Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe

Cuban ropa vieja is a classic Cuban dish full of flavor. This Cuban ropa vieja recipe is simple to make at home. Tender shredded beef cooks slowly with peppers, onions and a rich tomato sauce.

The flavors are bold, comforting and perfect for family meals. Cuban ropa vieja recipe meals are also great for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

If you love Cuban food, learning how to make Cuban ropa vieja will impress everyone at the table.

My Experience With This Recipe

I first made this Cuban ropa vieja recipe for a family dinner. The smell of garlic, onions and peppers filled the kitchen. The beef became tender and shredded easily with a fork.

My family loved the rich tomato sauce and soft vegetables. It was easy to make, even though it felt fancy. Everyone asked for seconds and the leftovers were gone quickly. I now make this dish often. You will enjoy making it too.

Recipe Card info

• Recipe Name: Cuban Ropa Vieja
• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs
• Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Cuban
• Calories: 450 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Tongs
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Forks for shredding beef
• Serving plates

Ingredients You Need for Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe

• 2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef

Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Brown beef on all sides.

2. Sauté the vegetables

Add onions, red and green peppers and garlic to the pot. Cook until onions are soft and fragrant.

3. Add tomatoes and spices

Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, oregano and bay leaf. Mix everything evenly for rich flavor.

4. Add beef broth

Pour in beef broth. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently. Cook until beef is very tender, about 1.5-2 hours.

5. Shred the beef

Remove beef from pot. Shred it using two forks carefully, keeping the pieces long and thin for classic texture.

6. Combine beef with sauce

Return shredded beef to the pot. Stir well with vegetables and sauce. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes for full flavor.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning

Check the sauce for salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning if needed for perfect balance and flavor.

8. Garnish and serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top. Serve hot with rice, beans or your favorite sides.

Recipe Tips

• Use flank or skirt steak for best results
• Cook low and slow for tender beef
• Slice peppers and onions thin for soft texture
• Do not skip the shredding step
• Add a splash of lime for extra freshness

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	25g
Fiber	3g

Serving Suggestions

Cuban ropa vieja recipe tastes amazing served over white or yellow rice. Add black beans on the side. Top with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for brightness.

This dish works well for casual dinners or family gatherings. It is hearty, flavorful and easy to make ahead for a stress-free meal.

Best Sides To Serve With

• White rice or yellow rice
• Black beans
• Fried plantains
• Simple green salad
• Tostones or cassava fries

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until hot.

For best flavor, add a splash of beef broth while reheating. This dish also freezes well for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs about Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe

1. Can I use other beef cuts for Cuban ropa vieja?
Yes, flank or skirt steak works best. Chuck roast can be used too but requires longer cooking to become tender.

2. Can I make Cuban ropa vieja in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown beef and vegetables first. Then cook in slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours for tender shredded beef.

3. Is Cuban ropa vieja spicy?
No, it is not very spicy. You can add chili flakes or hot sauce if you want more heat.

4. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, Cuban ropa vieja tastes even better the next day. Store in fridge and reheat gently before serving.

5. Can I freeze Cuban ropa vieja?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating for best texture.

Conclusion

Cuban ropa vieja recipe is a classic, hearty and flavorful Cuban dish. Now you know how to make Cuban ropa vieja at home. The ingredients for Cuban ropa vieja are simple, budget-friendly and easy to find.

This dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions or meal prep. Try it soon and enjoy tender shredded beef with rich tomato sauce and soft vegetables. Everyone will love this comforting Cuban favorite.