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Cuban Shredded Beef

Cuban Shredded Beef

Discover the rich flavors of Cuban Shredded Beef, a savory dish perfect for any occasion. Learn how to make this classic Ropa Vieja recipe today!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoons or spatulas
  • Tongs for flipping the beef
  • Forks for shredding
  • Optional olive oil for drizzling

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Pat the beef dry with paper towels and sear it on all sides until golden, then set it aside.
  3. Add onions and bell peppers to the pot and cook for 7–10 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste; cook for about a minute.
  5. Add cumin, paprika, allspice, and cloves, stirring to enhance flavors.
  6. Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, and bay leaves; return beef to the pot.
  7. Cover and simmer gently for 2 hours.
  8. Shred the beef in the pot, mix in olives and capers, and cook for another 5 minutes.
  9. Finish with vinegar, seasoning to taste, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 40gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 20mg

Notes

Searing the beef properly ensures maximum flavor; don’t rush this step.
This dish tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time.
If you want to lighten the dish, use leaner cuts of beef or replace meat with jackfruit for a vegan alternative.
Customize by adding ingredients like raisins or roasted red peppers for added sweetness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!