This Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe is so easy to make in your Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi or Instant Pot and it is so full of flavor that your friends and family will think that you spent all day in the kitchen preparing it!
What Is Ropa Vieja?
Ropa vieja is a classic Spanish dish that usually includes tender, stewed beef in a zesty tomato and sofrito broth or base. It originated in Spain, but Cuba made it really popular (which is how I know this recipe).
Want a laugh? The words "ropa vieja" translate to "old clothes" in English! I promise you, this slow cooker beef recipe tastes a mill times better than old clothes!
Why You'll Love Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja
I am part Cuban, and even if I wasn't, everyone loves Cuban food, right? Growing up in Miami, Cuban food was just a part of life. We all have our favorite Cuban foodie spots, but sometimes you just want that homemade dinner!
And if you aren't fortunate enough to live in a city that has great, authentic Cuban food, isn't it just so much fun to try to create Cuban recipes at home?
This Cuban Ropa Vieja is incredibly easy to make at home because you can throw it all into one pot and forget it while you go about your day. Come home to a house that smells incredible and open up that slow cooker and enjoy!
This easy beef recipe makes dinnertime a cinch! It's as easy to make as my popular crockpot pork tenderloin recipe. Need another easy dinner idea? Make air fryer chicken fajitas next!
More Slow Cooker Recipes
Check out these delicious recipes that I have shared over the years that are just perfect for your busy weeknight dinners. I think you will especially love this Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken with Rice Recipe!
Instant Pot & Ninja Foodi Recipes
- Stuffed Pepper Soup Instant Pot
- Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
- Spaghetti Chicken Crockpot
- Recipe for Macaroni and Tomatoes
How to make this Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja
This easy ropa vieja recipe will become your favorite slow cooker beef recipe. It's bursting with flavor! My recipe makes four servings and takes 8 hours to cook.
Ingredients
All the exact ingredient amounts are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. First, here is what you'll need from the store before you make easy ropa vieja.
- can crushed tomatoes
- Skirt steak or flank steak
- Bell peppers (1 red and 1 green), sliced thin
- Jalapeno pepper, sliced (can leave seeds or remove depending on preference)
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Chicken stock
- Ketchup
- Apple cider vinegar
- Garlic, minced
- Ground cumin
- Salt
- Optional: cilantro for garnish
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Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja Directions
Here are some pictures showing you each step of the process. If you don't need the pictures, scroll down to the recipe!
First add crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, cumin, jalapeno and salt to a slow cooker.
Stir once. Add the steak, bell peppers and onions. Toss in the tomato mixture to coat.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, undisturbed. Uncover and shred the meat with two forks.
Serve over rice with chopped cilantro (optional) garnish.
How To Store
Store leftover ropa vieja in an airtight food storage container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. It will taste perfect with your meal prep this week!
Sides
Serve this tasty Cuban recipe with your favorite easy side dishes. I like to serve it with keto Spanish rice and shaved brussels sprouts and parmesan salad.
Share this Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe with your friends and family!
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If you do make the recipe, I hope you’ll share that you tried it on Pinterest! I love it SO MUCH when readers share their feedback!
Dessert Recipes
- Applesauce Coffee Cake
- White Chocolate Easter Bark
- Bunny Peeps Smores Dip
- Apple Cinnamon Pie with Cinnamon Rolls
To print this Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe , simply click the recipe card below!
I know that many people still like to print out recipes and keep them in a recipe binder, or simply have the printed recipe sitting in front of them when it comes time to cook! You can also email this recipe!
Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 ½ pounds skirt steak or flank steak
- 2 bell peppers 1 red and 1 green, sliced thin
- 1 jalapeno pepper sliced (can leave seeds or remove depending on preference)
- 1 small onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- Optional: cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Add crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, cumin, jalapeno and salt to a slow cooker.
- Stir once.
- Add the steak, bell peppers and onions. Toss in the tomato mixture to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, undisturbed.
- Uncover and shred the meat with two forks.
- Serve over rice with chopped cilantro (optional) garnish.
JIL2 says
SORRY FOR USING 'ALL CAPS' BUT I FIND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO READ 'LOWER CASE' IN THIS GRAY TONE --- I REALLY AM NOT SHOUTING OR UPSET
SHOULD THE MEAT BE BROWNED BEFORE ADDING IT TO THE SLOW COOKER? WHAT ABOUT SAUTEING THE BELL PEPPERS AND ONION BEFORE ADDING THEM? NEVER REALIZED HOW SIMPLE AND EASY ROPA VIEJA WAS TO MAKE, AM I TRYING TO DEFEAT THAT PURPOSE? THANK YOU
OH --- ONE LAST QUESTION, CAN THIS BE FROZEN AND FOR HOW LONG? AGAIN, THANK YOU
Jenn says
HAHA IT IS OKAY! I WILL USE CAPS TOO TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR YOU. 🙂 YOU DO NOT NEED TO BROWN THE MEAT OR DO ANYTHING WITH THE BELL PEPPERS BEFORE PUTTING THEM IN THE POT! OF COURSE IF YOU WANT TO, YOU CAN - BUT IT IS COOKING FOR SO LONG IN THE SLOW COOKER THAT THE VEGGIES WOULD BE REALLY MUSHY IF YOU PRECOOKED THEM. YOU CAN FREEZE THIS, BUT I WOULD NOT LEAVE IT IN THE FREEZER FOR MORE THAN A MONTH UNLESS YOU HAVE A DEEP FREEZER.