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Ropa Vieja Salvadoreña

Shredded beef cooked in a savory tomato sauce with peppers and onions. A rich, slow-cooked comfort food that is tender and flavorful.

105 minMediumServes 4380 cal/serving

SalvadoranDinnerStovetopStandard

Ingredients

  • 4 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 onion, sliced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 bay leaf
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pat 4 lbs cut into 2-inch chunks beef chuck roast dry and season with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.

  2. 2

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides in batches, about 8 minutes total. Remove and set aside.

  3. 3

    In the same pot, sauté 2 sliced onion and 6 cloves minced garlic for 3 minutes until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Add 2 sliced bell pepper (red or yellow) and cook for 2 minutes.

  5. 5

    Return the beef to the pot. Add 2 cups tomato sauce, 2 cups beef broth, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 2 bay leaf.

  6. 6

    Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 75 to 90 minutes until the beef is very tender and falls apart easily with a fork.

  7. 7

    Check that beef reaches at least 190°F for tenderness. Remove the bay leaf. Using two forks, shred the beef into thin strands.

  8. 8

    Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve over rice or with tortillas and the rich sauce spooned over the top.

Questions

How long does Ropa Vieja Salvadoreña keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. It also freezes well for up to three months.

Can I halve or double Ropa Vieja Salvadoreña?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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