Lighter ropa vieja (Cuban shredded beef)
Nutrition per serving
The Cuban classic: shredded beef simmered in a tomato sauce with peppers and onions. Tender, fragrant and colourful, it is a complete, sociable dish served with rice and beans.
Prep time: 20 min | Cook time: 90 min | Servings: 6 | Difficulty: Easy
Calculated per portion from Anses Ciqual 2025 values for each ingredient, based on the quantities in the list. Household measures (spoonfuls, pieces) use average weights. 245 kcal · 39 g protein · 10 g carbohydrate · 5 g fat
Ingredients
- 800 g beef for shredding (chuck)
- 3 peppers
- 2 onions
- 2 tins of chopped tomatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 60 g olives
Method
- Cook the beef in stock for 1 hour 15 minutes, then shred it.
- Fry the peppers and onions with the spices.
- Add the tomatoes and the shredded beef.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, then add the olives.
Nutritional benefits
Lean shredded beef provides quality protein and iron, while the generous amount of peppers and onions adds fibre and vitamin C. Simmered without unnecessary fat, ropa vieja is a complete, balanced Cuban dish, naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Serve with rice and black beans.
Variations and substitutions
- With shredded chicken (a lighter version).
- Spicier: add chilli.
- With capers as well as the olives.
- As a taco filling.
Storage and making ahead
Even better reheated; keeps for 4 days and can be frozen. A batch cooking champion.
💡 Good to know
Cook the beef for long enough that it shreds easily with a fork: that is the characteristic texture of ropa vieja.
Related reading
Discover more high-protein recipes · healthy & balanced recipes · gluten-free recipes · dairy-free recipes.
The foods in this recipe: beef · peppers · onions · tomatoes · cumin.
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