Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja (Cuban Beef) (2024)

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The moment I saw this Ropa Vieja meal, I knew I must try it in the slow cooker. Shredded beef recipes in the slow cooker are where I shine and I have no doubts you’ll love this flavorful meal as well.

Shredded beef is wonderful in the slow cooker! In addition to this recipe, also try Amish Pot Roast, Slow Cooker Carne Asada, Slow Cooker London Broil, or Mexican Shredded Beef.

Why is it called Ropa Vieja?

If you have never heard of Ropa Vieja, it’s a Cuban national dish that means old clothes. I’m guessing this is because the meat looks like really old shredded clothes. It’s not a great name for a recipe, I know! Let’s move past that strange name and see what delicious ingredients create this beautiful dish.

This recipe is not spicy, but still full of great flavors. The sauce has diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, cumin, oregano, garlic, bell pepper, onion and green olives.

I wasn’t sure if the green olives would overpower this dish, they did not at all. The olives added a bit more vinegar flavor, which lent to the overall character of the sauce.

Recipe Ingredients

• Beef flank steak: I like to use a flank with lots of marbling for good flavor and texture. A chuck roast can be used as well.
• Beef broth: Helps flavor the steak during cooking.
• Canned tomato paste: Creates a nice tomato flavor.
• Veggies: Canned diced tomatoes, one sweet onion, olives, and green and orange bell peppers add flavor and heartiness to the dish.
• Seasonings: Fresh garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, cumin, apple cider vinegar, and turmeric adds a flavor combo that’s out of this world. (Find the full recipe in the recipe card below the photos).

Step-by-Step Directions

Step One – Add the beef broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, turmeric, and apple cider vinegar to the slow cooker and stir.

Step Two – Add the flank steak.

Step Three – Flip the steak around in the sauce.

Step Four – Add on top of the meat the onion, bell peppers, olives, and garlic cloves.

Step Five – Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 9 hours or HIGH for 5 hours.

Step Six – Shred the beef right in the crockpot with two forks, softly stir to combine, and serve. Enjoy!

How to Serve Ropa Vieja

• Yellow rice, either homemade or store-bought, pair well with this recipe. Yellow Rice from Mahatma (pictured below) is impressive. It tastes like chicken, but the flavor is from saffron and turmeric. I highly recommend trying this and get two bags because they are tiny.
• Green salad and dressing and/or cuban black beans are tasty and complimentary side dish options.
• This delicious recipe can be turned into tacos by serving the shredded beef in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and salsa.
• You can also use the shredded beef as a filling for bell peppers. Simply stuff the peppers, top with cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.

Recipe FAQs

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