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Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja Recipe Card

Authentic Cuban ropa vieja literally translated it means "old clothes" due to its shredded appearance. This rather unappetizing moniker conjures up images of someone's old T-shirt or distressed jeans laying on a plate. Let me tell you, this dish is nothing short of delicious. The blend of spices and the way the meat falls apart will make your mouth water as it cooks and fills your entire house with a delicious aroma. Although the meat will cook down considerably, you will still end up with a fair amount of meat. This is a great slow cooker recipe.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
6 hrs
Total Time
6 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 392 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: South American , Cuban

Ingredients

  • 4 lbs. beef flank steak or chuck roast
  • 3 tomatoes diced
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 jalapeños seeded, diced and cored
  • ½ cup celery chopped
  • 1 tsp salt paleo diet: sea salt
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 onion medium, cut into small pieces
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 4 Tbsp recaito

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place the meat in the slow cooker and add water.  Place all vegetables and the spices in the slow cooker and stir.
  2.  Cover and let it cook for about 6 hours.  Flip the beef over half way through.
  3. Also make sure to poke meat with a fork to check for tenderness. 
  4. When the meat falls apart and it is fork tender, it is done.   Add salt to taste, serve with rice and a side of tostones. Enjoy!!!

Notes

  • Beef:  Use  flan steak for nice long strands of beef when shredded.  You can also use chuck roast.Cooking tips:Oven: Use a Dutch oven or roasting pan. You can use a roasting pan (covered) and make ropa vieja in the oven. You'll want to keep the heat low at 300°F and it will take about 3 to 5 hours. Follow the recipe for when the meat is fork tender then shred.Stove top: Place the ingredients in a Dutch oven then cover and cook on low for 3 to 5 hours until the meat is fall apart tender then shred.Instant Pot: Cook on high for 90 minutes.  Keep pressure valve in the seal position to release pressure naturally.FAQ's about Ropa Vieja
  • Is ropa vieja keto? Yes. A serving of ropa vieja has only one carb. Enjoy it on a keto eating plan.
  • When is ropa vieja eaten? You can eat it at all times of the day, really! Add it to rice for a lunch or dinner. There is also recalentada (in scrambled eggs) a Latin American way of eating leftovers. It translates literally to "reheated".
  • How long can I save this ropa vieja? You can store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Be sure to allow it to completely cool before refrigerating.
  • Can I freeze ropa vieja? Yes, you must completely cool the ropa vieja before freezing. Store in airtight containers for up to 4-6 months. For single servings, freeze portions in a muffin tin and pop out the frozen rounds and store in freezer bags. Vacuum packing and freezing will extend the shelf life for 1-2 years. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 392kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 1g (0%) Protein 26g (52%) Fat 30g (46%) Saturated Fat 11g (55%) Cholesterol 107mg (36%) Sodium 299mg (12%) Potassium 452mg (13%) Vitamin A 150IU (3%) Vitamin C 3.9mg (4%) Calcium 37mg (4%) Iron 3.3mg (18%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 392

% Daily Value*

Calories 392kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Protein 26g 52%
Fat 30g 46%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Cholesterol 107mg 36%
Sodium 299mg 12%
Potassium 452mg 10%
Vitamin A 150IU 3%
Vitamin C 3.9mg 4%
Calcium 37mg 4%
Iron 3.3mg 18%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.