This slow cooker ropa vieja has tender shredded flank steak immersed in the most flavorful sauce with bell peppers, onion, manzanilla olives and more. Serve with yellow rice, black beans, crispy tostones, and you have the perfect meal!
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Instructions
In a slow cooker, add the can of crushed tomatoes. Pour the beef stock into the empty can of tomato sauce to get the remnants of the sauce, then pour into the slow cooker. Add in: paprika, cumin, cayenne, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, better than bouillon beef paste, and pinch kosher salt/freshly ground black pepper. Whisk all the ingredients together to combine.
In a large cast iron skillet over high heat (8 out of 10 on my stove), add 2 tbsp cooking oil. Season one side of the flank steak with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Once the skillet is hot, add the flank steak season side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes until a brown crust forms. While it's searing, season the other side with kosher salt and black pepper. Flip and sear the other side. Once both sides are seared, remove from heat and using tongs, carefully add seared flank steak to slow cooker into sauce.
Mix all the ingredients in the slow cooker, add bay leaves, cover, and set on low for 7 hours.
Once the 7 hours are up, using tongs, remove the flank steak only and place on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the flank steak. Add the shredded flank steak back into the sauce, add the manzanilla olives, and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary and then allow it to cook for 30 minutes longer.
While the ropa vieja cooks for it's final 30 minutes, you can use this time to prepare sides. I like to serve with white or yellow rice, black beans, and homemade tostones. All of these are optional. Top ropa vieja with fresh parsley once done cooking.