RecipesCubaRopa Vieja Stew

Ropa Vieja Stew

A slow-cooked, tender shredded beef stew in a rich tomato-based sauce with peppers and onions, a quintessential Cuban comfort food.

Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time3 hours
Total Time3 hours 25 minutes
Servings6
DifficultyHard
Ropa Vieja Stew - Cuba traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Flank steak
  • 4 cups Beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 large Yellow onion(sliced)
  • 1 large Green bell pepper(sliced)
  • 1 large Red bell pepper(sliced)
  • 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 28 oz Crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup Dry white wine
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • 2 Bay leaf
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Place flank steak in a pot and cover with beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is very tender.

    ⏱️ 2.5 hours
  2. 2

    Remove the beef from the broth and let it cool slightly. Reserve the broth. Once cool enough to handle, shred the beef into thin strips using two forks.

  3. 3

    In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and bell peppers and sauté until softened, about 8-10 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

  5. 5

    Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, white wine, cumin, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

  6. 6

    Add the shredded beef to the skillet. Pour in about 2 cups of the reserved beef broth (or enough to create a stew-like consistency). Stir to combine.

  7. 7

    Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally, adding more broth if the stew becomes too thick.

  8. 8

    Remove bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

💡 Pro Tips

  • For even more tender beef, you can pressure cook the flank steak.
  • The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop.
  • Serve with white rice, black beans, and fried plantains for a complete Cuban meal.

🔄 Variations

  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
  • Some recipes include a splash of vinegar for brightness.
  • A tablespoon of capers can add a briny note.

🏷️ Tags