This Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja has flank steak that is slow cooked with tomatoes, peppers and onions. Rich and flavorful, this will become a new slow cooker favorite!
Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja
If you are looking for easy slow cooker recipes, look no further. I’ll admit that I’m not always a fan of the dump and cook-type slow cooker meals. A lot of times, I find them bland or they end up with weird textures.
This Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja does not fall into that category, though. This recipe is so, so easy, yet the final product has tons of flavor and the beef is cooked perfectly. My husband is actually not a fan of rice, so when he saw what was for dinner, he almost didn’t eat. But he ended up trying it and cleaning his plate. It’s definitely a winner!
What is Ropa Vieja
Ropa Vieja is actually the national dish of Cuba. I read that it translates to “Old Clothes” because of the way that the flank steak shreds. It typically has flank steak (although other cuts of beef are sometimes used) that is stewed in a tomato sauce with vegetables. This version is made easy in the slow cooker.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja
This ropa vieja recipe is really so simple!
- Start by combining canned, diced tomatoes, sliced red bell peppers, onion, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper in your slow cooker. Add the flank steak and cook it all in your slow cooker. You can cook it on high for 4-5 hours, or on low for 7-8 hours.
- When the beef is done, remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the beef.
- Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the vegetables.
- Serve the ropa vieja over rice. I love to top mine with sliced avocado and cilantro.
More Slow Cooker Beef Recipes
Slow Cooker Beef Noodle Soup
Slow Cooker Beef with Salsa
Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Slow Cooker Mexican Meatballs
Tools Used to Make this Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja
- I have a slow cooker similar to this one that I love because it has a medium heat along with low and high.
- You could easily make the rice on the stove, but I love love love my rice cooker.
LOOKING FOR MORE FREE RECIPES?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get new family friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more family-friendly inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja
Ingredients
- 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes drained
- 2 red bell peppers sliced
- 1 medium onion cut into 8 wedges
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 pound flank steak cut into thirds
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- In the bottom of a 6 quart slow cooker, combine the tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper. Nestle the steak down into the vegetables. Place the cover on the slow cooker and cook until the meat is tender and easily shreds, 4-5 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low.
- About 30 minutes before the meat is done, cook the rice according to the package directions.
- When the meat is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred the beef using two forks. Place the shredded beef back into the slow cooker and stir into the juices and vegetables.
- Serve the beef over the rice with sliced avocado and topped with cilantro.
Danielle says
I'm making this as I type. My kitchen smells delicious and it was so easy to throw together. Can't wait to take a bite!
Sophie says
Such a fresh light meal, I loved it with avocado!
The Double Dipped Life says
This looks MUCH better than a Costco Hot dog!
grace says
great, now i want a hot dog. 🙂
teresa says
don't you love that! a lot of times the opposite happens to me and it's such a disappointment. this look absolutely delicious!
Maria says
I am glad you enjoyed the meal!
bridezillabakes says
Haha! We are notoriously unfaithful to our planned recipes…. something always happens to prevent the follow through! I'm glad that sticking with the plan worked out for you guys this time — the recipe looks great 🙂
Chef Aimee says
Looks so delicious – the beef and the avocado are so inviting as flavors together! I am not a fan of cilantro so am kind of glad to hear this worked so well despite the fact that the market was out of it!
Abby says
I know exactly what you mean! When I stray from my menu plan I end up messing it ALL up because I use ingredients meant for something else!
But no matter when a dish turns out fabulous. This looks so good. Simple but perfect.
Joanne says
I totally have had that experience. Especially with slow cooker dishes for some reason. I think it's because you have to set them up so early in the day that you'll never know what you'll be craving 8-10 hours later. At least this tasted good in the end! It certainly looks delicious.
kat says
I find when I get too hungry nothing sounds good even though all want to do is eat
kat says
I find when I get too hungry nothing sounds good even though all want to do is eat
kat says
I find when I get too hungry nothing sounds good even though all want to do is eat
kat says
I find when I get too hungry nothing sounds good even though all want to do is eat
kat says
I find when I get too hungry nothing sounds good even though all want to do is eat
Valerie says
I always make the menu myself, but sometimes when I start to make the meal, I don't think it sounds as good as the few days before when I planned it–just like you. I'm glad you ended up liking it. It sounds like it would be good with the cilantro. It's too easy not to give it a try.