Ropa Vieja Recipe (Cuban Shredded Beef)

5 from 4 votes

Ropa Vieja is a Cuban dish of tender beef slowly braised then shredded to resemble "old clothes", hence the name, easy to make at home and delicious!

Prep Time20

Cook Time2 30

Total Time3

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Cuban

Keyword: Cuban, recipe, shredded beef

Servings:

Calories: 246kcal

2 pounds flank steak
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion chopped
1 bell pepper sliced (red or green)
4 cloves garlic chopped
1/4 cup sherry (or use white wine)
14 ounce diced tomatoes, with juices (canned)
1 cup beef broth
3 bay leaves
salt and pepper to taste
½ cup chopped olives
½ cup chopped pimientos (jarred)
Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, lime juice/wedges, extra olives and pimientos, if desired (for garnish)

Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to medium heat. Season the flank steak with salt and pepper, then sear and brown the steak on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
To the same pot, add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5minutes to soften.
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, and salt and pepper to taste.
Tuck the steak back into the pot, reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours, or until the meat is very soft and tender.
Remove the steak, shred it with forks, then add it back to the pot with olives and pimientos. Simmer another 10 minutes to warm through.
Garnish and serve.

Serving Suggestions. Ropa Vieja is often served with rice, black beans, and fried plantains for a complete and satisfying meal.