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Authentic Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe

Savory Authentic Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe for Comforting Bliss

Experience the delightful Authentic Cuban Ropa Vieja, a savory, slow-cooked beef dish that brings comfort and joy to the table.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cuban
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 2 pounds Flank Steak or chuck roast as a budget-friendly alternative
  • 2 pounds Chuck Roast can be used instead of flank steak
  • 2 pounds Sirloin requires careful attention to avoid drying out
For the Vegetables
  • 2 medium Yellow Onions robust flavor; sweet onions for milder taste
  • 2 medium Bell Peppers green or red; can mix in yellow or orange
  • 4 cloves Minced Garlic essential for depth of flavor
For the Sauce
  • 14 ounces Canned Tomatoes crushed or fresh finely chopped
  • ½ cup White Wine omit for non-alcoholic version
  • 1 cup Beef Broth
For the Spices
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Cumin essential spice
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Oregano add fresh herbs if available
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes adjust to taste
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil can replace with vegetable oil

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • cutting board
  • forks

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, place the flank steak and cover with water, adding a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
  2. Once the beef is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any excess fat or gristle.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced yellow onions and bell peppers, sautéing for 6 to 8 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, along with 14 ounces of crushed tomatoes and 1 cup of beef broth. Pour in ½ cup of white wine, then sprinkle in ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Add two bay leaves and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Once the sauce has thickened, add the shredded beef back into the skillet along with about 1 cup of the reserved broth. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. After simmering, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional spices. Remove the bay leaves, then serve hot over rice with black beans.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish gets better with time; consider making extra for leftovers. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

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