Cuban Ropa Vieja

Ingredients

• 2 lbs flank steak 🥩
• 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
• 1 onion, sliced 🧅
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced 🫑
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced ❤️🫑
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 tsp ground cumin 🌿
• 1 tsp oregano 🌿
• 1 tsp smoked paprika 🌶
• 1 bay leaf 🍃
• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes 🍅
• 0.5 cup beef broth 🥣
• 0.25 cup green olives, sliced 🫒
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
• Fresh cilantro for garnish 🌿
• White rice, for serving 🍚

Instructions

1. 1Sear the Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sear the flank steak for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. 2Sauté Veggies: In the same pot, add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until softened (~5 mins).
3. 3Add Spices: Stir in cumin, oregano, paprika, and bay leaf. Let bloom for 1 minute.
4. 4Simmer: Return the beef to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 2 hours.
5. 5Shred It: Remove the beef, shred it using two forks, and return it to the sauce. Add green olives. Simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes.
6. 6Serve: Spoon over fluffy white rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.