Classic Cuban Ropa Vieja (Shredded Beef) Crock Pot

• 1 (2-1/2 to 3 pound) bottom round roast
• 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium-sized yellow onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Classic Cuban Ropa Vieja (Shredded Beef)

I think we can get a better understanding of words if we break them down. I’ve had Spanish 1 twice and Spanish 2 once. So consider me a pro. Ropa in Spanish means “clothes”. Vieja in Spanish means “old woman”…………… Hmmm. Aaanyway… The culinary use and translation is of this is “Old Clothes”… Still not really helping with the intent to sell you on this dish. It’s actually meant to imply that the dish looks shredded. And the taste is Shred-a-licious! This is a popular recipe with many variations. This is a savory, slowly cooked roast, that will not disappoint.

1. Combine bell pepper, onion, and garlic and place them in the pot.
2. Lay the roast on top of the vegetables.
3. In a separate bowl, combine tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper and mix well, then pour over the roast.
4. Cover and cook on high for about 7 hours, or until you can easily pull apart the meat with a fork.
5. Turn off the pot and shred all of the beef by pulling it apart with 2 forks.
6. Stir the shredded meat with the gravy that’s in the pot and allow to sit for about 5 minutes