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Cuban Beef Shredded

Cuban Beef Shredded

Make tender, flavorful Cuban Shredded Beef (Ropa Vieja). An easy slow-cooked recipe with peppers, olives, and spices for a comforting family meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.4 kg beef chuck, brisket, or flank
  • 1 onion, sliced thin
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped fine
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 3 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1/8 tsp allspice
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • 500 ml beef broth
  • 1 can (410g) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup green olives, sliced (optional)
  • 2 tbsp capers
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lime juice
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Two forks for shredding

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Pat the beef dry and sear until browned on all sides, then set aside.
  3. Sauté the onion and bell peppers in the same pot until softened.
  4. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, allspice, and cloves, and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in beef broth and crushed tomatoes, adding oregano and bay leaves, then nestle the seared beef back in.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover, simmering for 2 hours.
  7. Remove beef and shred with two forks, then return to the pot with olives and capers.
  8. Stir in apple cider vinegar or lime juice, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 20mg

Notes

This Cuban shredded beef is even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently and add a splash of water or broth if needed.
Consider adding chopped jalapeños for spice, or crushed pineapple for a tropical twist.
Serve over rice with black beans and fried plantains for an authentic Cuban meal or in tortillas for tasty tacos.
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