This ropa vieja recipe is a traditional dish of beef roast that’s simmered with tomatoes and seasonings until tender, then shredded and served with olives. A classic dinner that always gets rave reviews!
When I’m looking for a meal that will satisfy even the heartiest of appetites, I turn to dishes such as slow cooker pot roast, hamburger casserole, and this super flavorful ropa vieja.
I have a great local Cuban restaurant that makes the best ropa vieja – it’s perfectly tender with the most amazing savory flavor. I’ve since learned how to make this dish at home, and I have to say, my version is just as good as what you’d get at a restaurant!
What is ropa vieja?
Ropa vieja is considered to be one of the national dishes of Cuba, but is also made in other countries including Panama and Puerto Rico. The name of the dish translates into “old clothes”, because the shredded meat resembles scraps of fabric. This recipe typically consists of some type of beef, tomatoes, olives and red bell peppers. The meat is always slow cooked until it’s tender enough to shred until the characteristic “rags”.
How do you make ropa vieja?
Start by browning your meat in a pot. Remove the meat from the pot, then cook your vegetables until tender. When the veggies are soft, add garlic, seasonings, tomatoes and a little white wine. Return the meat to the pot, then cover the pot and place it in the oven. Let the meat simmer in the oven for at least 3 hours or until it’s very tender. Shred the meat, then stir in olives. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve immediately.
What is the best cut of meat for ropa vieja?
This dish is often made with either flank steak or a chuck roast. I typically use a chuck roast for multiple reasons. First of all, it’s less expensive than flank steak. It’s also more marbled which makes it less likely to dry out, as flank steak is often on the lean side. I’ve written this recipe for a chuck roast, but you can easily substitute an equal amount of flank steak if you prefer.
Tips for the perfect dish
- I recommend taking the extra few minutes to brown your meat. It adds so much more flavor to the dish.
- Ropa vieja will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and will last for 2 months in the freezer.
- Serve the finished dish with a variety of sides including white rice, black beans and plantains for an authentic meal.
- If you don’t want to use wine, substitute an equal amount of beef broth instead.
Slow cooker version
This recipe can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Brown the meat and saute the vegetables, then place them in a crockpot along with the rest of the ingredients, omitting the olives and cilantro. Let the meat cook on low heat for 8 hours, then shred and stir in the olives and cilantro.
This dish is perfect for a family dinner, or for a cold day when you want to warm up with a little comfort food!
More great ways to enjoy beef
- Garlic Butter Filet Mignon
- New York Strip Steak
- Tamale Pie
- Grilled Flank Steak
- Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ropa Vieja Video
Ropa Vieja
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 pounds chuck roast can also use flank steak
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup onion thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups red bell pepper cored, seeded and sliced
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes do not drain
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 3/4 cup green pimiento stuffed olives whole or sliced
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Heat the oil in a large deep pot over medium heat.
- Season the meat all over with the salt and pepper.
- Add the meat to the pot, then cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Remove the meat from the pot.
- Place the onions and bell pepper in the pot. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in the wine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the wine has reduced by half.
- Add the two types of paprika, cumin, oregano, tomatoes, beef broth and bay leaves to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Place the meat back into the pot. Cover and put the pot in the oven.
- Bake for 3 hours or until meat is tender.
- Uncover the pot, then skim off any excess grease. Shred the meat into long pieces using two forks.
- Stir in the olives. Season with additional salt if desired. Sprinkle with cilantro, then serve.
Sandra M. says
This was delicious. I did use flank steak. I also added 1/8 teaspoon allspice and 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves to keep it a bit more traditional. Very easy to do and cooked on high for about 5 hours and it shredded easily. Served with black beans and yellow rice. Sweet plantains would have been nice but they were still too green. I really enjoy your recipes.
Karen says
This dish came out delicious! Perfectly seasoned and such moist meat!
Patti Collins says
For us who hate Wine what can be used iinstead?
Sara says
Beef broth will work!
Gracie says
Looking forward to making this recipe..what type of white wine do you suggest? TIA😊
Sara says
I use Chardonnay!
Indira says
I do not eat beef. Could I do chicken instead?
Sara says
Yes I would use chicken thighs and cook for half the amount of time!
Beth says
Ropa vieja is one of our favorite recipes! We tried your recipe and it was just as good. Such a flavorful and very tasty recipe! Can’t wait to make this again!
Meenakshi Thakur says
Wow.. it looks absolutely delicious! can’t wait to try it. Thanks for the recipe.
serena says
I’ve never tried this but it looks delicious! Adding to my weekend dinner. The recipe looks easy and simple to follow 🙂
Colleen says
We loved Ropa vieja when we had it during a holiday in Cuba, so I’m excited to try this recipe. It looks delicious and simple. Thanks for sharing!
Liz says
My dad loves beef in all forms, haha, but he had never tried Ropa Vieja before. This is a new winner! Thanks!
Eileen Kelly says
Ropa Vieja is one of my favorite meals. We enjoyed this recipe so much. The best homemade version I’ve ever had and the family agrees with me. We will be making this often. Just a wonderful recipe.
Anjali says
I’ve never tried ropa vieja before but now I can’t wait to make this at home!! It looks so hearty and flavorful and I love all of the spices you added to it too!
maryanne says
I love the flavor combination of this dish! My whole family is going to love this!
Irina says
WOW! I have never tried any dish from Cuban cuisine! I think it is my chance to make something new in the kitchen. I just hope I will succeed in the same way as you, Sara!
Brianna says
Ropa vieja is my favorite thing to order when I get Cuban food! Your recipe turned out great and very easy to follow.