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Dairy-Free Ropa Vieja (Cuban Shredded Beef) recipe by Safe Plated

Dairy-Free Ropa Vieja (Cuban Shredded Beef)

Slow-cooked shredded beef in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This dairy-free version of Ropa Vieja is a Cuban classic that is perfect for a comforting and satisfying lunch.

25m prep + 180m cook4 servings
DAIRY-free
600 cal|50g protein|25g carbs|30g fat|5g fiber

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Beef chuck roast
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 large Onion
  • 1 large Green bell pepper
  • 1 large Red bell pepper
  • 6 cloves Garlic
  • 28 oz Canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup Beef broth
  • 1/2 cup Dry red wine
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano
  • 1 leaf Bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Season the 2 lb beef chuck roast evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the seasoned 2 lb beef chuck roast into the hot oil and sear it on all sides until deeply browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the seared beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
  2. 2Reduce the heat to medium. Dice the 1 large onion, 1 large green bell pepper, and 1 large red bell pepper into approximately 1/2-inch pieces. Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the same pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until they have softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
  3. 3Mince the 6 cloves of garlic. Stir the minced 6 cloves of garlic into the pot with the vegetables and cook for 1 minute more, until the garlic is fragrant. Pour in the 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, and 1/2 cup dry red wine. Stir in the 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, and 1 bay leaf.
  4. 4Bring the mixture in the pot to a gentle simmer over medium heat on the stovetop. Carefully return the seared 2 lb beef chuck roast to the pot, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot tightly with its lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 3 to 4 hours, or until the beef is very tender and can be easily shredded with a fork; the internal temperature of the beef should reach 200-205°F (93-96°C) for optimal shredding.
  5. 5Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Transfer the cooked 2 lb beef chuck roast to a cutting board or large plate. Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat or gristle. Return the shredded beef to the pot with the sauce. Place the pot back on the stovetop over medium-low heat and simmer, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. 6Before serving, remove and discard the 1 bay leaf from the pot. Serve the Dairy-Free Ropa Vieja hot with rice and other dairy-free sides.

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