Growing up in a Cuban family means no one knows the measurements of any recipe. True story!

Just like I did with my arroz con pollo, I had to watch Mami make this ropa vieja recipe to figure out the exact measurements.

See, Cuban kitchen legends, like my mom, don’t know any measurements for any Cuban dinner. They’ve been cooking with un poquito (a little bit) as their measurement of choice for years.

Ropa vieja translates to “old clothes” in Spanish because shredded meat resembles a pile of old clothes (I know, I don’t get it either 🤷🏻‍♀️). This hearty and flavorful dish is a staple of Cuban cuisine.

Let me show you how to make it!

cooked Cuban ropa vieja with sofrito in a braiser
5 stars
5 star review

“I picked your recipe because it seemed the most authentic. It did not disappoint. As a fellow Cuban (descent), it was delicious. Thank you.”

—Beatriz
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Best Cut of Beef for Ropa Vieja

When it comes to making ropa vieja, you want a cut of beef that can handle some serious slow-cooking action.

Flank steak is my top pick for ropa vieja. It’s a tougher cut that, when simmered low and slow, breaks down beautifully, soaking up all those delicious flavors from the tomato-based sauce. In a pinch, you can use brisket or beef chuck roast (pot roast).

By the way, if you have any leftover ropa vieja, you can turn it into ropa vieja empanadas using my empanada dough recipe! Unless, of course, you prefer to just serve it up with fluffy white rice. That works too. 😉

flank steak on a braiser

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ok, I know at first glance it seems like this recipe appears super tedious to make… however, most of the recipe is pretty hands-off. Here’s how you can make ropa vieja Cuban-style at home.

flank steak with water in a Dutch oven ready for cooking
Cook the meat with water and salt at medium-low heat until it is tender, about 2 hours.
shredding flank steak using two forks on a white plate
Transfer the meat to a plate. Using two forks, shred the beef.
adding shredded beef with the Cuban sofrio in a skillet
Heat oil and sauté the sofito for about 2 minutes before adding the tomato sauce, vino seco, and spices.
ropa vieja being cooked in a skillet
Cook for 15-20 minutes at medium heat, then add the shredded meat and cook for another 10-15 minutes.
A plate of white rice topped with Cuban ropa vieja, shredded chicken cooked with red and green bell peppers in a savory sauce, served with a gold fork on the side.

Dutch Oven

I use a 6-quart Dutch Oven often when I’m making soups and stews and even when I’m cooking other recipes that require longer hours of cooking.

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Difference between Ropa Vieja and Vaca Frita

I get this question a lot because of the similarities in both recipes. Both ropa vieja and vaca frita are close cousins.

While both dishes showcase the deliciousness of beef in Cuban cuisine, Ropa Vieja is all about slow-cooked comfort, while Vaca Frita brings a crispy, flavorful pan-fried twist to the table.

Ropa Vieja is a stew-like dish where the beef practically falls apart with each forkful.

On the other hand, Vaca Frita, which translates to “fried cow” or “crispy beef,” takes a different approach. Instead of simmering, vaca frita is typically marinated with mojo marinade, then pan-fried until crispy.

Shredded beef cooked with sliced green and red bell peppers, onions, and bay leaves in a black skillet. This Cuban ropa vieja looks tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned.
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Ropa Vieja Recipe (Cuban Shredded Beef)

Jamie Silva
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Learn how to make authentic Cuban ropa vieja! This slow-cooked Cuban-style shredded beef dish is made with tenderized flank steak, Cuban sofrito, and spices, all simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This ropa vieja recipe requires only 25 minutes of hands-on work once the meat is tenderized.
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Equipment

Ingredients
 

  • 2 lbs flank steak, cut into pieces
  • Water, (enough to cover the meat in the pot)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced lengthwise
  • 7 ounces whole red pimientos, sliced lengthwise
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup vino seco, (dry cooking wine)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt + pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cooking The Meat

  • In a Dutch oven or large pot, add the meat with water and salt. Cook at medium-low until the meat is tender, about 2 hours. (In a pressure cooker, this takes about 40 minutes). Transfer the meat to a plate. Using two forks, shred the beef. Set aside.

Making The Ropa Vieja

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil at medium heat. Add green pepper, onion, and pimientos. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  • Add tomato sauce, vino seco (dry cooking wine), cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook for 15 minutes, at medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the shredded beef to the skillet. Stir to combine with the tomato-based sauce. Cover and cook on LOW for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, without letting it dry out. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy!

Notes

Adapted from Mami <3
 
While I personally believe the stovetop version is the best method because the result is perfect, you can make ropa vieja in other ways.
  • Slow Cooker. Transfer the shredded meat to the slow cooker along with the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and easily shreds apart.
  • Instant Pot. Add the shredded meat and sauce ingredients to the instant pot. Cook on high for about 60-90 minutes, depending on the size of the meat.
  • Pressure Cooker: Add the shredded meat and sauce ingredients to the pressure cooker. Cook for about 30-45 minutes.
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 419kcal, Carbohydrates: 5.2g, Protein: 43g, Fat: 23.9g, Saturated Fat: 6.8g, Cholesterol: 83mg, Sodium: 583mg, Potassium: 650mg, Fiber: 1.4g, Sugar: 2.5g, Calcium: 30mg, Iron: 3.4mg
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Main Dish
Cuisine: Cuban
Keyword: cuban ropa vieja, ropa vieja, ropa vieja cuban-style, ropa vieja recipe, shredded beef
Did You Make This?I want to know! Leave a comment & recipe rating below or tag @asassyspoon on social media!