Slow-Cooked Ropa Vieja with Turmeric Cauliflower Rice & Sweet Plantains

Name: Slow-Cooked Ropa Vieja with Turmeric Cauliflower Rice & Sweet Plantains
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Yield: 5 servings
Ingredients: Slow-Cooked Ropa Vieja (Shredded Beef in Tomato Sauce); Ingredients; 2 lbs flank steak or chuck roast; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth); 1 tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp oregano; 1 bay leaf; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ cup green olives, sliced (optional); ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Turmeric Cauliflower Rice with Mushrooms; Ingredients; 1 small head of cauliflower, riced (or 3 cups pre-riced cauliflower); 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ cup mushrooms, sliced; ½ tsp ground turmeric; ½ tsp cumin; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 clove garlic, minced; Sweet Fried Plantains; Ingredients

Category:

Main Course

Difficulty: Medium

Serves:

5 people

Prep Time: 30 Minutes

Cook Time: 180 Minutes

Rating:

(0.00/5)

July 26, 2025 by Chef Molly

A classic Cuban-inspired dish, this slow-cooked Ropa Vieja features tender, shredded beef simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with peppers and onions. It’s paired with golden turmeric cauliflower rice, earthy mushrooms, and caramelized sweet plantains for a satisfying, nutrient-dense, and flavorful meal—all while being gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free.

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What You’ll Need:

Slow-Cooked Ropa Vieja (Shredded Beef in Tomato Sauce)
Ingredients
2 lbs flank steak or chuck roast
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp oregano
1 bay leaf
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup green olives, sliced (optional)
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Turmeric Cauliflower Rice with Mushrooms
Ingredients
1 small head of cauliflower, riced (or 3 cups pre-riced cauliflower)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup mushrooms, sliced
½ tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
Sweet Fried Plantains
Ingredients
2 ripe plantains (yellow with black spots)
2 tbsp coconut oil or avocado oil
¼ tsp salt

Prepration for:Slow-Cooked Ropa Vieja with Turmeric Cauliflower Rice & Sweet Plantains

Step 1/8

Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on both sides until browned (about 3 minutes per side). Remove from the pot and set aside.

Step 2/8

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3/8

Simmer the Beef

Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, cumin, paprika, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Return the beef to the pot and submerge it in the sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the beef is tender and shreds easily. (For a pressure cooker, cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes.).

Step 4/8

Shred & Finish

Remove the beef and shred it using two forks. Stir the shredded beef back into the sauce and add olives (if using). Simmer for another 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Turmeric Cauliflower Rice with Mushrooms.

Step 5/8

Sauté Mushrooms

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until golden.

Step 6/8

Cook Cauliflower Rice

Add riced cauliflower, turmeric, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cauliflower is tender but not mushy. Remove from heat and set aside. Sweet Fried Plantains.

Step 7/8

Prepare Plantains

Peel and slice the plantains into ½-inch thick diagonal pieces.

Step 8/8

Fry

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry plantains for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized. Sprinkle with salt and serve warm.

Chef's Tips & Notes

Serve Ropa Vieja over the turmeric cauliflower rice with sweet plantains on the side.

Enjoy with a side of Cuban-style black beans or avocado slices for extra richness., Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free

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Slow-Cooked Ropa Vieja with Turmeric Cauliflower Rice & Sweet Plantains