Get ready to enjoy a tasty and comforting Cuban dish with this easy Ropa Vieja recipe. Ropa Vieja is a popular meal made with shredded beef cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce.
The beef is so tender that it easily pulls apart, and the sauce is made with a mix of spices and herbs that give it a delicious taste. This recipe uses a pressure cooker, which means you can have this yummy dish ready in no time.
Serve it with rice, beans, and fried plantains for a complete Cuban-style meal that your whole family will love.
Why You’ll love this Ropa Vieja Recipe
- Easy and Tasty: This Ropa Vieja recipe is simple to make using a pressure cooker, but it still has all the yummy flavors of the traditional Cuban dish. The beef comes out super tender and full of taste.
- Perfect for Sharing: Ropa Vieja is a great meal to share with family and friends. It’s hearty and satisfying, and everyone will love the delicious combination of shredded beef and flavorful tomato sauce.
- Budget-Friendly: You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make this recipe. Most of the things you need can be easily found at your local grocery store, and they won’t break the bank.
Side Dish Ideas:
DIFFERENT WAYS TO MAKE IT
- Make It Spicy: If you like your food with a kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
- Veggie Version: If you don’t eat meat, you can use jackfruit or mushrooms instead of beef to make a vegetarian dish.
HOW TO STORE
- In the Fridge: Put any leftovers in a container with a tight lid and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- In the Freezer: Put the food in a sealed container and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you want to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before heating it up again.

Other Cuban Recipes>>
- Arroz Con Pollo Recipe
- Flan de Leche Recipe: Easy Caramel Custard Delight
- Sopa de Pollo: A Cuban Chicken Soup Recipe
- Quick Cuban Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl – Budget Friendly

PRESSURE COOKER ROPA VIEJA
Ingredients
- Beef Brisket – 2 pounds cut into large chunks
- Bell Peppers – 1 green and 1 red thinly sliced
- Onion – 1 large thinly sliced
- Garlic – 3 cloves minced
- Tomato Sauce – 1 cup
- Beef Broth – ½ cup
- Cumin – 1 teaspoon
- Oregano – 1 teaspoon
- Bay Leaves – 2
- Olive Oil – for sautéing
- Salt and Pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Veggies: In the pressure cooker, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Brown the Beef: Increase heat to high, add beef chunks, and brown on all sides. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Add tomato sauce, beef broth, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally.
- Shred the Beef: Remove beef from the pot and shred with two forks. Return shredded beef to the pot and stir to mix with the sauce.
- Serve: Discard bay leaves and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
I was born and grew up in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where my grandmas, mom, and aunts taught me everything about cooking. Now, I live in the US, and I love hiking, reading, and making meals for my family.