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Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe

Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe: Authentic & Flavorful Dish

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Prep Time 15 minutes
2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cuban
Servings 4 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs 700 g Flank steak or brisket
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 large Onion thinly sliced
  • 1 Red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 Green bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 cup Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup Beef broth
  • ½ cup White wine optional
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1 Bay leaf optional
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Olives & capers optional
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the beef: Trim excess fat, pat dry, and season with salt, pepper, and cumin.
    Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a pot or Dutch oven, brown beef on all sides, then remove and set aside.
    Sauté vegetables: In the same pot, cook onions, red and green bell peppers, and garlic until soft and slightly caramelized.
    Build the sauce: Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, white wine, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
    Slow-cook the beef: Return beef to the pot, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2–3 hours until tender. Slow cooker alternative: 6–8 hours on low.
    Shred the beef: Remove beef, let cool slightly, shred with two forks, and return to the pot with the sauce. Add olives and capers if using.
    Final touches: Simmer 10–15 more minutes, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.