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Cuban Shredded Beef

Cuban Shredded Beef

Transport yourself to Cuba with this flavorful Cuban Shredded Beef recipe. Perfectly tender and rich, it’s a taste of tradition right in your kitchen.
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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 beef brisket, chuck roast, or flank steak
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 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
  • 410 g crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 cup green olives (optional)
  • 2 tbsp capers
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoons or spatulas
  • Tongs for handling the beef
  • Forks for shredding

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sear the beef for 3–4 minutes on each side, then remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add the onions and bell peppers, cooking for 7–10 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, allspice, and cloves, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, oregano, and bay leaves; return the beef to the pot, cover, and simmer on low for 2 hours.
  5. Remove the beef, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot with olives and capers; cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in vinegar and season with salt and pepper; sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 40gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 20mg

Notes

Browning the beef deeply enhances the flavor, so don't rush that step. If you're short on time, using a slow cooker is an excellent alternative. Adjust seasoning as you go for the best flavor balance. Leftovers taste even better the next day, so consider making a larger batch! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months; add liquid while reheating if needed.
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