Preheat oven to 400°F. Using a bowl, place the beef, add a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix well using your hands. Let it marinade for at least 20 minutes.
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and sear it until golden brown on both sides. Remove from pot and place it on a platter.
Add sofrito to Dutch oven and cook for about 5 minutes, until translucent. Add garlic, stir and cook for a couple of minutes. Return beef to pot, placing on top of vegetables; add the tomatoes and cover with tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid.
Place covered pot in the oven and reduce heat to 225°F. Let it cook for up to 6 hours. Remove it from oven and let it stand for 10 minutes. Using a fork, break the beef apart completely until you see thin strands incorporating with the sauce and vegetables.
Serve with warm arepas. Add black beans if you like.
