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Ropa Vieja Slow Cooker

Ropa Vieja Slow Cooker
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Experience the vibrant flavors of Cuba with this Ropa Vieja Slow Cooker recipe, a comforting dish that combines tender, shredded beef with a rich medley of vegetables and spices. The slow cooker method ensures every bite is infused with flavor, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to set it and forget it, delivering a hearty meal that pairs beautifully with rice, beans, or even in tacos. Ideal for meal prepping, Ropa Vieja tastes even better the next day, making it a favorite among both adults and kids.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2–2 ½ pounds beef flank steak (or skirt/roast)
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil or more
  • 1 large onion (sliced)
  • 4–5 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 bell peppers (red and green, seeded and sliced into strips)
  • 2 tomatoes (sliced into strips)
  • 1 can (8 ounce) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1–2 cups beef broth
  • Salt, pepper, cumin, and Sazon (adjust to taste)
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • 2–3 tablespoons parsley or cilantro

Instructions

  1. Season beef with salt, pepper, cumin, and Sazon according to your taste preference.
  2. Heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the seasoned beef in a single layer and sear on both sides until browned—about 3–4 minutes per side. Add bay leaves after browning one side.
  3. Add any remaining oil to the skillet over medium-high heat. Incorporate onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, tomato sauce, thyme, smoked paprika, cumin, and Sazon. Cook for about 3–5 minutes until softened. Add broth to combine.
  4. Transfer about three-fourths of the sauce mixture into the slow cooker. Add seared beef on top. Cover and slow cook until beef is tender—about 3 ½–4 hours on high or 7–8 hours on low. Remove the beef once cooked and set aside.
  5. Take 1–2 cups of sauce from the crockpot and mix it back into any remaining sauce in your skillet. Cook for an additional 2 minutes over medium heat. Adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more Sazon or herbs.
  6. Shred the beef using two forks and return it to the skillet with sauce. Stir for about a minute until everything is well mixed together. Serve with rice, beans, or tostones for a complete meal!

Nutrition

Find it online: https://teffrecipes.com/ropa-vieja-slow-cooker/

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