How to Make the Perfect Simple Ropa Vieja
Latin American · Easy · 45 min · 6 servings
This simple ropa vieja is a tender shredded beef stew that is one of the most kid friendly recipes because the soft flavorful meat is easy for little ones to eat. Served over fluffy white rice it becomes a complete family meal that everyone at the table enjoys.
Why this recipe works
This Simple Ropa Vieja recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 390 calories with 34g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lbs flank steak
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 14 oz
- 1 whole green bell pepper sliced
- 1 whole onion sliced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 3 cups cooked white rice for serving
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Pressure Cook the Beef
Place flank steak in a pressure cooker with 1 cup of water and cook on high for 25 minutes until very tender.
Step 2: Shred the Beef
Remove beef and shred it into thin strands using two forks then set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Sauce
Saute onion and bell pepper in the same pot for 3 minutes, add crushed tomatoes and cumin, then return shredded beef and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Serve Over Rice
Spoon ropa vieja generously over white rice and serve with plantains on the side for a complete kid friendly Cuban meal.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- flank steak → chuck roast which becomes even more tender when shredded
- green bell pepper → red bell pepper for a slightly sweeter flavor kids prefer
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not cooking the beef long enough results in tough meat that is hard to shred and chew
- Adding too many spices makes the dish too intense for young kids so keep seasoning mild
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 390 calories, 34g protein, 28g carbs, 14g fat, 3g fiber.
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