Ropa Vieja (Shredded Beef over Rice) USDA Recipe for Schools

Age Group: Ages 6-18
Serving Size: 50-100
Lean beef shoulder is cooked in a tomato-based sauce with red bell peppers, onions, and spices. Then the meat is shredded and served over brown rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.
NSLP/SBP CREDITING INFORMATION
¼ cup (No. 16 scoop) serving of shredded beef mixture and ½ cup (No. 8 scoop) serving of rice provide 1.5 oz equivalent meat/meat alternate, ⅛ cup red/orange vegetable, and 1 oz equivalent grains.
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Instructions
 

  • In a large stock pot, add beef shoulder. Cook uncovered over medium–high heat. Sear each side for 2 minutes. Remove beef from heat. Set aside for step 3.
    Do not allow meat to sit longer than 5 minutes.
  • In a large stock pot, add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook uncovered over medium–high heat for 2–3 minutes or until onions are translucent.
  • Add seared beef, salt, oregano, cumin, rosemary, black pepper, vinegar, beef broth, tomato paste, water, and bay leaves.
  • Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium–low. Cover and cook for 2½–3 hours.
    Stir every hour to prevent sticking.
  • Critical Control Point: Heat to 165 °F or higher for at least 15 seconds.
  • Once beef is fork tender, remove from heat. Use a fork to shred meat. Set aside for step 7.
  • Combine shredded beef and cilantro in a large bowl. Stir well.
  • Pour 2 qt 2 cup (about 5 lb 5 oz) shredded beef mixture into a steam table pan (12” x 20” x 2½”). Set aside for step 11.
    For 50 servings, use 2 pans.
    For 100 servings, use 4 pans.
  • See Cooking Rice USDA Recipe for Schools for recipe ingredients and directions. Set aside for step 11.
  • Critical Control Point: Hold for hot service at 135 °F or higher.
  • Portion ¼ cup (No. 16 scoop) shredded beef mixture over ½ cup (No. 8 scoop) rice.

Nutrition INFORMATION

Ropa Vieja (Shredded Beef over Rice) USDA Recipe for Schools
Amount Per Serving
 
0 ¼ cup (No. 16 scoop) shredded beef mixture and ½ cup (No. 8 scoop) rice.
Calories
217
Total Fat
 
4
g
6
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Cholesterol
 
28
mg
9
%
Sodium
 
447
mg
19
%
Total Carbohydrate
 
34
g
11
%
Dietary Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Total Sugars
 
3
g
3
%
Protein
 
14
g
28
%
Vitamin D
 
2
IU
13
%
Calcium
 
51
mg
5
%
Iron
 
4
mg
22
%
Potassium
 
276
mg
8
%
N/A=data not available
*Marketing Guide
50 Servings:
Mature onions: 2 lb 10 oz
Red bell peppers: 2 lb 10 oz
100 Servings:
Mature onions: 5 lb 4 oz
Red bell peppers: 5 lb 4 oz

Notes

*See Marketing Guide for purchasing information on foods that will change during preparation or when a variation of the ingredients is available.
Cooking Process #2: Same Day Service.
Yield / Volume
50 Servings:
About 10 lb 10 oz shredded beef mixture and about 8 lb 4 oz rice
About 1 gal 1 qt 1¼ cup shredded beef mixture and about 1 gal ½ cup rice/4 steam table pans (12" x 20" x 2½") 2 pans for shredded beef mixture and 2 pans for rice
100 Servings:
About 21 lb 4 oz shredded beef mixture and about 16 lb 8 oz rice
About 2 gal 2 qt 2½ cup shredded beef mixture and about 2 gal 1 cup rice/8 steam table pans (12" x 20" x 2½") 4 pans for shredded beef mixture and 4 pans for rice