I traveled to Cuba a few years back and had some of the best food imaginable. One staple dish stuck out more than the rest, and that was ropa vieja. I had multiple variations of it, and when I returned home, I began to experiment. I went through roughly five trials before coming to this recipe. —Joshua Boyer, Traverse City, Michigan


Test Kitchen tips
  • For a spicier version, add sliced serrano or jalapeno peppers.
  • For a tangier version, add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
  • For a heartier broth, add more tomato paste.
  • For a sweeter version, add more carrots.