Cuba's national dish: tender shredded beef stewed in a savory tomato-based sauce with peppers, onions, and olives.

Ropa Vieja

Recipe & Instructions (US Units)

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs flank steak or beef brisket
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or beef broth
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup pimiento-stuffed green olives, sliced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Water or beef broth as needed

Instructions:

1. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until well browned. Remove beef and set aside.
3. Add onion and bell peppers to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, white wine/broth, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves.
6. Return the beef to the pot. Add enough water or beef broth to almost cover the meat.
7. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 2.5 - 3 hours, or until the beef is very tender and falling apart.
8. Remove the beef from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard bay leaves.
9. Return the shredded beef to the pot. Stir in the sliced olives.
10. Simmer uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
12. Serve hot, typically with white rice and black beans (Moros y Cristianos).

What makes it special?*

Ropa Vieja, meaning "old clothes" in Spanish (referring to the shredded appearance of the meat), is often considered Cuba's national dish. The flank steak is slow-cooked until incredibly tender, then shredded and simmered in a rich, savory tomato sauce packed with onions, peppers, and classic Cuban spices like cumin and oregano. It's flavorful, comforting, and deeply satisfying.