30+ Authentic Cuban Recipes: Easy Classics Your Family Will Adore

Embark on a culinary adventure to the heart of Cuba with this incredible collection of over 30 classic Cuban recipes. Cuban cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, influenced by Spanish, African, and Caribbean traditions, creating dishes that are both comforting and exhilarating. From the rich, slow-cooked stews to the crispy, golden fried plantains, and delectable, creamy desserts, these recipes are more than just food – they are a celebration of culture, family, and tradition.

Whether you’re new to Cuban cooking or a seasoned enthusiast, you’ll find an array of dishes to tantalize your taste buds. We’ve gathered some of our all-time favorites, featuring everything from hearty main courses and flavorful rice dishes to satisfying soups, delightful appetizers, and irresistible desserts. Each recipe is designed to bring the authentic taste of Cuba right to your kitchen, making it easy for you to share these beloved classics with your family and friends. Get ready to discover new favorites and enjoy a truly unforgettable dining experience!

Our Top 30+ Easy Cuban Recipes

1. Ropa Vieja

Ropa Vieja, meaning “old clothes,” is much more delicious than its name suggests and proudly stands as the national dish of Cuba. This incredible recipe features tender flank steak, pressure cooked to perfection until it’s easily shredded. The succulent beef is then lovingly simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce bursting with flavors of bell peppers, onions, garlic, and traditional Cuban spices. Its deep, savory taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a hearty and unforgettable main course, traditionally served with fluffy white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains.

2. Sopa de Pollo

There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of Sopa de Pollo, or Cuban Chicken Soup, especially when it’s made “just like Abuela” (grandma) used to. This hearty and nourishing soup is crafted with bone-in chicken, infusing the broth with incredible depth and flavor. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients like tender corn, diced potatoes, and classic egg noodles, all seasoned with a blend of aromatic Cuban spices. Perfect for a chilly day or whenever you need a warm, homemade hug in a bowl, this soup is a true taste of home and a staple in Cuban households.

3. Vaca Frita

Vaca Frita, meaning “fried cow,” is a beloved Cuban dish celebrated for its irresistible crispy texture and vibrant, zesty flavors. This recipe takes tender shredded flank beef, previously boiled until soft, and then pan-fries it until it achieves a delightful crispiness on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. The beef is generously seasoned with an abundance of fresh garlic and a generous splash of tangy lime juice, creating a bright and savory profile. Requiring just a handful of simple ingredients, Vaca Frita is incredibly easy to make, remarkably delicious, and perfect as a satisfying main course served with rice and black beans.

4. Rabo Encendido

Rabo Encendido, or “Oxtail in Fiery Sauce,” is an authentic and incredibly popular Cuban delicacy known for its rich, deep flavors and fall-off-the-bone tenderness. This traditional dish features succulent beef oxtails slow-braised to perfection in a hearty, spiced tomato-based sauce. The sauce is infused with aromatic ingredients like carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and a medley of Cuban spices, creating a robust and deeply satisfying stew. The term “encendido” refers to the vibrant red color of the sauce, and sometimes a subtle chili kick. It’s a labor of love that results in a truly luxurious and comforting meal, typically enjoyed with a side of white rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.

5. Arroz con Leche

Arroz con Leche, or Cuban Rice Pudding, is the quintessential Cuban dessert – a creamy, sweet, and utterly comforting treat that evokes warmth and nostalgia. This beloved pudding is crafted using a harmonious blend of ingredients, including rich sweetened condensed milk, aromatic coconut milk, and a hint of bright lime zest, all slowly cooked with rice until it reaches a perfectly tender and velvety consistency. Often garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon, Arroz con Leche is super creamy, perfectly sweet, and offers a delightful balance of flavors. It’s the ultimate ending to any Cuban meal or a sweet indulgence on its own.

6. Cuban Picadillo

Cuban Picadillo is a traditional and incredibly flavorful ground beef dish that is a staple in Cuban cuisine. This unique recipe features a delightful blend of savory ground beef with an intriguing sweet and salty twist, thanks to the inclusion of raisins and green olives. Seasoned with classic Cuban spices like cumin, oregano, and bay leaf, it creates a rich and aromatic experience. It’s a versatile dish, perfect as a filling for empanadas or papas rellenas, or simply served as a main course alongside fluffy white rice and fried plantains. It’s a personal favorite for its complex yet harmonious flavor profile.

7. Arroz con Salchichas

Arroz con Salchichas, or Rice with Sausages, is a delightful and comforting dish that holds a special place in many Cuban hearts, particularly as a childhood favorite. This easy-to-make recipe combines fluffy, yellow-tinted rice with savory Vienna sausages and sweet corn kernels, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The rice often gets its vibrant color and a subtle sweet undertone from a touch of tomato paste or annatto. It’s a wonderfully sweet and savory dish that can be enjoyed either as a comforting side dish to a larger meal or as a satisfying main course on its own, perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.

8. Papas Rellenas

Papas Rellenas, or Stuffed Potatoes, are an utterly irresistible Cuban appetizer that promises a delightful crunch followed by a savory surprise. These culinary gems are made from seasoned mashed potato balls, expertly shaped and then generously stuffed with a flavorful filling of seasoned ground beef, often reminiscent of picadillo with its sweet and savory notes. Once filled, these potato balls are deep-fried until golden brown and perfectly crispy on the outside, while remaining wonderfully soft and savory on the inside. They are the perfect bite-sized treat for parties, gatherings, or as a satisfying snack, sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

9. Churrasco with Chimichurri

Churrasco with Chimichurri is a vibrant and flavorful dish that is an absolute must-have at any Cuban barbecue or festive gathering. This recipe features perfectly grilled skirt steak, known for its rich flavor and satisfying chew, cooked to tender perfection. The steak is then generously topped with a vibrant, herbaceous, and garlicky homemade chimichurri sauce. This fresh sauce, typically made with parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar, adds a bright, tangy, and zesty counterpoint to the smoky, savory steak. It’s a dish that celebrates bold flavors and is sure to be the star of any meal.

10. Cuban Shrimp Creole (Enchilado de Camarones)

Cuban Shrimp Creole, or Enchilado de Camarones, is a remarkably flavorful and incredibly quick dish, perfect for a weeknight meal when you crave something special without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe stars succulent shrimp bathed in a vibrant, zesty tomato-based creole sauce, infused with classic Cuban aromatics like bell peppers, onions, and garlic, along with a medley of spices. The beauty of this meal lies in its efficiency – it cooks in under 30 minutes and requires minimal ingredients, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings. It pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice, which soaks up every drop of the delicious, aromatic sauce.

11. Pan con Bistec

Pan con Bistec, or “Steak Sandwich,” is a hugely popular Cuban staple, often found in diners and cafeterias across the island and in Cuban communities abroad. This iconic sandwich is a symphony of textures and flavors: thinly sliced, perfectly seared steak forms the hearty base, complemented by sweet caramelized onions, and elevated by the signature crunch of crispy potato sticks. All these delicious components are nestled within a perfectly toasted, soft Cuban bread roll, creating the ultimate lunch or dinner experience. It’s a robust and satisfying sandwich that’s bursting with savory goodness in every bite.

12. Arroz con Pollo a la Chorrera

Arroz con Pollo a la Chorrera is a unique and wonderfully flavorful take on the classic chicken and rice dish, distinguished by its slightly “soupy” or very moist consistency. This exceptional recipe combines tender chicken pieces with aromatic rice, a medley of colorful veggies (like bell peppers and peas), and a special ingredient: beer, which adds an incredible depth of flavor. The dish is slow-cooked, allowing all the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a rich and savory profile. Super flavorful, deliciously comforting, and surprisingly easy to make, it’s a hearty one-pot meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd and offers a delightful variation from drier rice dishes.

13. Frituras de Malanga (Malanga Fritters)

Frituras de Malanga, or Malanga Fritters, are a delightful and traditional Cuban appetizer or snack, offering a unique taste of Caribbean root vegetables. These savory fritters are crafted from grated malanga (a starchy root vegetable similar to taro), combined with eggs, fragrant fresh garlic, and vibrant fresh parsley. The mixture is then deep-fried until golden brown and wonderfully crispy on the outside, with a soft, slightly chewy, and intensely flavorful interior. They make for a fantastic starter, a light snack, or a delightful accompaniment to a larger meal, showcasing the simple yet profound flavors of Cuban comfort food.

14. Enchilado de Langosta (Cuban Lobster Creole)

Enchilado de Langosta, or Cuban Lobster Creole, is a luxurious yet surprisingly approachable dish that brings a taste of the sea to your table with rich, vibrant flavors. This exquisite recipe features tender lobster meat simmered in a robust and aromatic creole sauce, brimming with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a medley of traditional Cuban spices. Despite its gourmet appeal, it’s touted as one of the easiest lobster recipes you can make, allowing you to enjoy a fancy meal without the fuss. Packed with flavor, this lobster dish pairs magnificently with fluffy white rice, making it perfect for a special occasion or a memorable family dinner.

15. Congri

Congri is a quintessential Cuban dish, deeply embedded in the culinary traditions of the island. While my Cuban family lovingly refers to it as “Congri,” many others know this flavorful rice and bean masterpiece as “Moros y Cristianos” (Moors and Christians), a poetic name referencing the dark black beans mingling with the white rice. This vegetarian dish is a harmonious blend of rice cooked directly with black beans, infused with a savory sofrito of bell peppers, onions, garlic, and various spices, resulting in a wonderfully earthy and aromatic profile. Congri can be served as a hearty and satisfying side dish for almost any Cuban main course, or it can stand alone as a flavorful and wholesome main meal in itself.

16. Pernil

Pernil, a slow-roasted pork shoulder, is a celebratory centerpiece in Cuban cuisine, most famously served during Christmas Eve festivities, but so incredibly delicious that many enjoy it year-round. This dish starts with a succulent pork shoulder, generously marinated in a potent mixture of garlic, oregano, cumin, and sour orange or lime juice, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. It’s then roasted slowly for hours until the pork is unbelievably tender, juicy, and falls apart easily, crowned with a crackling, crispy skin. Pernil’s rich aroma and unforgettable taste make it a truly special dish, perfect for any gathering and always a crowd-plepleaser.

17. Carne con Papa

Carne con Papa, or Cuban Beef and Potatoes, is the quintessential cold-weather comfort food, a hearty and warming stew that deeply satisfies the soul. This rich Cuban beef stew features tender cuts of beef, slow-simmered until they are incredibly soft and literally melt in your mouth, alongside chunks of wholesome potatoes. The stew is infused with a robust blend of traditional Cuban spices and an abundance of fresh garlic, creating a deeply savory and aromatic gravy. It’s a truly comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for a cozy night in, and traditionally served over fluffy white rice to savor every last bit of its delicious sauce.

18. Cuban Spaghetti

Cuban Spaghetti offers a delightful and unique twist on a globally beloved dish, making it an easy and weeknight-friendly pasta meal that’s full of flavor. This recipe is crafted entirely from scratch, featuring a savory sauce made with seasoned ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, onions, and the distinctive briny flavor of olives, all simmered together to create a rich and aromatic base. The sauce is then tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti, resulting in a comforting and satisfying meal that’s both familiar and wonderfully different. It’s a testament to how Cuban cuisine adapts and infuses its unique touch into international dishes, creating something truly special for the whole family.

19. Tostones

Tostones, or crispy fried green plantains, are an absolute staple in Cuban cuisine and are so beloved that most Cubans serve them with almost every single meal. These savory delights are made by slicing unripe green plantains, frying them once, then smashing them flat, and frying them a second time until they are golden, incredibly crispy, and perfectly savory. The key to their irresistible flavor is often a side of garlicky mojo sauce, perfect for dipping. Their delightful crunch and salty taste make them an addictively delicious accompaniment, complementing everything from rich stews to simple grilled meats, and a must-try for anyone exploring Cuban food.

20. Cuban Red Beans (Frijoles Colorados)

There’s truly nothing more comforting and soul-satisfying than a warm bowl of Cuban Red Beans, or Frijoles Colorados. This staple dish is a testament to the simplicity and richness of Cuban peasant cuisine, transforming humble red beans into a deeply flavorful and velvety side dish. Cooked with a savory sofrito of bell peppers, onions, garlic, and traditional spices, these beans develop an incredibly rich sauce that’s perfect for spooning over white rice. They are so delicious and comforting that many enjoy making them at least once a week, often finding that they taste even better the following day as the flavors deepen and meld, making them ideal for meal prepping.

21. Pastelitos de Carne

Pastelitos de Carne, or Cuban Meat Pastries, are a delightful blend of sweet and savory, making them an irresistible treat for any time of day. These beloved pastries feature a wonderfully sweet and flaky puff pastry crust that encases a rich, savory, and perfectly seasoned ground beef filling. The contrast between the buttery, delicate pastry and the robust, aromatic meat filling is truly exquisite. They are ideal for breakfast with a cup of hot coffee, a satisfying snack, or a light lunch. Their portability and incredible flavor make them a cherished part of Cuban culinary tradition and a personal favorite for a quick, delicious bite.

22. Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso

Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso, or Guava and Cheese Pastries, are a quintessential Cuban delight, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors in a flaky, golden package. These beloved pastries are made with luscious guava paste and creamy, rich cream cheese, expertly enveloped in crisp puff pastry. As they bake, the guava softens and caramelizes slightly, while the cream cheese becomes warm and gooey, creating an irresistible filling that perfectly complements the buttery, airy crust. They are the ultimate breakfast treat with coffee or a decadent dessert, embodying the sweet side of Cuban culinary heritage that everyone adores.

23. Cuban Black Beans

Cuban Black Beans are a foundational element of Cuban cuisine, a go-to side dish that accompanies nearly every meal and is celebrated for its deep, earthy flavor and wonderfully creamy texture. This recipe, made efficiently in an Instant Pot, transforms humble dried black beans into a rich and savory masterpiece entirely from scratch. Infused with aromatic garlic, a medley of traditional Cuban spices (like cumin and oregano), and a touch of dry white wine for extra depth, these beans are slow-cooked to perfection. They are the perfect complement to white rice, providing a comforting and nutritious base that rounds out any Cuban plate.

24. Fricase de Pollo

Fricase de Pollo, or Cuban Chicken Fricassee, is a classic Cuban comfort food – a rich and flavorful chicken stew that is simmered slowly until the chicken becomes incredibly tender, literally falling off the bone. This hearty dish features chicken pieces cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce, often enriched with ingredients like potatoes, carrots, olives, and a robust blend of Cuban spices. The sauce is deep, aromatic, and perfect for soaking up with a side of fluffy white rice. Fricase de Pollo is a staple family meal, offering warmth, satisfying flavors, and a comforting experience that brings everyone to the table.

25. Cuban Stuffed Peppers

Cuban Stuffed Peppers are a delightful and satisfying meal that combines vibrant bell peppers with a hearty, flavorful filling, making them both appealing to the eye and the palate. These beautiful bell peppers are generously stuffed with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef and rice, often infused with traditional Cuban spices and aromatics like sofrito, olives, and sometimes raisins. Baked until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through and aromatic, they offer a wonderfully satisfying culinary experience. They are very easy to make, provide a complete meal in one portion, and are a comforting staple in Cuban homes.

26. Arroz Imperial

Arroz Imperial, or “Imperial Rice,” is a magnificent and indulgent Cuban classic recipe that is truly fit for royalty, guaranteed to impress and never disappoint. This impressive layered rice dish is a celebration of flavors and textures, featuring fluffy rice, tender shredded chicken, rich mayonnaise, and a generous topping of melted cheese. Often garnished with strips of roasted red pepper or peas, it’s a dish that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Arroz Imperial is typically reserved for special occasions and gatherings, offering a wonderfully creamy, savory, and satisfying experience that makes it a true crowd-pleaser and a standout in Cuban cuisine.

27. Arroz con Pollo Cubano

Arroz con Pollo Cubano, or Cuban Chicken and Rice, is the ultimate one-pot meal – a beloved classic that’s celebrated for its convenience, incredible flavor, and ability to feed a crowd. This vibrant dish features tender chicken pieces cooked directly with rice, infused with a rich sofrito base of bell peppers, onions, and garlic, and colored beautifully with annatto or saffron. Every grain of rice is packed with savory chicken broth and aromatic spices, creating a deeply satisfying and cohesive meal. It’s a dish that many love to make often because it’s both easy to prepare and bursting with authentic Cuban flavor, making it perfect for everyday family dinners.

28. Flan

Flan is a luxurious and universally adored dessert, and in Cuba, it’s a creamy custard masterpiece that’s a highlight of any meal or celebration. This rich dessert is made with a harmonious blend of sweetened condensed milk, eggs, evaporated milk, and often a touch of cream cheese, which adds an extra layer of velvety smoothness and a subtle tang. Baked gently until perfectly set, it’s then inverted to reveal a glistening, golden caramel topping that cascades over the silky custard. Flan is easily one of the most favorite Cuban desserts, celebrated for its smooth texture, profound sweetness, and rich, decadent flavor, making it an irresistible treat.

29. Chicharos Cubanos

Chicharos Cubanos, or Cuban Green Split Peas, is a hearty and deeply comforting dish that showcases the versatility of legumes in Cuban cuisine. This flavorful creation can be served either as a rich, satisfying soup or as a substantial side dish to complement rice. It’s made with a robust base of smoked pork, adding an incredible depth of savory flavor, combined with tender potatoes, creamy green split peas, and often sweet butternut squash, which contributes a lovely sweetness and smooth texture. This dish is a true testament to Cuban home cooking, offering warmth, nourishment, and a complex blend of flavors that makes it incredibly satisfying and perfect for a cozy meal.

30. Camarones al Ajillo

Camarones al Ajillo, or Garlic Shrimp, is a incredibly quick and intensely flavorful dish that epitomizes simple elegance in Cuban cooking. Made with just a handful of fresh ingredients, this recipe transforms succulent shrimp into a culinary delight in under 10 minutes. The shrimp are quickly sautéed in a generous amount of fragrant garlic-infused olive oil, often with a hint of white wine or lemon juice, creating a rich, aromatic sauce that clings beautifully to each plump shrimp. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a tantalizing appetizer, a flavorful side dish, or a light yet satisfying main course, proving that extraordinary flavor doesn’t always require extensive effort.

We hope this culinary tour through Cuba has inspired you to get into the kitchen and create some of these incredible dishes! From the savory depths of Ropa Vieja to the sweet comfort of Arroz con Leche, each recipe tells a story and offers a taste of the island’s rich heritage. These authentic Cuban classics are more than just meals; they are expressions of love, family, and tradition, meant to be shared and savored.

Did you try any of these fantastic Cuban recipes? We’d love to hear about your experience! Please consider leaving a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or sharing your thoughts in the comments section further down the page. Your feedback truly helps others discover and enjoy these delicious creations. And don’t forget to connect with us on social media; consider following us on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest for more culinary inspiration and daily deliciousness!