Braised Beef for Tacos or Ropa Vieja
Braised Beef for Tacos, also known as Ropa Vieja, is a classic Cuban dish featuring slow-cooked, shredded beef in a rich tomato-based sauce with bell peppers and onions. It's a staple of Cuban cuisine, often served with tortillas, rice, and beans. The dish gets its name, which means 'old clothes' in Spanish, from the shredded texture of the beef.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and moderate in fat, providing essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. A typical serving contains roughly 300-400 calories, depending on the cut of beef and cooking method.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbs | 10 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
| Zinc | 6 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.5 mcg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8 mg |
| Selenium | 30 mcg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Ropa Vieja is a beloved comfort food across the Caribbean and Latin America, with variations in different countries. Nutritionally, it's a great source of high-quality protein and can be a part of a balanced diet when paired with vegetables and whole grains.
