Savory Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja
Indulge in the flavors of Cuba with this Savory Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja recipe. This dish features tender shredded beef simmered in a rich tomato and olive sauce, complemented by the sweetness of bell peppers and a touch of white wine. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish can be served over fluffy rice to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. With effortless preparation in your slow cooker, you'll create a meal that's sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
flank steak or chuck
3 (lbs)
adobo seasoning
1 (tablespoon (or substitute with 1.5 tsp salt and 1/5 tsp garlic powder))
green bell pepper
1 (sliced)
red bell pepper
1 (sliced)
yellow onion
1 (large and sliced)
garlic cloves
6 (large and minced)
green Spanish olives
0.5 (cup)
white wine
1 (cup)
tomato puree
28 (ounces)
tomato paste
6 (ounces)
cumin
1 (teaspoon)
oregano
1 (teaspoon)
sugar
1 (teaspoon)
salt
1 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Rub each side of the flank steak (or chuck) with adobo seasoning, ensuring it is evenly coated.
2
Place the seasoned meat in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3
Slice the green and red bell peppers, the large yellow onion, and the garlic cloves. Add these sliced vegetables to the slow cooker along with the green Spanish olives.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white wine, tomato puree, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, sugar, and salt. Mix thoroughly ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
5
Pour the sauce mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring the meat and vegetables are thoroughly covered.
6
Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.
7
Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the cooked steak from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
8
Return the shredded beef to the sauce in the slow cooker, stirring well to coat the meat with the sauce.
9
For extra flavor, allow the shredded beef to cook in the sauce on low for an additional 20 minutes.
10
Serve the Ropa Vieja over a bed of fluffy rice, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
18.75
Fat
25
Carbs
37.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja?
It is a flavorful Cuban dish featuring tender shredded beef simmered in a rich tomato and olive sauce with bell peppers and white wine.
What kind of meat should I use for this recipe?
You can use 3 lbs of either flank steak or chuck roast for this recipe.
How do I season the beef?
Rub each side of the steak with one tablespoon of adobo seasoning to ensure it is evenly coated.
What can I use as a substitute for adobo seasoning?
You can substitute one tablespoon of adobo seasoning with 1.5 teaspoons of salt and 1/5 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What vegetables are needed for Ropa Vieja?
The recipe requires one sliced green bell pepper, one sliced red bell pepper, and one large sliced yellow onion.
How much garlic is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 6 large garlic cloves that should be minced.
Do I need to include olives?
Yes, the recipe uses 0.5 cup of green Spanish olives to add to the traditional Cuban flavor profile.
What are the liquid components of the sauce?
The sauce is made from 1 cup of white wine and 28 ounces of tomato puree.
What spices are added to the tomato sauce?
The sauce includes 6 ounces of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
How long does the Ropa Vieja cook in the slow cooker?
Set the slow cooker to low and cook the ingredients for a total of 8 hours.
How do I shred the cooked beef?
Once the meat is tender and cooking is complete, remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Should I cook the meat further after shredding it?
Yes, for extra flavor, return the shredded beef to the sauce and cook on low for an additional 20 minutes.
What is the best way to serve Ropa Vieja?
It is best served over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the sauce, and can be garnished with fresh cilantro.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving contains approximately 450 calories.
What is the protein content of this meal?
There are 37.5 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
Each serving contains 25 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 18.75 grams of fat in one serving.
How many different ingredients are needed?
The recipe requires 14 distinct ingredients.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is ideal for a comforting family dinner.
Can this be prepared for a large group?
Yes, it is described as being perfect for gatherings with friends or family meals.
Do I need to pre-cook the vegetables?
No, you simply slice the peppers, onion, and garlic and add them directly to the slow cooker with the meat.
Why is sugar added to the recipe?
A small amount of sugar (1 teaspoon) is added to the sauce mixture to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and wine.
Does the recipe use tomato paste and puree?
Yes, it uses 28 ounces of tomato puree for the base and 6 ounces of tomato paste for richness and thickness.
Is the slow cooker set to high or low?
The instructions specify setting the slow cooker to low for the best results.
Can I use any type of onion?
The recipe recommends using one large yellow onion.
What kind of wine is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of white wine.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor profile is savory and rich, with notes of cumin, oregano, and briny olives.
How do I ensure the meat is covered in the slow cooker?
After mixing the sauce, pour it over the meat and vegetables to ensure everything is thoroughly covered before cooking.
Can I add cilantro?
Yes, fresh cilantro is suggested as an optional garnish when serving.
Is this a time-consuming recipe to prep?
No, it features effortless preparation where the slow cooker does most of the work over 8 hours.