Ropa Vieja is a classic Cuban dish so rich and flavorful you’ll start craving it which isn’t a problem when you have this easy freezer meal available. Toss some cooked white rice with cilantro and a splash of lime juice for the perfect complement.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds of skirt steak or flank steak
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ cup water
- 2 cubes beef bouillon
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
How to Make It
- Rub the steak with the spices and garlic, then place it in a labeled 1-gallon freezer bag. Add the onion and pepper slices to the bag. Add ½ cup water and the bouillon cubes to a mug or microwave-safe container and microwave it for 60 seconds. Stir to dissolve the bouillon, then add the bouillon-water and tomato sauce to the bag. Squeeze the remaining air out of the bag and seal it. Lay the bag flat to freeze. Serving Day
- Allow the steak to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. On serving day, pour the contents of the freezer bag into the slow cooker, cover it, and cook on low for 8–10 hours. Move the steak to a cutting board, shred it, return it to the slow cooker, and toss it in the sauce before serving.