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Ropa Vieja by Tessie's Table.

Ropa Vieja (Cuban Shredded Beef)

Ropa Vieja is a traditional Cuban shredded beef dish simmered in a rich tomato sauce with peppers, onions, and spices. Perfect with rice and beans for a hearty, homemade meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cuban
Servings 6
Calories 172 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 2½ to 3 pounds flank steak
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1½ cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup green olives sliced (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Season the flank steak on both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the flank steak for 3–4 minutes on each side until browned, then remove it from the pot and set aside.
  • Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the pot and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop the flavor.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, vinegar, cumin, paprika, and add the bay leaf.
  • Return the steak to the pot, nestling it into the sauce.
  • Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low.
  • Simmer for 2½ to 3 hours or until the beef is fork-tender and easy to shred.
  • Remove the steak and shred it into strips using two forks.
  • Return the shredded beef to the pot and stir to coat it in the sauce.
  • Simmer uncovered for 10–15 more minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Stir in the sliced olives if using, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Serve hot with Black Beans and Rice

Nutrition

Calories: 172kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 18gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 872mgPotassium: 477mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 991IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Casserole, Comfort Food, One Pot
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