Ropa Vieja with Coconut Yuca and Sofrito Beans
CaribbeanDinner

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

This beloved Caribbean classic features tender beef slowly braised until it falls apart into silky strands, then simmered in a rich sauce of tomatoes, bell peppers, and aromatic spices. The dish gets its name "ropa vieja" meaning "old clothes" from the shredded appearance of the meat. Accompanied by pillowy yuca root cooked in coconut milk for a subtle tropical sweetness, and black beans infused with traditional sofrito of peppers, onions, and garlic. This complete one-pot meal captures the essence of Caribbean home cooking with layers of flavor from cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. The combination creates a satisfying dinner that showcases the Spanish, African, and indigenous influences that define Caribbean cuisine. Each component can be prepared in the same pot sequentially, making cleanup easy while building complex flavors.

Instructions

step by step
0/9 done
  1. Season beef with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef on all sides until browned, about 8 minutes total. Remove and set aside.

  2. In the same pot, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté onions and bell peppers for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Stir in cumin, oregano, paprika, and bay leaves. Cook 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, and 2 cups water. Return beef to pot and bring to boil.

  4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours until beef is fork-tender and easily shreds.

  5. While beef cooks, prepare yuca: Peel and cut into 2-inch chunks. Place in separate pot with coconut milk and 1 cup water. Add 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer 25-30 minutes until tender.

  6. For beans: In medium pot, combine black beans with their liquid, remaining bell peppers, cilantro, remaining garlic, lime juice, and 1/2 tsp cumin. Simmer 15 minutes.

  7. Remove beef from sauce and shred with two forks. Return shredded beef to sauce, discard bay leaves, and simmer uncovered 10 minutes to thicken.

  8. Drain yuca and lightly mash with fork, leaving some chunks. Season with remaining salt.

  9. Serve shredded beef over yuca with beans on the side. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Ropa Vieja with Coconut Yuca and Sofrito Beans

4.6 (35)

Traditional Cuban-style shredded beef simmered in a vibrant tomato-pepper sauce, paired with creamy coconut yuca and aromatic sofrito beans for an authentic Caribbean feast perfect for family gatherings.

medium
2h 40m
6 servings

Ingredients

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Main Protein

  • 900 grams beef-steak, cut into large chunks
  • 3 pieces bell-peppers, sliced into strips
  • 2 pieces onions, thinly sliced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 pieces tomatoes, diced
  • 3 tablespoons tomato-paste
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons oregano, dried
  • 1 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 pieces bay-leaves
  • 3 tablespoons olive-oil
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoons black-pepper

Yuca Side

  • 1 cups coconut, coconut milk

Bean Side

  • 2 cups black-beans, cooked or canned
  • 4 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
  • 2 pieces lime, juiced

Chef Tips

expert advice
For deeper flavor, prepare the beef one day ahead and refrigerate overnight - the flavors will meld beautifully.
If you cannot find fresh yuca, frozen works perfectly and requires less prep time.
Add a splash of vinegar to the beef during the last 10 minutes for authentic tanginess.
For a spicier version, include 1-2 diced jalapeños with the peppers.
The sofrito can be made in larger batches and frozen in ice cube trays for future use.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add water or beef broth to reach desired consistency.
For a complete meal, serve with fried plantains or white rice on the side.