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Cuban Ropa Vieja

Cuban Ropa Vieja: Comforting Shredded Beef You’ll Love

Authentic Cuban Ropa Vieja is a comforting dish of tender shredded beef in a rich sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cuban
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 2 pounds Flank Steak or Chuck Roast Use chuck roast for a budget-friendly option.
For the Vegetables
  • 2 medium Yellow Onions Sweet onions can be used for milder flavor.
  • 1 each Bell Peppers (Green and Red) Feel free to explore other colored bell peppers.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Essential for authentic taste.
For the Sauce
  • 28 ounces Canned Tomatoes (Crushed or Sauce) Fresh tomatoes can be used if available.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Thickens the sauce.
  • 1 cup White Wine Optional; replace with beef broth if desired.
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Opt for low-sodium varieties.
For the Spices
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 tablespoon Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional; adjust to taste.
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Remove before serving.
Finishing Touches
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing vegetables.
  • 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro or Parsley For garnish.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Forks

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, place your flank steak or chuck roast and cover it with water, adding a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until fork-tender.
  2. Once cooked, carefully remove the beef and let it cool slightly. Reserve about 1 cup of the broth for later. Shred the beef into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sliced bell peppers, sautéing for 6-8 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, allowing it to cook for about 2 minutes. Then add the crushed tomatoes, reserved beef broth, and white wine. Stir in cumin, oregano, and any optional spices, then add bay leaves.
  5. Once the sauce is simmering, add the shredded beef and remaining broth to the skillet. Stir to combine, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
  6. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning, removing bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve over rice or with black beans.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and freeze for longer storage.

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