Ropa Vieja: Classic Cuban Shredded Beef

My Ropa Vieja recipe: A taste of Cuba in your kitchen! Tender shredded beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Authentic, comforting, and surprisingly easy! Check it out!

Alright, love! let's talk ropa vieja recipe , shall we? ever had a dish that just feels like a massive, warm hug? that's ropa vieja.

This classic dish is about to become your new favourite comfort food. it’s got that gorgeous, shredded beef in a rich, tomatoey sauce.

Oh my gosh, it's divine!

What's the Buzz About This Ropa Vieja Recipe?

Think of ropa vieja as cuba's answer to a sunday roast. traditionally, it’s a dish using up leftover beef. it's super popular in cuban cuisine .

We're talking proper soul food, you know? it's also a staple in puerto rican food , so if you're looking for boricua recipes , you're in the right place! it's moderately tricky, taking around 3.

5 to 4 hours total, but the result will feed about 6 hungry bellies.

Honestly, the biggest benefit? that melt-in-your-mouth beef. it's packed with protein. perfect for a family gathering or a cosy night in.

This authentic ropa vieja recipe is special because it’s all about slow cooking and building flavour. it's a latin dinner ideas winner!

The Heart of Cuban Cooking

This recipe is based on the traditional cuban ropa vieja recipe , but don't stress. you can totally do this at home! we're talking tender beef, vibrant veggies, and a sauce that sings.

It all starts with:

• 3 pounds beef flank steak or chuck roast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup dry red wine (optional, but do it if you can!)
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup olive brine, plus more to taste
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ropa Vieja Recipe Crockpot and Instant Pot Ropa Vieja Options

If you want to get a move on faster, there are easy versions such as Ropa Vieja Recipe Crockpot or even the Instant Pot Ropa Vieja .

Puerto rican ropa vieja recipe is quite similar. don't let the name, which literally means "old clothes," fool you. this dish is bursting with flavour! and you know what? it's not just delicious but using cheaper cuts of meat makes it pocket-friendly too.

What's not to love?

So grab your ingredients and let's get this Ropa Vieja party started!

Right then, let's talk ropa vieja recipe , shall we? honestly, this cuban ropa vieja recipe is proper comfort food.

It’s like a hug in a bowl. but before we get cooking, let's gather our bits and bobs. i've even made this using instant pot ropa vieja and ropa vieja recipe crockpot .

So easy!

Ingredients & Equipment

Right, let's get this show on the road! First, the main players. It's like casting the actors for your very own food film!

Main Ingredients

• Beef: 3 pounds (1.36 kg) flank steak or chuck roast. Go for well-marbled beef. This makes it super tender.

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Just a glug to get things going.

• Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1.5 cups/210g). Yellow or white will do.

• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (around 1 teaspoon/3g). Can't have Ropa Vieja without garlic, can we?

• Bell Peppers: 1 green and 1 red , chopped (about 1 cup/150g each). Adds a lovely sweetness.

• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can .

• Tomato Sauce: 1 (8 ounce/227g) can .

• Red Wine: 1 cup (240 ml). Optional, but it does add a fab depth of flavor. Dry is best!

• Beef Broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml).

• Olive Brine: 1/4 cup (60 ml). Sounds weird, tastes amazing!

• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). A bit of tang, you know?

Honestly, these key ingredients are essential to a beautiful ropa vieja . i like to prep everything into labelled containers before so i can toss it in at the right time.

It saves time and cleanup.

Seasoning Notes

Time for the flavor bomb! These spices are like the secret handshake for a proper Authentic Ropa Vieja Recipe .

• Essentials: 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika. That paprika gives it a lovely smoky depth.

• Flavor Boosters: Bay leaf (just 1!), salt, and pepper. Don't be shy with the seasoning!

• Quick Subs: No smoked paprika? A dash of regular paprika works.

I always recommend tasting as you go. And I mean always . That's how you know you are creating a proper Puerto Rican Ropa Vieja Recipe .

Equipment Needed

Don’t need much, thank goodness! Just the bare essentials for this ropa vieja recipe .

• Large Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lid.
• Tongs. For wrangling the beef.
• Cutting board and knife. Obvs!
• Measuring cups and spoons. I've cooked Ropa Vieja in my cast iron pot and my pressure cooker before. Both work a treat. For a Ropa Vieja Slow Cooker option, just adjust the timings.

This ropa vieja recipe really delivers! Enjoy delving into some Cuban cuisine .

Right, let's get stuck in with the method, shall we? honestly, this ropa vieja recipe is all about the low and slow cooking.

You'll feel like a proper cuban chef, even if it's just in your own kitchen. trust me, it's worth the wait, especially if you're after a proper cuban food experience.

This recipe is really similar to the tops vieja recipe and puerto rican ropa vieja recipe .

Cooking Method: Let's Get This Ropa Vieja Going!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic!

Before we even think about turning on the hob, let's get our ducks in a row. chop those veggies – the onion, garlic, and bell peppers.

Honestly, having everything prepped saves so much faff later on. and a quick reminder: always use a clean chopping board and sharp knife.

Safety first, yeah?

Step-by-Step: From Humble Ingredients to Cuban Heaven

Right then, here's the nitty-gritty:

1. Sear the beef: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown that beef on all sides. Think lovely and golden brown. Remove and set aside. This searing step is key for flavour!.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, garlic, and peppers to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5- 7 minutes . The smell alone will transport you to Havana.
3. Tomato Time: Stir in the can of crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, red wine (if using – and I highly recommend it!), beef broth, olive brine, apple cider vinegar, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Beef's Back: Return the seared beef to the pot, nestling it into that lovely sauce.
5. Braise Low and Slow: Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for a good 3-3. 5 hours , or until the beef is fork-tender . Honestly, patience is a virtue here. This step is what differentiates this from the Cuban Ground Beef Recipes.
6. Shred It: Remove the beef and shred it with two forks. Discard the bay leaf – nobody wants to chomp down on that!
7. Sauce Boss: Return the shredded beef to the pot and simmer, uncovered, for 15- 20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
8. Olive O'Clock: Stir in the sliced olives. Taste and adjust the seasoning. More olive brine if you want that extra tang.

Pro Tips: Secrets From My Cuban Kitchen (Well, Almost!)

• Don't skip the searing. It's tempting, but trust me, it's worth the effort!
• Taste as you go! Seriously, this is how you make it your Authentic Ropa Vieja Recipe . Add a pinch of sugar if it's too acidic.
• Make-ahead magic: This tastes even better the next day! The flavours have time to meld.

So there you have it! hopefully, you'll be enjoying your own bowl of ropa vieja slow cooker glory in no time! don't forget your rice and plantains, and a big dollop of sunshine.

Alright, let's delve into some essential notes about this ropa vieja recipe , the king of cuban beef recipes ! think of these as extra tips and tricks from my abuela (if i had one!), designed to make your authentic ropa vieja recipe experience even better.

Honestly, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference.

Recipe Notes: Making Your Ropa Vieja a Triumph

Serving Up Deliciousness: Plating and Presentation Ideas

So, you've got this amazing ropa vieja recipe cuban style, simmering away. how do you make it look as good as it tastes? plating matters, you know? i like to serve my puerto rican ropa vieja recipe over a bed of fluffy white rice.

Maybe with a side of golden, sweet maduros (fried plantains). a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a pop of colour.

Presentation wise, a rustic bowl and a generous helping just screams comfort food.

Storage Secrets : Keeping Your Ropa Vieja Fresh

Right, so you've made a huge batch of this amazing ropa vieja recipe crockpot (or stove top!), and have leftovers.

What to do? don't panic! this is where i store cuban food . fridge it within two hours of cooking, yeah? it'll keep happily for 3-4 days.

For longer storage, freezing is your best bet. just portion it into freezer-safe containers. to reheat, defrost overnight in the fridge and then gently warm on the stovetop or microwave.

Just remember to add a splash of broth if it seems a bit dry.

Ropa Vieja Remix : Variations and Adaptations

Fancy shaking things up a bit? of course, you do!. for a rican food twist, how about adding a touch of spice? a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely kick.

Dietary wise, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, so that's already covered!

Nutritional Nibbles : Quick Health Facts

Okay, so ropa vieja isn't exactly a health food, but it's packed with protein thanks to the beef. plus, all those veggies add vitamins and fibre.

Just be mindful of the sodium content and maybe go easy on the salt when seasoning. think of it as soul food with some nutritional value.

So, there you have it! my top tips for making the best tops vieja recipe ever. don't be scared to experiment, and most importantly, have fun! get stuck in with this recipe, even if you are looking at an instant pot ropa vieja variation or a ropa vieja slow cooker version, and don't forget to taste, adjust, and, most importantly, enjoy the process.

Now go on, you got this! you can nail your cuban ropa vieja recipe slow cooker version!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Ropa Vieja? Is this recipe authentic?

Ropa Vieja, which literally translates to "old clothes," is a classic Cuban dish featuring shredded beef simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Our ropa vieja recipe aims to capture the authentic taste, using traditional ingredients and techniques for a truly comforting and delicious meal. Think of it as comfort food, Cuban-style, that even your Nan would enjoy!

How can I get my Ropa Vieja beef really tender?

The key to tender Ropa Vieja is low and slow cooking! Make sure you braise the beef for at least 3 hours, or until it's easily shredded with a fork. Using a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot helps to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the beef from drying out. This will give you results better than a Sunday Roast, I promise!

Can I make this ropa vieja recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Absolutely! For a slow cooker version, sear the beef as directed, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. For an Instant Pot, sear the beef using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. Either way, you're onto a winner!

What's the best way to store leftover Ropa Vieja? And how long will it last?

Leftover Ropa Vieja can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. It's even tastier the next day, like a good curry!

Is Ropa Vieja healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

Ropa Vieja is a good source of protein and iron, but it can also be high in sodium and fat, depending on the ingredients used. You can reduce the sodium by using low-sodium beef broth and being mindful of the amount of salt you add. Serve with plenty of vegetables and whole grains to create a balanced meal. Remember to consult a professional for personalized nutritional advice.

What can I serve with this Ropa Vieja recipe to make it a complete meal?

The classic Cuban accompaniment to Ropa Vieja is white rice and fried sweet plantains (maduros). Black beans (frijoles negros) are another popular side dish. Don't forget some Cuban bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce! It's like a mini-Cuban fiesta on your plate!

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