_Adjusts apron with a twirl_
Oh honey, let me tell you about this mouth-watering Ropa Vieja that’ll have your family fighting over seconds! This Cuban-inspired shredded beef dish is literally what dreams are made of, and I’m spilling all the tea on how to make it perfect.
Listen up, because this recipe has been passed down through generations (with my own little twists, of course!), and it’s absolutely worth every minute in the kitchen. Trust your girl on this one!
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs flank steak (don’t you dare skimp on quality!)
– 2 bell peppers, sliced (I use red and green for that pop of color)
– 1 large onion, sliced thin
– 4 garlic cloves, minced (or 6… I won’t judge 😉)
– 2 cups crushed tomatoes
– 1/2 cup white wine
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp oregano
– Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
Y’all, the magic happens in the prep! First things first, season that beautiful piece of meat generously with salt and pepper. Heat up your Dutch oven (my favorite kitchen buddy) with some olive oil until it’s smoking hot. Sear that beef until it’s golden brown on both sides – we’re talking about 5 minutes each side. Those brown bits? That’s flavor town right there!
(BTW, if you’re loving this recipe so far, make sure to follow me on Newsbreak for daily recipes that’ll make your taste buds dance! 💃)
Now, remove the meat and in the same pot, sauté those veggies until they’re soft and caramelized. Add the garlic (I always add extra because, hello, garlic is life!), and let those aromas fill your kitchen. Pour in that wine and let it reduce – and no, you can’t drink it all while cooking… save some for dinner! 😂
Add the tomatoes, spices, and bay leaves, then nestle that beef back in there like it’s getting tucked into bed. Cover and let it simmer for 2.5-3 hours until the meat is fork-tender and literally falling apart.
Shred that beautiful beef with two forks – this is where the magic happens! Let it simmer in the sauce for another 15 minutes until everything is perfectly married together.
Serve this beauty over rice (I like mine with black beans on the side and some fresh avocado because I’m fancy like that!).
Y’all, I cannot even tell you how many dinner parties I’ve won with this recipe. It’s literally impossible to mess up, and the leftovers? Even better the next day!
Don’t forget to follow me on Newsbreak for more drool-worthy recipes like this one! Drop a comment below and let me know how this turned out for you – did your family lick their plates clean like mine does? 😘
And between us girls (and guys!), this recipe pairs perfectly with a good mojito… just saying! Until next time, keep cooking with love and a little sass! 💕👩🍳
