The Rebel Chick

  • Food
  • Recipe Index
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • About
  • Home
  • Parenting
  • Shopping
  • Style
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Beauty
  • Entertainment
  • Shopping
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipe Index
    • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • Beauty
    • Entertainment
    • Shopping
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Food

    Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe 

    Published: Aug 3, 2022 · Modified: Oct 17, 2023 by Jennifer · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    163 shares

    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!

    Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe 

    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!

    How to make a Cuban Ropa Vieja in a Ninja Foodi

    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
      Stuffed Pepper Soup Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
      Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
    • Spaghetti Chicken Crockpot
      Spaghetti Chicken Crockpot
    • Recipe for Macaroni and Tomatoes
      Recipe for Macaroni and Tomatoes
    See more Instant Pot & Ninja Foodi Recipes →

    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 
    All the ingredients you need to make authentic Cuban ropa vieja

    Get all of your cooking and baking supplies on Amazon.com!

    Amazon Prime Fresh has TONS of household supplies and groceries at great prices and offers free delivery with an Amazon Prime membership! Sign up for Amazon Prime Fresh here!

    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.

    How to make authentic Cuban food in a Instant Pot

    Serve over rice with chopped cilantro (optional) garnish. 

    Two plates of Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja

    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!

    If you love this Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe as much as we do, please leave me a 5-star review below and help me share this recipe on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!

    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!

    Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe 

    Dessert Recipes

    • Applesauce Coffee Cake
      Applesauce Coffee Cake
    • White Chocolate Easter Bark
      White Chocolate Easter Bark
    • Bunny Peeps Smores Dip
      Bunny Peeps Smores Dip
    • Apple Cinnamon Pie with Cinnamon Rolls
      Apple Cinnamon Pie with Cinnamon Rolls
    See more Dessert Recipes →

    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 

    Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe 

    Jennifer
    This Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe is so easy to make and full of flavor that your family will think you spent all day in the kitchen!
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 8 hours hrs
    Total Time 8 hours hrs 5 minutes mins
    Course Dinner, Entree, Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4

    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.
    Keyword crockpot, instant pot, ninja foodi, ropa viejo, slow cooker
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Check out our amazing catalog of recipes on The Rebel Chick!

    • Barbecue Chicken Flatbread
      Barbecue Chicken Flatbread
    • 3 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese
      3 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese
    • Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole topped with melted cheese
      Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole
    • Mediterranean Flatbread
      Mediterranean Flatbread
    163 shares

    About Jennifer

    Jennifer, AKA "The Rebel Chick," is a 40-something Gen Xer who strives to help her readers live their best lives possible with easy recipes, travel inspiration and lifestyle tips!

    Comments

    1. JIL2 says

      July 23, 2023 at 6:17 pm

      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

    2. Jenn says

      July 24, 2023 at 9:24 am

      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.

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Hi, I'm Jennifer! I'm a Miami native and I love sharing easy dinner recipes, baking recipes, travel ideas and general Miami Lifestyle fun! Follow along for inspiration on how to make the most of your life!

    More about me →

    Recent Popular Recipes

    • close up of Carrot and Zucchini Muffins in a white bowl
    • Easter Cheese Ball
    • 5 Margarita Recipes for National Margarita Day
    • Broccoli Rice and Cheese Chicken Casserole

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services
    • Media Kit

    The Rebel Chick is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, Share-a-Sale, Commission Junction, Rakuten and LinkShare; affiliate advertising programs designed to allow me to earn advertising fees by advertising these affiliate links. 

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

    This worked exactly as written, thanks!
    My family loved this!
    Thank you for sharing this recipe

    Or write in your own words:

    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required