Easy Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja brings authentic flavor with maximum convenience! After hours of slow cooking, the beef becomes so tender and easy to shred. Enjoy the unique flavor from peppers, onions, vinegar, and sazon seasoning in this international favorite.

Served Easy Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja served with olives rice and garnished

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What is ropa vieja?

Ropa vieja is a traditional Cuban dish made from shredded beef. It is prepared by simmering in a tomato-based sauce with peppers and onions, often called sofrito.

The name actually means “old clothes” because of how the shredded beef appears after it has cooked.

This dish has been made for centuries as a hearty family meal, and there are slightly different regional variations of ropa vieja, such as in Spain and the Canary Islands. The beef is typically served over rice with plantains, black beans, chickpeas, or avocado.

What’s To Love About This Recipe

Ropa vieja is more than just regular shredded beef. This dish delivers bold, savory flavors with a touch of tanginess from the vinegar.
The slow cooker makes this dish totally hands-off and easy. Once you chop the veggies and assemble, it’s a true “set-and-forget” recipe until the meat is shreddable and ready to serve!
After simmering for hours, the flank steak becomes incredibly tender, absorbing so much flavor.
This recipe is a great way to stretch one cut of meat into several meals. It’s easy to serve ropa vieja with rice or repurpose it into tacos, burritos, or other dishes.
This recipe provides a savory and tangy base that can be customized with your favorite peppers and spices.
Ropa vieja makes delicious leftovers, and the main dish is very freezer-friendly! Defrost, reheat, and serve an effortless, homemade meal with freshly cooked rice.

Ingredients Needed

Flank steak – This lean cut of beef can be tough if not properly cooked. It is usually a popular choice for fast, high-heat cooking, but the slow cooker keeps it simmering in the mix of veggies and broth so that it becomes tender and super easy to shred.
Bell peppers – Dice a mix of colorful bell peppers after removing the ribs and seeds. These add texture and flavor to the mix after hours of slow-cooking together.
Jalapeño pepper – Also remove the ribs and seeds from a jalapeño pepper, and dice it finely. This will bring mild heat to the dish, and you can always increase the heat by leaving some of the ribs and seeds intact.
White onion – Chop white onion to add slight sweetness and depth to the mix. It complements the peppers and garlic to create a rich base for the meat to braise in.
Garlic – Mince some garlic for a fresh layer of flavor.
Sazon seasoning – This seasoning is usually available at most grocery stores, and it is classically used in Latin cooking. It combines a variety of peppers, salt, garlic, and herbs as an all-in-one blend.
Tomato sauce – This adds slight acidity to the overall flavor and creates a thicker base to fully saturate the shredded beef.
Apple cider vinegar – You’ll get a slight tangy flavor from the vinegar, and it helps to balance the many elements to make a richer sauce.
Beef broth – Broth creates a tastier base than simply water, and helps infuse flavor back into the beef as it cooks.

Ingredients for Easy Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja ready on counter to prepare recipe

How To Make Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja

Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.

Beef peppers and onions in slow cooker seasoned

Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-9 hours.
Shred the beef and serve over rice and with avocado slices or as desired.

Easy Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja ready to shred on parchment paper

Pro Tips

Cut the peppers and onion into even pieces for consistent texture.
Use forks to shred the beef directly in the slow cooker to keep things simple.
If the sauce is too thin after cooking, remove the lid and cook it on high for 20-30 more minutes to reduce.
After shredding, let the beef rest in the sauce for 10-15 minutes to soak up maximum flavor.

Easy Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja served with olives rice and garnished slow cooker

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Vary the meat with chuck roast or skirt steak instead of flank steak. For a unique twist, pork shoulder could also work, although it won’t be a traditional ropa vieja.
Many versions of ropa vieja include veggies! Add green olives, capers, or even a handful of frozen peas at the end for traditional touches.
Increase the heat by leaving the ribs and seeds in the jalapeño or adding red pepper flakes.
Use homemade or store-bought sazon. Check ingredient labels to find a blend that works for you. Additionally, if you want to adjust the spice blend, try adding cumin, smoked paprika, or oregano.

How To Serve Ropa Vieja

Slow cooker ropa vieja is a satisfying main dish that only needs simple sides. Serve it over white rice, yellow rice, or cauliflower rice, and add sliced avocado, lime wedges, or plantains.

If you have plenty of leftovers, use the meat to make a variety of other dishes such as tacos, burritos, Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers, or beef and veggie bowls. The flavor continues to deepen, and this makes a delicious main protein for your meal prep!

Easy Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja served with olives rice and garnished

Storing and Reheating

How to Best Store Leftovers

Fridge

Store leftover meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Ropa vieja freezes well! Store the leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. I like to freeze in individual portions for easy defrosting and reheating.

How to Best Reheat Leftovers

Add the meat to a pan on the stove and reheat gently over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth if needed.

Alternatively, you can use the microwave and heat in short intervals, stirring each time until warmed through.