Name: Instant Pot Ropa Vieja Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 2 to 2.5 pounds flank steak or chuck roast; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 onion, thinly sliced; 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 bay leaf; 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1/4 cup tomato sauce; 1/4 cup beef broth; 2 tablespoons white vinegar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

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If you have been craving a hearty, flavorful Cuban classic but want to skip the hours of slow cooking, then you are going to love this Instant Pot Ropa Vieja Recipe. This dish features tender, shredded beef that soaks up an aromatic tomato sauce full of peppers, garlic, and spices, all prepared quickly in the Instant Pot without sacrificing any of the traditional goodness. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just experimenting with Cuban flavors, this recipe brings warmth, comfort, and a big dose of deliciousness to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a single large piece of marbled raw meat placed on a white plate at the top left. Surrounding it are 18 small white bowls arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the center top is a whole white onion, and the bowls contain various colorful ingredients like green bell pepper slices, red pepper strips, green chopped jalapeños, pimento-stuffed green olives, finely chopped cilantro, tomato paste, and different dry spices with vibrant colors like yellow, brown, and orange. The bowls also hold small amounts of liquids including olive oil and other sauces or broths in shades of golden yellow and dark brown. Everything is laid out clearly and cleanly for cooking preparation, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Instant Pot Ropa Vieja Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and vibrant colors. Each element—from the tender beef to the bright bell peppers—plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma that makes this dish unforgettable.

2 to 2.5 pounds flank steak or chuck roast: Choose flank steak for easy shredding or chuck roast for a richer, beefier flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the beef and sauté the vegetables with a lovely subtle fruitiness.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the dish.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle background heat and depth.
1 onion, thinly sliced: Contributes sweetness and softness as it cooks down.
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds a fresh, crisp bite and vibrant green color.
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Offers a subtle sweetness and beautiful contrast in color.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a pungent, savory punch that is essential in Cuban cuisine.
1 tablespoon ground cumin: Provides warm earthiness and smoky undertones.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Lends a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses a subtle herbal complexity.
1 bay leaf: Adds a layer of aromatic depth during cooking.
1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Forms the rich, tangy base of the sauce.
1/4 cup tomato sauce: Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
1/4 cup beef broth: Adds moisture and savory richness to the sauce.
2 tablespoons white vinegar: Brightens and balances the overall flavor with a mild tang.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami depth and a savory edge.
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness to finish the dish.

How to Make Instant Pot Ropa Vieja Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the Sauté function and heating the olive oil until shimmering. Season your beef generously with salt and pepper. Then, carefully sear the beef on all sides until it develops a beautiful golden crust. This caramelization is what builds a deeply rich flavor base for your Ropa Vieja. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside so you can cook the vegetables next.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, toss in your sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they become tender and start to release their natural sweetness. This softens the vegetables and lets their vibrant colors and flavors meld perfectly with the rest of the dish. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Stir everything together and cook for 30 seconds or until you can smell the delicious aromas filling your kitchen.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, white vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine all these wonderful ingredients, making sure nothing is stuck to the bottom. Return your seared beef to the pot, nestling it into the sauce so it’s mostly covered. This sauce will infuse the meat with all its incredible Cuban-inspired flavors while keeping it moist and tender.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Beef

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing. Then, select High Pressure and set the timer for 60 minutes. This step allows the tougher cuts of beef to slowly transform into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness all within about an hour. After the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes—this helps the meat relax and keeps it juicy—then carefully quick release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.

Step 5: Shred and Combine

Remove the beef from the pot onto a cutting board and shred it thoroughly with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the pot and stir it well into the sauce, letting all those rich flavors combine. Take out the bay leaf, and your Instant Pot Ropa Vieja Recipe is officially ready to enjoy. For an extra touch, let it simmer on Sauté for 5 to 10 minutes if you want the sauce to thicken even more.

How to Serve Instant Pot Ropa Vieja Recipe

Instant Pot Ropa Vieja Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

The dish really comes alive when topped with fresh garnishes. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the smoky, savory meat. You can also offer lime wedges on the side for anyone who enjoys a little extra tang to brighten their bite.

Side Dishes

Instant Pot Ropa Vieja is traditionally served over fluffy white rice, which soaks up that gorgeous tomato sauce like a charm. For a more authentic Cuban experience, plantains—whether fried or baked—add a wonderful sweet contrast. Black beans, roasted vegetables, or even a simple green salad also make excellent companions to keep the meal balanced and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking outside the box? Try stuffing the shredded beef into warm corn or flour tortillas for a Cuban-style taco. You can also pile it on crusty bread for a hearty sandwich or simply serve it over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. The flavors of this Instant Pot Ropa Vieja Recipe are so versatile that they lend themselves well to many creative presentations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Ropa Vieja actually tastes even better the next day because the flavors have more time to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Portion the Ropa Vieja into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and it will keep well for 3 months. Remember to cool it completely before freezing to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

When reheating, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Warm the Ropa Vieja on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce has thickened during storage, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. The flavors will be just as vibrant as when freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes! While flank steak and chuck roast are ideal for shredding and flavor, you can also use brisket or short ribs. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut’s toughness.

Is this Instant Pot Ropa Vieja Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your Worcestershire sauce or any packaged ingredients to ensure they do not contain gluten if that is a concern.

Can I make this recipe on the stove instead of an Instant Pot?

You can, but it will take longer. Simmer the beef slowly on low heat for 3 to 4 hours or until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. However, the Instant Pot cuts the time dramatically while delivering fantastic results.

What can I substitute if I don’t have smoked paprika?

If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika combined with a small dash of liquid smoke or a pinch of chili powder can mimic the smoky depth. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious.

Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?

Definitely! Some cooks like to add chopped carrots or olives for additional texture and flavor. Just be mindful of cooking times; softer vegetables work best so they don’t become mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Ropa Vieja Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a taste of Cuba into your kitchen without spending all day cooking. It’s rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite or a special weekend treat. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll keep coming back for more of this tender, saucy shredded beef goodness!

Instant Pot Ropa Vieja Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need