Ropa vieja is a traditional Cuban dish made with slow-cooked shredded beef in a tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and spices, often served with rice, black beans, and plantains. To make it, brown seasoned flank steak in a skillet, then sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic, adding cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano, and stirring in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to make the sauce. Pour the sauce over the steak in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Shred the beef, return to the sauce and cook for an additional 30 minutes before serving.

Cuban Ropa Vieja: A Deliciously Slow-Cooked Shredded Beef Recipe

Introduction

Ropa vieja is a classic Cuban dish made with tender, slow-cooked shredded beef simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and spices. This dish is a staple in many Cuban households and is typically served over white rice or accompanied by black beans and plantains.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds flank steak
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Flank Steak

Season the flank steak with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once heated, add the steak and cook for a couple of minutes on each side until nicely browned. Transfer the steak to a slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet used to cook the steak, add diced onions, red and green bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth, and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 3: Cook the Ropa Vieja

Once the sauce is boiling, pour it over the flank steak in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours until the steak is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 4: Shred the Beef

Once the steak is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce. Allow the beef to cook in the sauce on low heat for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the Ropa Vieja over white rice with a side of black beans and fried plantains for a delicious, authentic Cuban meal.

Conclusion

This slow-cooked shredded beef recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy traditional Cuban flavors at home. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a flavorful and comforting meal that the whole family will love. Just be sure to make enough for seconds!