Carne Ripiada
The first time I tasted Carne Ripiada, I was mesmerized by the rich, savory flavors that filled my mouth. It was a chilly evening, and the aroma wafting through the kitchen was enough to make anyone’s stomach growl. As I sat down with friends and family, we shared stories and laughter, all while indulging in this tender, shredded beef dish. Each bite was a reminder of the warmth of home and the joy of gathering around the table. Preparing Carne Ripiada has since become a cherished ritual in my kitchen, one that brings everyone together, no matter how busy life gets. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl.
Recipe Snapshot
1 hr 30 mins
15 mins
75 mins
Medium
350 kcal
28 g
Whole30, Vegan, Gluten-Free
20 g
Large Pot, Saucepan, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Cutting Board, Chef’s Knife
What We Adore About This Carne Ripiada
Unmatched Flavor
One reason I absolutely adore Carne Ripiada is its incredible depth of flavor. The slow simmering allows the spices and herbs to meld perfectly with the beef, creating a dish that is rich and satisfying.
Versatile Use
This dish doesn’t just shine on its own; it’s versatile! You can use the tender shredded beef in tacos, burritos, or even serve it over rice. The possibilities are endless!
Family Tradition
For many of us, Carne Ripiada is steeped in family tradition. It’s a recipe passed down through generations, often made during family gatherings and celebrations, creating cherished memories around the table.
Comforting and Hearty
When the chill of fall sets in, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of Carne Ripiada to warm you from the inside out. Its hearty nature makes it the perfect comfort food for cooler evenings.
Easy to Prepare
Despite its rich flavors, Carne Ripiada is surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and some time, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from a five-star restaurant.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This dish is a meal prep dream! Make a large batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have delicious, easy meals ready to go for days. It tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Carne Ripiada

Cooking is all about using fresh, quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully. For Carne Ripiada, we have a wonderful mix of robust flavors from the beef and spices, balanced with the freshness of vegetables. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a rich, satisfying dish.
- 2 lbs beef flank (or flank, shank, chuck, or skirt)
- 1 teaspoon salt (more if needed)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (freshly cracked or ground, more if needed)
- 1 sprig of thyme (optional)
- 1 teaspoon oregano powder
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil (peanut, soy, or corn)
- 1 large red onion, cut into slices
- 3 cloves garlic (crushed or sliced)
- 1 cup diced carrot (optional)
- ½ cup red bell pepper, cut into cubes
- 2 cups tomato, cut into large cubes
- ½ tablespoon vinegar
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Preparation Steps for Carne Ripiada

Making Carne Ripiada is an enjoyable experience that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. The process is straightforward but requires patience as the beef becomes tender and flavorful. Let’s dive into the steps to create this comforting dish!
- Start by seasoning the beef with salt and a pinch of black pepper. If you love herby flavors, add the thyme and oregano at this stage to really enhance the taste.
- In a large cast aluminum or cast iron pot, heat half of the vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully sear the seasoned beef on all sides. You’ll want to achieve a nice brown crust, which will add depth to the flavor.
- Once the beef is nicely browned, add enough water to the pot to cover the meat completely. This is where the magic happens, so cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer over low heat.
- As the beef cooks, it will become very tender and start to flake apart. Be sure to rotate the meat occasionally to ensure even cooking. If the water level drops too low, add more as needed to keep it moist.
- After about two hours, check the beef. By this point, it should be fork-tender. Once done, remove the pot from the heat, and let it cool down to room temperature.
- Now comes the fun part! Once the beef is cool enough to handle, cut it into slices, no thicker than two inches, and shred the meat with your hands. This will give you those perfect, tender strands.
- In a heavy saucepan, heat the remaining vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until it becomes translucent. You’ll love how it brightens the dish!
- Add the garlic, diced carrots, and red bell pepper to the saucepan. Let them simmer over low heat for about three minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Next, it’s time to add the star of the show: the tomatoes! Toss in the tomatoes and continue to simmer for about ten minutes until they become tender and juicy.
- To finish, add the vinegar, tomato sauce, and the shredded beef along with any remaining liquid from boiling the meat. Allow this mixture to simmer for about ten minutes over low heat, ensuring all the vegetables are cooked through.
- Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed. This is your moment to perfect the flavor!
Things Worth Knowing
- Cooking Technique: Searing the meat before simmering locks in flavor and adds a nice texture.
- Liquid Management: Keep an eye on your water level during simmering to prevent the pot from drying out.
- Resting the Meat: Allowing the beef to cool slightly helps in shredding it easily.
- Flavor Development: The longer you simmer, the more flavors develop, so don’t rush this process!
Ways to Customize

There are so many ways to make Carne Ripiada your own! Here are just a few ideas to consider when preparing this delightful dish:
- Spice Level: Add chili powder or jalapeños to increase the heat level to your liking.
- Vegetable Options: Experiment with adding different vegetables like zucchini or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
- Slow Cooker Friendly: You can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Fusion Twist: Incorporate Asian flavors by adding soy sauce and ginger for a unique twist.
- Serving Style: Try serving the Carne Ripiada in lettuce wraps for a refreshing low-carb option.
Accompaniments for Carne Ripiada
- Serve with Rice: A bed of fluffy rice is perfect to soak up the delicious juices from the Carne Ripiada.
- Tacos or Burritos: Use the shredded beef as a filling for tacos or burritos, topped with fresh cilantro and lime.
- Side Salads: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully, balancing the rich flavors of the beef.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is ideal for family gatherings or potluck dinners, where everyone can enjoy a hearty meal.
- Seasonal Pairings: Enjoy it in the fall with roasted vegetables for a comforting meal.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, making it great for meal prep.
- Freezing: You can freeze the shredded beef for up to three months; just make sure to let it cool completely before packaging.
FAQ
Conclusion
Carne Ripiada is truly special due to its rich flavors and comforting nature that brings people together. It’s a dish that can transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience. I encourage you to try making this delightful dish! You’ll find that it’s not only satisfying to eat but also a joy to prepare and share with loved ones.

Carne Ripiada
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the beef with a teaspoon of salt, a pinch of black pepper, thyme, and oregano. In a large cast aluminum or cast iron pot, heat half of the vegetable oil. Sear the meat throughout (be careful with splatters, you're trying to cook the beef, not yourself). Add enough water to cover the meat and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer over low heat until the meat is very tender (it will start to flake). Rotate the meat every once in a while for even cooking. Add water if necessary to prevent it from becoming too dry. By the end, there should be about three cups of liquid remaining. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Once the meat is cool enough to handle, cut it into slices no more than two inches wide and shred the meat with your hands.
- In a heavy saucepan, heat the remaining vegetable oil and cook and stir the onions until they become translucent. Add the garlic, carrots, and red bell pepper and simmer over very low heat for three minutes.
- Add the tomatoes and simmer for about ten minutes until tender.
- Add the vinegar and tomato sauce along with the shredded meat and any remaining liquid. Simmer for ten minutes over low heat, or until all the vegetables are cooked through. Taste and season with salt to taste if needed.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the shredded beef for up to three months; let it cool completely before packaging.
- Pairing: Serve over rice or in tacos for a delicious meal.
- Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day!
- Slow Cooker: Consider adapting this recipe for the slow cooker for added convenience.


