Classic Cuban Ropa Vieja
Cuban ropa vieja features tender, slow-cooked shredded beef in a rich tomato sauce flavored with green bell pepper, onion, garlic, cumin, cilantro, and a touch of white vinegar. Hearty and warmly spiced, it makes a satisfying meal served with rice and black beans, especially for a comforting family dinner.
- Prep15 mins
- Cook4 hrs
- Serves6
- DifficultyMedium
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Classic Cuban Ropa Vieja, not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactFair
- 48 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityPoor
- 15 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityFair
- 57 / 100
- Calories by weight. Higher means more food for fewer calories.
- NOVA Processed Culinary Ingredients
- 2 / 4
- Processing level, 1 (whole) to 4 (ultra-processed). Lower is better.
How it scores for each health goal
The same recipe scores differently against different goals, because the goal changes the calculation rather than filtering a list. Set your goal in easyChef Pro and every recipe is scored against it.
- 23
- Heart Health
- 75
- Metabolic
- 38
- Digestive
- 25
- Inflammatory
- 53
- Performance
- 36
- General Wellness
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add flank steak and cook until browned, about 4 minutes per side.
- 2
Transfer steak to a slow cooker; pour in beef broth and tomato sauce. Add tomato paste, bell pepper, onion, garlic, cumin, cilantro, olive oil, and vinegar; stir until well blended.
- 3
Cover and cook on Low for up to 10 hours, or on High for 4 hours.
- 4
Shred steak in the slow cooker with two forks.
- Calories 532.4 kcal High 27%
- Protein 46.17 g Good Source 92%
- Carbohydrate 22.71 g 8%
- Total Fat 29.23 g High 37%
- Saturated Fat 9.37 g High 47%
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Cholesterol 129.25 mg High 43%
- Sodium 826.85 mg High 36%
- Dietary Fiber 5.11 g Moderate 18%
- Total Sugars 8.99 g --
- Added Sugars 0.38 g Low Source 1%
- Calcium 70.7 mg Low Source 5%
- Iron 5.61 mg Good Source 31%
- Potassium 1307.35 mg Good Source 28%
- Vitamin A 95.32 mcg Moderate 11%
- Vitamin C 13.13 mg Moderate 15%
- Vitamin D 0.16 mcg Low Source 1%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Tomatoes 🍅
- Garlic 🧄
- Onions 🧅
About This Recipe
Classic Cuban Ropa Vieja is a Cuban dinner recipe made with 14 ingredients. It takes about 4 hrs 15 mins, serves 6, and is rated medium. Key ingredients include Beef Broth, Beef Stew Meat, Fresh Cilantro, and Garlic. Each serving provides about 532.4 kcal, and is a good source of protein.
Recipe Questions
- What is Classic Cuban Ropa Vieja?
- It is a Cuban recipe made with 14 ingredients, usually served for dinner or lunch.
- What is Classic Cuban Ropa Vieja made of?
- The main ingredients are Beef Broth, Beef Stew Meat, Fresh Cilantro, Garlic, Green Bell Pepper. The full list of 14 is above.
- What goes well with Classic Cuban Ropa Vieja?
- Explore these Cuban side-dish recipes.
- How long does it take to make Classic Cuban Ropa Vieja?
- About 4 hrs 15 mins in total: 15 mins to prepare and 4 hrs to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 532.4 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Classic Cuban Ropa Vieja easy to make?
- This recipe is rated medium, with 14 ingredients and 4 steps.
- Is Classic Cuban Ropa Vieja healthy?
- Classic Cuban Ropa Vieja has an easyChef Pro health score of 40/100. Per serving, it provides 532.4 calories and 46.17 g of protein, or 92% of the Daily Value. It is a good source of iron and potassium. Worth noting per serving: sodium at 826.85 mg (36% of the Daily Value) and saturated fat at 9.37 g (47% of the Daily Value). It contains Tomatoes, Garlic and Onions, so it may not be suitable for people with those allergies or dietary restrictions. Whether it fits your goals depends on your complete meal plan and nutritional needs. Remix it in easyChef Pro to adjust the ingredients and generate fresh nutrition and scores.
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