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Easy Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja Shredded Beef Recipe for Perfect Flavor

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A fuss-free slow cooker recipe for tender shredded beef with smoky peppers and tangy tomato sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup green olives with pimentos, sliced
  • 2 tbsp capers
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the chuck roast. Pat dry and season all sides with salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté onions, green and red bell peppers, and garlic for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add sautéed vegetables, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, sliced green olives, capers, and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine. Add red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until beef is tender and shreds easily.
  6. Remove beef from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded beef to slow cooker and stir to coat with sauce. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Let the shredded beef warm on LOW for another 15-20 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Notes

Do not skip browning the beef for better flavor. Check liquid levels halfway through cooking and add broth if needed. Shred the meat while warm for best texture. Adjust seasoning after shredding. Use fresh herbs at the end for brightness. Can be made in an Instant Pot using sauté and pressure cook functions.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, ropa vieja, shredded beef, Cuban recipe, easy dinner, slow cooker beef, comfort food

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/easy-slow-cooker-cuban-ropa-vieja-shredded-beef-recipe-for-perfect-flavor/