This is a simple yet delicious Ropa Vieja recipe made with simple ingredients. When it comes to dishes steeped in history and flavor, Ropa Vieja takes center stage. This Cuban classic, meaning “old clothes” in Spanish, gets its name from the shredded beef that resembles tattered rags.
But don’t be fooled by the name—this dish is a symphony of vibrant ingredients and bold spices that transport you straight to the heart of Havana.
At Stella On Fire Co., we believe in celebrating cultural traditions while elevating them with our unique, handcrafted seasonings. This recipe is no exception. Our Gypsy Seasoning and Savory Delight blend perfectly with the rich flavors of tomatoes, bell peppers, and garlic, making this rendition of Ropa Vieja unforgettable.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a comforting family warm meal, this dish will quickly become a household favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring some Cuban flair to your kitchen!

Ropa Vieja Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need
For this flavorful journey, gather the following:
- 2 lbs of brisket fat trimmed to 1/4 inch
- 5 tbsp cooking oil or beef tallow
- 1 large onion halved and sliced thin
- 1 red bell pepper stemmed, seeded, sliced in 1/4 inch strips
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Stella On Fire Co.’s Gypsy Seasoning
- 1 1/2 tbsp Stella On Fire Co.’s Savory Delight
- 2 tsp of ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp of oregano
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 cup chicken broth
- 1 ( 8-ounce ) can of tomato sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 3/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced or chopped coarse
- 3/4 teaspoon white wine vinegar
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish ( optional )
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Food Prep
Set a rack to the middle position and your oven to 300 degrees. You’ll need it soon! Cut the brisket against the grain into 2-inch-wide strips. Remember to trim excess fat to 1/4 inch or less. Cut any strips longer than 5 inches in half.
Lightly season the strips using Stella’s Gypsy, if not available, use salt and pepper 🙄.
2. Sear the Beef for Bold Flavor
Start by heating cooking oil (whatever kind you use ) in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until it’s beautifully browned. Remove and set it aside—it’s time to build the base of your dish. 7-10 minutes
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, sauté the onions and bell peppers over medium heat until they soften and the pan bottom develops a fond, 10 – 15 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl and set aside.
4. Sauté the Aromatics and Build the Sauce
Still using the same empty pot, add about 1 tablespoon of oil and the garlic, cumin, and oregano. Cook until fragrant or about 30 seconds.
Stir in the wine and scrape up any browned bits and cook until mostly evaporated or about 1 minute.
Stir in broth, tomato sauce, and bay leaves.
Add the 1 1/2 tablespoons of Stella’s Savory Delight and stir well.
5. Slow Cook to Perfection
Return the beef to the pot ( and every bit of juice). Stir a few times and bring the mix to a simmer over high heat. Once simmering cover the pot and transfer to the oven to cook for 2 to 2 and a half over until fork tender. ( Flip meat halfway through the cooking )
6. Shred and Combine
Once the beef is cooked and has cooled enough to handle, remove it from the pot and to a cutting board. Shred the beef with two forks or bear claws into 1/4-inch pieces.
Meanwhile, add the olives and vegetables (onions and peppers you prepared earlier) to the pot and bring the mix to a boil over medium-high heat; simmer until it thickens ( reduce )or 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the shredded beef and add the vinegar, stir the mix.
Return the shredded beef to the pot, along with the olives and capers. Stir to combine, and taste-test to adjust seasoning.
7. Garnish and Serve
For the finishing touch, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top. Serve this dish with a side of white rice or warm tortillas, and don’t forget the fried plantains for an authentic Cuban pairing.
Why Stella On Fire Co.?
Our handcrafted seasonings bring out the best in every dish, and Ropa Vieja is no exception. With just a few dashes of Gypsy Seasoning and Savory Delight, this traditional recipe is transformed into a masterpiece of bold, unforgettable flavor.
Ready to give it a try? Tag us on Instagram at @StellaOnFireCo when you make your own Ropa Vieja—we’d love to see your creations!