Skillet Beef and Cabbage Stew with Smoked Paprika
A hearty low-carb beef stew cooked on the stovetop with tender cabbage and smoky paprika for a filling winter meal. This european-inspired keto ready in about 90 minutes pairs olive oil, large, chopped yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 5, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, chopped yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 small head, chopped into 1-inch pieces green cabbage
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp optional crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp chopped, for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds beef chuck cubes and sear for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large chopped yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 4 minutes until the onion softens and garlic is fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes if using; cook for 1 minute.
- Step 4: Return the beef to the skillet and add 4 cups beef broth, scraping brown bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
- Step 5: Bring to a simmer, cover partially, and cook for 45 minutes over medium-low heat until beef is tender.
- Step 6: Add 1 small chopped green cabbage head and stir. Simmer uncovered for another 20 minutes until the cabbage is softened and the stew thickens slightly.
- Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Skillet Beef and Cabbage Stew with Smoked Paprika take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Skillet Beef and Cabbage Stew with Smoked Paprika?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Skillet Beef and Cabbage Stew with Smoked Paprika?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Skillet Beef and Cabbage Stew with Smoked Paprika for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Skillet Beef and Cabbage Stew with Smoked Paprika?
European keto like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
