Keto Omaha

Craving rich, slow-cooked Cuban flavors? This Keto Ropa Vieja is a savory, tomato-based shredded beef dish infused with peppers, onions, garlic, and bold spices—all while staying low-carb, high-protein, and absolutely delicious! Serve it with cauliflower rice or keto-friendly Cuban slaw for a perfect island-inspired meal.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

🥩 For the Beef:

• 2 ½ lbs flank steak (or chuck roast)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil

🌶 For the Ropa Vieja Sauce:

• 1 small onion (sliced)

• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)

• 1 green bell pepper (sliced)

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes (no sugar added)

• ½ cup beef broth

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

• ¼ cup green olives (sliced, for garnish)

🥥 For Serving:

• Cauliflower rice or keto-friendly Cuban slaw

• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1️⃣ Sear the Beef:

• Pat flank steak dry and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

• Heat avocado or olive oil in a Dutch oven or deep pan over medium-high heat.

• Sear the beef for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.

• Remove and set aside.

2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables:

• In the same pan, add onions, red & green bell peppers, and garlic.

• Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3️⃣ Make the Ropa Vieja Sauce:

• Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes.

• Bring to a simmer.

4️⃣ Slow Cook the Beef:

🔥 Stovetop Method:

• Return the beef to the pot, cover, and reduce heat to low.

• Simmer for 2 ½ – 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fork-tender.

🔥 Slow Cooker Method:

• Transfer everything to a slow cooker.

• Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.

🔥 Instant Pot Method:

• Place everything in the Instant Pot.

• Pressure cook on HIGH for 45 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes.

5️⃣ Shred & Finish the Dish:

• Once tender, shred the beef using two forks.

• Stir in sliced green olives and simmer for 5 more minutes to blend flavors.

6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

• Plate Ropa Vieja over cauliflower rice or serve with a keto-friendly Cuban slaw.

• Garnish with fresh cilantro and extra olives!

🔥 Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of fresh lime for an extra pop of flavor!

Nutrition Info (Per Serving – 1/6 of the Recipe)

• Calories: ~420

• Protein: ~45g

• Fat: ~25g

• Net Carbs: ~6g