Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja For One

5 from 13 votes

Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja is a flavorful Cuban-inspired dish made with tender shredded beef, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, olives, and warm spices.

Prep Time15

Cook Time4

Total Time4 15

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Spanish

Diet: , Low Lactose

Keyword: crockpot ropa vieja, ropa vieja, ropa vieja for one, slow cooker ropa vieja, small batch ropa vieja

Servings: serving

Author: Joanie Zisk

½ small onion -sliced into ¼ inch thick pieces
1 small red bell pepper (or ½ medium-sized bell pepper), sliced into ¼ inch thick pieces
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
8 ounces boneless chuck roast
½ tablespoon canola oil , vegetable oil or avocado oil
2 cloves garlic
¾ cup beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup canned diced tomatoes (Use about half of a 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes, including some of the juices from the can)
6 Spanish olives

Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the bottom of a 1.5 or 2-quart slow cooker.
In a small bowl, mix together oregano, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels and rub the seasoning mix all over the beef.
Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Sear the roast for about 2 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to a plate.
Cut two small 1-inch slits in the top of the roast. Use your fingers to widen the slits slightly and insert whole garlic cloves into the openings.
Place the seared roast on top of the onions and peppers.
In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth and tomato paste. Pour over the roast.
Pour in the diced tomatoes and scatter the olives on top.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours, until the meat is tender.
Remove the roast, shred with a fork, and return it to the slow cooker. Stir and cook for 10 more minutes.
Pro Tip: Taste before serving, some beef broths are saltier than others. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
Enjoy as-is for a low-carb meal, or serve over rice for a more filling option.

Sear Properly: Heat the skillet before adding the beef. Sear until each side develops a deep, brown crust for the best flavor.
Insert Garlic Evenly: Space the garlic cloves throughout the roast so the flavor spreads evenly as it cooks.
Use the Right Slow Cooker: A 1.5 or 2-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe, ensuring even cooking and proper moisture levels.
Layer Vegetables First: Add onions and peppers to the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base that enhances the beef as it cooks.

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