Gallery

IMG_0996

Gluten Free Dinner Featured

Cuban Ropa Vieja

An authentic recipe for traditional Cuban Ropa Vieja, highlighting slow-cooked tender shredded flank steak combined with colorful bell peppers and aromatic spices.

Level Medium Prep 25 min Cook 180 min Servings 6 Score 4.9/10

Ready in

205 min

Makes 6 servings

Prep 25m

Cook 180m

Level Medium

About this recipe

An authentic recipe for traditional Cuban Ropa Vieja, highlighting slow-cooked tender shredded flank steak combined with colorful bell peppers and aromatic spices.

The ultimate Cuban comfort food featuring slow-cooked shredded flank steak in a vibrant tomato and pepper sauce.

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the flank steak, beef broth, quartered onion, and 3 garlic cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
Remove the beef from the broth and let it cool slightly. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking broth. Use two forks to shred the beef into thin strands.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking for 6-8 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic, cumin, and oregano, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the white wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, shredded beef, and the reserved beef broth.
Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 30-40 minutes so the flavors meld together. Stir in capers, season with salt and pepper to taste, and remove bay leaves before serving.
40 min

Nutrition

Calories 340

Protein 28g

Carbs 12g

Fat 18g

Fiber 3g

Sugar 6g

Sodium 520mg

Serving Size 1 serving

Cooking Timeline

Prep 25 min

Cook 180 min

Total 205 min

Recipe Scorecard

Overall 9.4 /10

Expert 4.9 95% conf.

Taste 9.8
Presentation 9.2
Nutrition 8.5
Value 9.0
Instructions 9.5
Ingredients 9.2
Time Accuracy 9.0
Difficulty 8.0
Would Make Again 9.2

Expert Review

Reviewed by FindEdition Kitchen

Verdict

An absolute masterpiece of Cuban comfort food, bursting with deep savory flavors and tender shredded beef.

Pros

Rich and savory flavor profile
Incredibly tender meat
Authentic Cuban recipe

Cons

Requires longer cooking time for the beef

Overview

The ultimate Cuban comfort food featuring slow-cooked shredded flank steak in a vibrant tomato and pepper sauce.

AI Insights

Summary

An authentic recipe for traditional Cuban Ropa Vieja, highlighting slow-cooked tender shredded flank steak combined with colorful bell peppers and aromatic spices.

Tips

Always shred the beef along the grain so it holds its classic stringy texture
A splash of white vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice right before serving can brighten up the rich savory flavor
Let the stew simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes if you prefer a thicker sauce

Substitutions

Flank steak → Skirt brisket or chuck roast
Dry white wine → Chicken broth with a splash of apple cider vinegar

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Pairing

Warm white rice and black beans
Crispy fried plantains (tostones)

AI Cooking Assistant

Ask about substitutions, timing, or technique for this recipe.

Open Assistant

FAQ

What does Ropa Vieja mean?

Ropa Vieja translates to 'old clothes' in Spanish, named for the shredded appearance of the beef.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the beef in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, then shred it and combine it with the sautéed pepper and tomato sauce mixture on the stovetop.