Name: Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 h
Total time: 7 h 10 min
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 2 pounds flank steak or beef roast; 1 onion, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup beef broth

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If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, this Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja Recipe is an absolute must-try. Classic Cuban shredded beef stew with peppers, onions, tomatoes, and spices is slow-cooked to tender perfection, making every bite rich, juicy, and packed with soul. Whether you’re new to Cuban cuisine or a longtime fan, this recipe is a delicious way to bring the warmth and zest of Latin American cooking right into your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small glass bowls and two white bowls with different ingredients on a light brown wooden surface. On the left side, there are seven small glass bowls arranged in two columns, holding chopped garlic (off-white pieces), green chopped herbs, light brown powder, pink salt, a reddish paste, yellow oil, and a pale yellow liquid. In the middle, there are two white bowls; the top one is filled with white sliced onions, and the bottom one holds chopped red and green bell peppers mixed together. On the right side, there is a white plate with raw thin red beef slices, and a pair of silver tongs is placed beside the pile of meat. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing your Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja Recipe. Each component is simple but crucial, combining to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this stew truly unforgettable.

2 pounds flank steak or beef roast: Provides the tender, shreddable beef that’s the heart of the dish.
1 onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and soft texture as it cooks down.
1 red bell pepper, sliced: For a pop of vibrant color and mild sweetness.
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Balances the pepper medley with bright, fresh flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant, savory depth throughout the stew.
1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz): Brings tanginess and a juicy base for the sauce.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for richness and body.
1 teaspoon cumin: Adds warm earthiness essential to Cuban flavor profiles.
1 teaspoon oregano: Lends a subtle herbal brightness.
1 teaspoon paprika: Provides smoky undertones and a lovely reddish hue.
Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the ingredients and balances the flavors.
1 cup beef broth: Keeps the meat moist and contributes savory depth.

How to Make Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by slicing the onion and bell peppers into thin strips and mincing the garlic. These vegetables will soften and meld with the beef during cooking, adding layers of texture and flavor that complement the shredded meat perfectly.

Step 2: Assemble Everything in the Slow Cooker

Place the beef roast or flank steak at the bottom of your slow cooker—it’s best if it’s spread out a bit—then layer over the sliced onion, red and yellow peppers, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Sprinkle the cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly across the top. Finally, pour in the beef broth which will help keep everything tender and juicy as it cooks.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours. During this time, the beef will become incredibly tender, soaking up all those wonderful spices and perfectly marrying with the sweet peppers and tomatoes.

Step 4: Shred the Beef and Mix it Back In

Once cooked, remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it finely using two forks. Then return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and stir it into the juices and vegetables, letting it soak up even more flavor before serving.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja Recipe

A white plate holds a serving of white rice on the left side, with a colorful stew on the right side. The stew has shredded brown meat mixed with bright green peas, orange-red tomato pieces, and light green strips of bell pepper, along with translucent cooked onions. A copper fork rests on the right edge of the plate, partly touching the stew. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, with a glass of amber liquid in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness. Slices of crisp avocado or a wedge of lime make wonderful additions, bringing creamy or tangy contrasts that elevate each bite.

Side Dishes

Ropa Vieja pairs beautifully with simple, fluffy white rice, which soaks up the luscious juices. Warm corn or flour tortillas are traditional and perfect for scooping up the shredded beef stew, while black beans add a hearty, nutritious side that rounds out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling extra festive, serve your Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja Recipe in a large clay pot or rustic cast-iron pot right at the table to showcase its home-style charm. You can also pile the shredded beef inside freshly made arepas or even use it as a filling for tacos or empanadas for an exciting twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover ropa vieja stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it delicious the next day.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. It will keep for up to 3 months and is perfect for meal prepping busy weeks ahead.

Reheating

When ready to eat, reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings, just be sure to cover the dish to keep moisture locked in.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef instead of flank steak?

Absolutely! Chuck roast is another great option that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. Just avoid very lean cuts as they might dry out.

Is this Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja Recipe spicy?

Not inherently—it’s more focused on savory and aromatic spices. However, you can easily add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to bring some heat if you like.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead?

Yes, you can simmer the ingredients gently in a pot for about 2 to 3 hours until the beef is tender and shreds easily, though the slow cooker hands-off method is much more convenient.

What can I add to make this more authentic?

Olives and capers are traditional additions that lend a briny, Mediterranean flair, enhancing the complexity of the stew and paying homage to classic Cuban flavors.

Is this meal gluten-free?

Yes! This Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing any flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about how effortlessly this Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja Recipe transforms simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal that tastes like it took hours of love and care. I hope you give it a try, invite some friends or family, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors that make this Cuban classic a forever favorite on your dinner table.