beef stroganoff is great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, it's best to skip the sour cream and keto noodles until reheating.

Variations and Additions

• Dairy-Free: Substitute cashew cream and lemon juice for the sour cream to make it dairy-free.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to add complexity to the flavor.

Read also: Creamy Keto Soup Recipe

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

tags: #keto #beef #stroganoff #recipe