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Cuban Shredded Beef

Cuban Shredded Beef

Discover the rich flavors of Cuban Shredded Beef, a traditional Ropa Vieja recipe. Perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.4 kg beef brisket, chuck, or shoulder
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 3 teaspoons sweet paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 500 ml beef broth
  • 410 g canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup green olives, optional, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lime juice
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Two forks for shredding
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until golden brown, then set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add onions and bell peppers; cook for 7–10 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, allspice, and cloves; cook for one minute.
  4. Pour in beef broth, crushed tomatoes, oregano, and bay leaves; return beef to pot, bring to a boil, decrease heat to low, and simmer covered for 2 hours.
  5. Shred the beef using two forks, mix in olives and capers, simmer for an additional 5 minutes, then add vinegar and season with salt and pepper; let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 40gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 4mg

Notes

This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For a vegan option, substitute the beef with jackfruit. Don't skip the searing step for maximum flavor. Serve with rice, plantains, or crusty bread for a well-rounded meal.
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