Classic Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe: Tender Shredded Beef in Savory Sauce

Ropa vieja — literally “old clothes” in Spanish — is a beloved Cuban classic. It’s shredded beef stewed with peppers, garlic, onions and spices in a flavorful tomato broth.

My favorite Cuban dish — warm, comforting, and full of flavor. This version uses flank steak, though brisket also works well. It’s perfect on a chilly evening and adapts easily for low-carb or keto meals.

Tips for success

• If the shredded strands are too long, trim them with a knife for easier serving.
• Use flank steak or brisket depending on your preference; both become tender when cooked under pressure or slowly on the stove.
• Serve with fluffy white rice or warm tortillas.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless flank steak (or brisket)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2 tbsp sofrito
• 16 oz tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp granulated garlic
• 2 tsp sazon
• 2 bay leaves
• 3–4 tbsp olives (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method (Instant Pot)

1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and add a little oil.
2. When hot, sauté the onions and both bell peppers for 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic, sofrito, sazon, cumin, oregano and granulated garlic and cook briefly to release the aromas.
4. Add the tomato sauce, dry white wine, water and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Place the flank steak in the pot and ensure it is covered by the tomato mixture.
6. Seal the lid, select Pressure Cook, and cook on high for 40 minutes.
7. After cooking, release all steam before opening the lid. Transfer the meat to a cutting board and shred with two forks.
8. Return the shredded beef to the pot, add olives if using, then press Sauté and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broth thickens and the flavors meld.
9. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot with white rice or tortillas.

You can also prepare ropa vieja on the stovetop: simmer the meat gently in the tomato broth until tender, then shred and reduce the sauce until it thickens.

More Cuban recipes

• Instant Pot Arroz con Leche
• 15-minute Cuban black beans
• Picadillo Cubano con Papas
• Cuban Carne con Papa

Ropa Vieja

Flank steak seasoned and cooked in a rich tomato broth — a family-friendly Cuban classic.

Prep: 5 mins |
Cook: 40 mins |
Total: 45 mins |
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless flank steak
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp granulated garlic
• 2 tsp sazon
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp sofrito
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 16 oz tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 3–4 tbsp olives (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Press Sauté on the Instant Pot and add oil.
2. Sauté onions and peppers 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic, sofrito, sazon, cumin, oregano and granulated garlic.
4. Add tomato sauce, wine, water, bay leaves; season with salt and pepper.
5. Add the flank steak and ensure it’s covered by the mixture.
6. Seal lid and Pressure Cook for 40 minutes.
7. Release steam, shred the meat with two forks, and return to the pot.
8. Add olives if desired, then Sauté and cook another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broth thickens.
9. Check seasoning and serve immediately.

Notes

If you prefer a slightly sweeter profile, add 1/2 tsp sugar or a touch of ketchup.

Nutrition

Calories: 412 kcal | Carbs: 16 g | Protein: 51 g | Fat: 12 g

Nutrition is an estimate.