Instant Pot Ropa Vieja

This Instant Pot Ropa Vieja is made with beef round bottom, bell peppers, onions, white wine, broth, tomato sauce, olives and cilantro.

As a Latina, when I think of comfort food, I think of Ropa Vieja.  Although I am Mexican, my mom made Ropa Vieja very often and it was an all-day cooking endeavor. Thanks to the Instant Pot, we can make Ropa Vieja in 90 minutes – and it tastes JUST as good, if not even better.

Ropa Vieja is a juicy shredded beef stew. We will be using a very tough meat, either beef round bottom or a chuck roast, which is why it requires a long time to cook.  Ropa Vieja literally translates to “old clothes” because the shredded beef and vegetables resemble colorful rags. This is one of Cuba’s most popular dishes. Ropa Vieja pairs well with Tostones and Rice and Beans.

Start by hitting the sauté button for 8 minutes, add oil and wait for it to shimmer. Toss in the onions and bell peppers and toss for 4-6 minutes, until soft.

Stir in the garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Pour the beef, white wine, vinegar and toss for 2 minutes. Add the beef broth.

Sprinkle in the paprika, oregano, ground cumin, pepper, salt, 2 bay leaves and stir well.

Pressure cook on high for 90 minutes.

With tongs, remove the meat and place into a large bowl. Add the olives and cilantro and toss. There is enough salt in the olives but you can salt to taste.

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