Ropa Vieja

Paleo | Whole30 | Gluten-Free | Dairy-Free | Nut-Free

Ropa vieja is a traditional Cuban dish made with stewed beef and vegetables. It quite literally means “old clothes.” But trust me, it tastes far superior to anything you might find in your hamper. There’s no limit to the ways you can enjoy this dish, which is fantastic, because you’ll have plenty of leftovers. Try it over a bed of cauliflower rice, on a baked potato, or with Cool-er Ranch Plantains.

Serves 6

• 2 pounds flank steak
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup unsalted beef broth or chicken broth
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion, halved and sliced (about 1 cup)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• Cauliflower rice or potatoes, for serving
• ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

Season both sides of the flank steak with 2 teaspoons of the salt.

In a slow cooker or Instant Pot, combine the crushed tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, allspice, peppercorns, black pepper, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Stir, then add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Stir again to coat. Add the flank steak and cover with half the vegetable mixture.

If using a slow cooker, cover and cook on High for 5 hours. If using an Instant Pot, set to “Meat/Stew” and cook on high pressure for 1 hour 15 minutes. Let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally. Once cooked, shred the meat with a fork.

Serve over cauliflower rice or potatoes, garnished with the cilantro.