Authentic Cuban Ropa Vieja Stew
Experience the rich flavors of Cuba with this Authentic Ropa Vieja Stew made effortlessly in your crock pot. This hearty dish features tender, shredded flank steak simmered with a medley of vegetables and a savory tomato-based sauce. It's perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal prep time. Serve it over fluffy rice or in warm tortillas for an easy dinner that will warm your soul and impress your family or guests!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef flank steak
2 lbs (trimmed)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for browning)
beef broth
1 cup (low-sodium recommended)
tomato sauce
8 ounces (canned)
tomato paste
6 ounces (canned)
onion
1 small (sliced)
green bell pepper
1 (seeded and sliced into strips)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon (chopped)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for mixing)
vinegar
1 tablespoon (white or apple cider)
Instructions
1
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2
Brown the flank steak for about 4 minutes on each side until nicely seared.
3
Transfer the browned flank steak to the slow cooker.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the beef broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sliced onion, green bell pepper strips, chopped garlic, cilantro, olive oil, and vinegar.
5
Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
6
Pour the prepared sauce over the flank steak in the slow cooker, ensuring the meat is well covered.
7
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on High for 4 hours or on Low for up to 10 hours until the meat is tender.
8
Once cooked, shred the meat using two forks and mix it back into the sauce.
9
Serve the Ropa Vieja hot, accompanied by fluffy rice or warmed tortillas.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Cuban Ropa Vieja Stew?
It is a traditional Cuban dish featuring tender, shredded flank steak simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce with peppers and onions.
What does the name Ropa Vieja mean?
Ropa Vieja translates to "old clothes" in Spanish, which refers to the shredded appearance of the beef after it has been slow-cooked.
Can I make this Ropa Vieja in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed for a crock pot or slow cooker for an effortless cooking experience.
How long does it take to cook in the slow cooker?
You can cook the stew on High for 4 hours or on Low for up to 10 hours until the meat is tender.
What cut of beef is best for Ropa Vieja?
Beef flank steak is the traditional choice and is used in this recipe for its ability to shred into long, tender strands.
Do I need to brown the meat before putting it in the slow cooker?
Yes, browning the flank steak in vegetable oil for about 4 minutes per side is recommended to develop flavor and sear the meat.
What vegetables are used in this stew?
This recipe uses a small sliced onion, one green bell pepper sliced into strips, and two chopped garlic cloves.
What goes into the Ropa Vieja sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of beef broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, olive oil, vinegar, and fresh cilantro.
Can I freeze Ropa Vieja?
Yes, this dish is an excellent freezer meal and can be stored for future easy dinners.
What should I serve with Ropa Vieja?
It is best served hot over fluffy rice or tucked into warm tortillas.
How many pounds of meat does this recipe require?
This recipe calls for 2 lbs of trimmed beef flank steak.
What kind of vinegar should I use?
You can use either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar depending on your preference.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this is a savory and hearty stew. It focuses on rich tomato and beef flavors rather than heat.
Should I use low-sodium beef broth?
Low-sodium beef broth is recommended to better control the salt content of the dish.
How do I shred the meat once it is cooked?
Once the meat is tender, remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to pull it apart into shreds.
Is tomato paste necessary for the recipe?
Yes, tomato paste helps thicken the sauce and adds a deep, concentrated tomato flavor.
Can I substitute the green bell pepper?
While green bell pepper is traditional, you can use red or yellow bell peppers if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Is fresh cilantro required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh cilantro to add a bright herb flavor to the sauce.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for browning?
Vegetable oil is recommended for browning due to its higher smoke point, but olive oil is included in the sauce mixture.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses two chopped garlic cloves.
Is this a good meal for guests?
Yes, it is a hearty and impressive dish that requires minimal prep time, making it great for entertaining.
Can I add more vegetables to the crock pot?
While this is an authentic version, some people choose to add carrots or olives to customize the stew.
Do I mix the sauce before adding it to the meat?
Yes, it is best to combine the broth, tomato products, vegetables, and seasonings in a bowl before pouring over the steak.
Should the meat be covered by the sauce?
Yes, ensure the sauce well covers the meat in the slow cooker for even cooking and moisture.
Can I skip the browning step?
While you can skip it to save time, browning the meat adds significant depth of flavor to the final dish.
Is this dish dairy-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is naturally dairy-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Does the meat need to be trimmed?
Yes, the recipe specifies using trimmed flank steak for the best results.
What size onion should I use?
A small onion, sliced, is sufficient for this amount of beef.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, the flavors often deepen overnight, making it a great dish to prepare a day ahead and reheat.