Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsLa Habana ViejaRopa Vieja Recipe

Ropa Vieja Recipe

Inspired by La Habana Vieja
Time3h
Serves6

Shredded beef in a tomato sauce.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Main Ingredients

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Ingredients

    Begin by chopping the onion and bell pepper into thin slices. Mince the garlic cloves.

  2. 2

    Sear the Beef

    In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the flank steak with salt and black pepper, then add to the pot. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the steak and set aside.

Cooking

  1. 3

    Sauté the Vegetables

    In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.

  2. 4

    Add the Tomatoes and Broth

    Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the beef broth into the pot with the sautéed vegetables.

  3. 5

    Season the Mixture

    Add the bay leaves, cumin, oregano, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well.

  4. 6

    Add the Beef Back

    Return the seared flank steak to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the sauce.

  5. 7

    Simmer

    Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Final Steps

  1. 8

    Shred the Beef

    Once cooked, remove the beef from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces.

  2. 9

    Combine and Serve

    Return the shredded beef to the pot, stirring it into the sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with rice or tortillas.

More from La Habana Vieja