ropa vieja cuban style recipe

4.5 from 1159 votes

This classic Cuban dish features tender shredded beef simmered in a savory tomato sauce with bell peppers and onions. It is a flavorful and comforting meal that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time1 hour 30 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time1 hour 50 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beef

2 pounds flank steak

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce

1 large onion, sliced

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 (14 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1/2 cup beef broth

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 bay leaf

1/4 cup green olives, sliced

2 tablespoons capers

1 tablespoon white vinegar

👨‍🍳Directions

1Season the flank steak with salt and pepper on both sides.

2Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Sear the flank steak for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.

3In the same pot, add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

4Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

5Return the seared flank steak to the pot. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the beef is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.

6Remove the beef from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the beef into thin strands.

7Return the shredded beef to the pot. Add the green olives, capers, and white vinegar. Stir everything together and cook for another 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven

Cutting board

Chef’s knife

Measuring cups and spoons

Wooden spoon

Forks for shredding beef

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 9g🥩Protein: 42g

📝Notes

For the most tender results, use flank steak and simmer until it is fork tender. You can also make this in a slow cooker. Sear the beef and saute the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with rice, black beans, and fried plantains for an authentic Cuban meal.

Watch Video Of How Ropa Vieja Cuban Style Recipe Works

This ropa vieja Cuban style recipe is always a good idea because it is a crowd pleaser that comes together with simple ingredients. It works wonderfully for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want a warm and satisfying meal. I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine does.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ropa Vieja Cuban Style

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for ropa vieja?

Yes, you can use chuck roast or brisket instead of flank steak. These cuts also become very tender when slow cooked. Just adjust the cooking time as needed until the meat shreds easily.

2. Is ropa vieja spicy?

No, traditional ropa vieja is not spicy. It is flavored with cumin, oregano, and a bit of vinegar, but it does not include chili peppers or hot spices. It is a mild and family friendly dish.

3. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover ropa vieja in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in a pot on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it seems dry. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

4. Can I make ropa vieja ahead of time?

Absolutely. Ropa vieja actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. You can make it a day or two ahead and simply reheat it before serving.

5. What should I serve with ropa vieja?

Ropa vieja is traditionally served with white rice, black beans, and fried sweet plantains. It also goes well with warm tortillas for making tacos or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

ropa vieja cuban style recipe

The Best ropa vieja cuban style recipe

Ropa Vieja Cuban Style Recipe