Ropa Vieja Recipe (Cuban Shredded Beef)

Learn how to make authentic Cuban ropa vieja! This slow-cooked Cuban-style shredded beef dish is made with tenderized flank steak, Cuban sofrito, and spices, all simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This ropa vieja recipe requires only 25 minutes of hands-on work once the meat is tenderized.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 lbs flank steak (cut into pieces)
• Water ((enough to cover the meat in the pot))
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 1 medium green bell pepper (sliced lengthwise)
• 7 ounces whole red pimientos (sliced lengthwise)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup vino seco ((dry cooking wine))
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt + pepper to taste

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- Cooking The Meat ---
2. 2In a Dutch oven or large pot, add the meat with water and salt. Cook at medium-low until the meat is tender, about 2 hours. (In a pressure cooker, this takes about 40 minutes). Transfer the meat to a plate. Using two forks, shred the beef. Set aside.
3. 3--- Making The Ropa Vieja ---
4. 4In a large skillet, heat olive oil at medium heat. Add green pepper, onion, and pimientos. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
5. 5Add tomato sauce, vino seco (dry cooking wine), cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook for 15 minutes, at medium heat, stirring occasionally.
6. 6Add the shredded beef to the skillet. Stir to combine with the tomato-based sauce. Cover and cook on LOW for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, without letting it dry out. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy!