Keto Beef Stroganoff is the perfect combination of comfort, creaminess, and low-carb satisfaction. Traditionally, beef stroganoff is served with pasta or noodles, which makes it a higher-carb dish—but this keto version preserves all the rich, savory flavors while keeping the carbs extremely low.
This recipe features tender slices of beef simmered in a luxurious, velvety sauce made with heavy cream, beef broth, mushrooms, onions, garlic, and butter. The result is a dish that feels indulgent, hearty, and comforting while still supporting a ketogenic lifestyle.
Whether you’re new to keto or simply looking for a delicious high-fat, low-carb dinner, this Keto Beef Stroganoff is a winning option. It’s ideal for weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep because it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day. You can serve it over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or mashed cauliflower, or even enjoy it as-is for an ultra-rich keto meal.
This article gives you everything you need: ingredients, tools, detailed ingredient notes, step-by-step instructions, tips, storage information, nutritional facts, FAQs, and serving suggestions to help you create the perfect keto stroganoff every time.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain. This ensures tenderness. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels—dry beef sears better.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining butter. Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and turn golden.
- Pour in the beef broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom (this adds essential flavor). Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently until slightly thickened.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk ½ teaspoon xanthan gum with a small amount of sauce liquid until dissolved, then mix back into the pan.
- Add the seared beef back into the sauce. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until heated through and fully cooked. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate values:- Calories: 480
- Fat: 38g
- Protein: 29g
- Net Carbs: 4–5g
- Fiber: 1g
Keto Beef Stroganoff
Ingredient Notes (Complete Explanation of Each Ingredient)
Beef (Sirloin or Ribeye)
Choosing a tender cut of beef is key to creating a delicious stroganoff. Sirloin and ribeye are ideal because they cook quickly and remain soft, juicy, and flavorful. Ribeye adds more fat, which enhances the richness—a great benefit for keto eaters.
Butter
Butter adds creaminess and helps brown the beef and vegetables. It enhances the sauce with savory richness and provides essential fats for a keto-friendly dish.
Olive Oil
Used alongside butter to prevent burning. Olive oil increases healthy fat content and ensures the beef gets a good sear without sticking.
Onion
Onions provide sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce. While onions contain some carbs, the small amount used here fits perfectly into a keto recipe without significantly increasing carb count.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the overall flavor, giving the stroganoff its classic aromatic base. Even a small amount has a major flavor impact.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms add an earthy, savory taste that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. They also provide texture and moisture while keeping the carb count low.
Beef Broth
Beef broth forms the base of the sauce. Choose a low-carb or homemade broth to avoid added sugars or starches.
Heavy Cream
A keto-friendly ingredient rich in fats. Heavy cream creates the luxurious, smooth consistency that defines stroganoff.
Worcestershire Sauce (Sugar-Free)
Adds umami and complexity. Traditional Worcestershire sauce contains small amounts of sugar, so choose a sugar-free version if strict keto.
Dijon Mustard
Adds tanginess and depth to the sauce, balancing the richness of the cream.
Smoked Paprika
Provides mild smokiness and warmth, enhancing the sauce’s depth of flavor.
Salt and Pepper
Essential for seasoning the meat and sauce to perfection.
Xanthan Gum (Optional)
A keto-approved thickening agent. Use sparingly to achieve a thicker, gravy-like sauce without flour or cornstarch.
Fresh Parsley
Adds brightness and color to the finished dish.
Serving Instructions
Serve Keto Beef Stroganoff with low-carb sides such as:
- Cauliflower rice
- Zucchini noodles
- Mashed cauliflower
- Shirataki noodles
- Sautéed spinach or cabbage
Portion size: 1 generous bowl per person, approximately 1 ¼ cups.
Tips
- Slice beef thinly for tenderness.
- Don’t overcook the meat—sear quickly for the best texture.
- Use sugar-free Worcestershire to keep carbs lower.
- To make it dairy-free keto, use coconut cream and ghee.
- Add extra mushrooms for more volume without adding many carbs.
Storage Information
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (sauce may slightly change texture).
- Reheating: Reheat on low heat on the stovetop; add a splash of broth to loosen sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground beef instead of sliced beef?
Yes! Ground beef works well and creates a faster, more budget-friendly version.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and ghee instead of butter.
3. What can I serve with keto stroganoff?
Cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, and mashed cauliflower are the best low-carb options.
4. Can I thicken the sauce without xanthan gum?
Yes—simply simmer longer to naturally reduce the sauce.
5. Can I make this in a crockpot?
Yes. Brown beef first, then cook everything on LOW for 4 hours and stir in the heavy cream at the end.
