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Hearty Classic Cuban Ropa Vieja You’ll Love to Cook

Enjoy the comforting flavors of Classic Cuban Ropa Vieja, a hearty dish featuring tender beef in a zesty tomato sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cuban
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 2 pounds Flank Steak or Chuck Roast Flank steak yields tenderness, while chuck roast brings extra flavor.
For the Sauce
  • 28 ounces Crushed or Diced Tomatoes Choose canned for convenience, or use fresh for vibrancy.
  • 1 large Onion Sweet and flavorful; shallots can be used for a milder taste.
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 large Bell Pepper Green or red; opt for green for a traditional touch.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For Braising
  • 2 cups Beef Broth or Water Use beef broth for better flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Great for sautéing aromatics.

Equipment

  • Large Pot

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sear the beef for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned, then remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed, then sauté diced onion and minced garlic for 4-6 minutes until translucent.
  3. Return the beef to the pot, add crushed tomatoes, sliced bell pepper, spices, and beef broth or water. Stir to combine.
  4. Cover and reduce heat to low, simmer for 2-3 hours until beef is tender. Stir occasionally.
  5. Shred the beef into bite-sized pieces with forks, return to pot, and mix with sauce before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect meal prep option. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices.

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