Ropa Vieja Mini Tacos Recipe

Minimize your hosting duties on the day of the party by preparing these charming and tasty mini tacos ahead of time, then assembling them in the shell right before guests arrive.
Ropa Vieja Tacos

Ropa Vieja Tacos

The only thing better than tacos are miniature one like these ropa vieja tacos. A variety of fillings and taco shells can be prepared ahead of time, then quickly assembled right before guests arrive.

Yields: 8 servings

By: Word of Mouth Catering

Ingredients

2 pounds skirt steak
10 peppercorns
6 cloves garlic
1 small yellow onion
2 bay leaves
2 cups tomatoes, crushed
2 ancho chiles, seeded
2 guajillo chiles, seeded
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon pepper
4 red bell peppers, julienned
2 red onions, julienned

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Season skirt steak with salt and pepper, and place in baking dish.

3. Cover dish halfway with water, and add tomatoes and chiles.

4. Wrap peppercorns, yellow onion, garlic and bay leaves in a square of cheesecloth, tie with baker's twine and add to pan.

5. Cover with foil and simmer in oven until meat begins to fall apart (about 3 hours).

6. Remove meat and shred with a fork.

7. Strain liquid through cheesecloth, and add back to pan.

8. Cook on stove over high heat until thickened to light sauce.

9. Heat olive oil in large pan over medium-high heat.

10. Saute bell peppers and onions, then add to shredded meat. Add just enough sauce to coat, and toss.

11. To serve, fill mini tortilla rounds with ropa vieja mixture.

Next Up

How to Create a Platter of Classic Finger Food Appetizers

Make entertaining easy by serving a sampler board of classic, easy-to-assemble savory bites such as spicy wings, sweet-and-sour meatballs, loaded potato skins and more.

How to Make a Vegetarian-Friendly Cheese + Crudite Tray

This abundant cheese, fruit and veggie charcuterie board is perfect for potlucks, holidays, tailgates or any occasion you can think of.

4 Ways to Make a Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

From savory meat and cheese boards, to vegetarian-friendly fruits and veggies, to a dessert tray full of sweet-tooth delights, we’ve got charcuterie smorgasbord ideas that will satisfy all your guests.

How to Make a Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

Serve a spread that has all the things you’d expect on a classic charcuterie board, but give it a seasonal flair to win the holiday.

Healthier-for-You Garlic Dill Veggie Dip Recipe

Nonfat Greek yogurt is the secret ingredient for making this veggie dip light in fat and calories. Garlic and herbs give it bold, rich flavor. It takes just minutes to whisk together and can be made a day ahead. Serve with an assortment of your favorite crudités. One dip and you’ll be hooked!

How to Make a Movie Night Snack Board

Whether you’re having a quiet family movie night or hosting a movie awards show, take your snacking to the next level with this charcuterie-style board full of everyone’s favorite theater treats.

How to Set up a Charcuterie-Style Chili Bar

Whether you’re hosting game day or an awards-show watch party, spice up your gathering with a chili board, a charcuterie-style arrangement that revolves around the soul-satisfying goodness of warm chili.

How to Make an Easy Sweet and Savory Brunch Charcuterie Board

Wake up to a breakfast grazing board brimming with everything from decadent pastries to savory mainstays. This board takes the hassle out of hosting by using all pre-made and store-bought items that can be served at room temperature.

Arugula Salad With Homemade Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

Round out your springtime brunch with the ultimate light side: a garden-fresh, leafy green salad. Arugula and watercress are ideal for this healthy recipe as both are cool-weather crops harvested in spring, with a crisp, peppery flavor. Fresh orange slices, tart strawberries and sweet blueberries scattered on top harmonize well with the from-scratch orange-poppy seed vinaigrette. Sprinkle on blue cheese crumbles for a savory, creamy note.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.