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Ropa Vieja Slow Cooker

Ropa Vieja Slow Cooker
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Ropa Vieja Slow Cooker is a delightful Cuban dish that transforms tender beef into a rich and flavorful meal, perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make recipe requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to enjoy the robust flavors of seasoned beef and fresh vegetables without the fuss. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can create a hearty dish that will impress family and friends alike. Serve it over fluffy rice, alongside black beans, or in tacos for a satisfying meal. This versatile recipe is ideal for meal prep, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2–2 ½ pounds beef flank steak
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil or more
  • Salt, pepper, cumin, and Sazon (adjust to taste)
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • 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 sprig thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1–2 cups beef broth
  • 1–2 packets Sazon (substitute with beef or chicken bouillon)
  • 2–3 tablespoons parsley or cilantro

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the beef flank steak and season with salt, pepper, cumin, and Sazon according to your taste preferences.
  2. Heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the seasoned beef in a single layer in the skillet. Sear on both sides until browned—about 3-4 minutes per side. Add bay leaves after browning one side.
  3. Add remaining oil to skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, tomato sauce, thyme, paprika, cumin, and Sazon. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until softened. Pour in beef broth then turn off heat. Transfer about ¾ of this mixture to the slow cooker.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for about 3 ½ – 4 hours or low for 7 – 8 hours until tender. Remove beef from slow cooker once cooked and set aside.
  5. Combine 1-2 cups of sauce from the slow cooker with any remaining sauce in your skillet. Cook this mixture over medium heat for about 2 minutes or longer if needed. Adjust seasoning with additional Sazon if necessary; stir in parsley.
  6. Shred the cooked beef using two forks. Return shredded beef to sauce in skillet; stir gently for about one minute. Serve warm alongside rice, beans, or tostones.

Nutrition

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