Ropa Vieja de Res con Arroz Blanco
A flavorful shredded beef stew, slow-cooked until tender and then simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with peppers and onions, typically served with fluffy white rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Beef chuck roast
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Yellow onion(chopped)
- 1 large Bell pepper (any color)(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 15 oz Tomato sauce
- 1 cup Beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Oregano
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 cups White rice(cooked, for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure even seasoning for best flavor. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast on all sides until browned.
- 3
Remove the beef from the pot and set aside. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot and sauté until softened.
- 4
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Return the beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, and oregano. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. - 6
Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and shreds easily.
💡 Tip: Check liquid levels periodically and add more beef broth if needed. - 7
Remove the beef from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the sauce and stir to combine.
💡 Tip: Ensure all the shredded beef is coated in the sauce. - 8
Simmer for another 15-20 minutes, uncovered, to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
💡 Tip: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. - 9
Serve the Ropa Vieja hot over cooked white rice.
💡 Tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the beef overnight in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and herbs.
- ✓If you don't have beef chuck, brisket or flank steak can also be used.
- ✓The longer the stew simmers, the more tender the beef will become.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Incorporate sliced olives or capers into the sauce for a briny flavor.
- Serve with tostones (fried plantains) instead of rice.