Low Carb Ropa Vieja

Savor the bold and authentic flavors of Cuba with this Low Carb Ropa Vieja, a healthier twist on the classic comfort dish! Tender, slow-simmered beef flank steak is infused with a rich medley of spices, aromatics, and tangy green olives, creating a flavorful, low-carb dinner sensation. Perfect for those following a keto or paleo lifestyle, this recipe swaps traditional accompaniments for low-carb options like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, making it a guilt-free way to enjoy a hearty, robust meal. With just 20 minutes of prep and a simmer that transforms the beef into fork-tender perfection, this dish is a must-try for anyone craving a healthy take on a beloved Latin American classic!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:200 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef flank steak
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 0.5 cup dry white wine
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup green olives, sliced
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Season the beef flank steak with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the flank steak, browning it on both sides for approximately 5 minutes per side. Remove the steak and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the sliced red and green bell peppers and yellow onion until they are soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, white wine, bay leaf, cumin, and oregano. Mix well.

Step 6

Return the browned flank steak to the pot, submerging it in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.

Step 8

Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot. Shred the beef using two forks and return the shredded beef to the pot.

Step 9

Stir in the sliced green olives and let it simmer uncovered for additional 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 11

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot. Pair with a low-carb side like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2166.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2501.1

Total Fat 131.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 635.0mg	0%
Sodium 6206.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 61.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.4g	0%
Total Sugars 27.6g
Protein 261.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 456.3mg	0%
Iron 35.4mg	0%
Potassium 5424.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.7%

Protein: 42.3%

Carbs: 9.9%