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Comforting Cuban Ropa Vieja

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A slow-cooked shredded beef dish bursting with smoky peppers and rich tomato sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the roast and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until deep golden brown.
  3. Remove the beef and set aside. Reduce heat to medium, add sliced onions, green and red bell peppers, and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
  6. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and dry white wine. Mix well.
  7. Add ground cumin, dried oregano, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Return the beef to the pot, nestling it into the sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  8. Cover and transfer to a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3 to 3.5 hours, or transfer everything to a slow cooker set on low for 6-7 hours until beef is fork-tender.
  9. Remove the meat and shred using two forks or shredder claws. Discard bay leaves.
  10. Return shredded beef to the sauce, stir well, and simmer on stovetop over low heat for 15 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Do not rush browning the beef to develop deep flavor. Use low and slow cooking to keep meat tender. Adjust sauce thickness by simmering uncovered or adding broth. For a smoky layer, add Spanish smoked paprika. For a spicy twist, add jalapeño or cayenne pepper when sautéing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cuban ropa vieja, shredded beef, slow cooker beef, comfort food, Cuban recipe, slow braised beef, shredded beef recipe

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/comforting-cuban-ropa-vieja-recipe-easy-tender-shredded-beef-guide/