Slow-cooked cuban-style ropa vieja with cauliflower rice
Experience a burst of Cuban flavors with our slow-cooked Ropa Vieja served over perfectly seasoned cauliflower rice. Tender beef mingles with red peppers, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices to create a savory main dish, complemented by a low-carb, bacon-enhanced cauliflower rice. Ideal for a comforting family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this hearty dish promises rich tastes and hearty textures in every bite. Perfect for those craving traditional Cuban cuisine with a modern, health-conscious twist.
- 15 May 2024
- Cook time 420 min
- Prep time 20 min
- 5 Servings
- 19 Ingredients
Slow-cooked Cuban-style Ropa Vieja with Cauliflower Rice is a delightful and flavorful dish that marries the tender, shredded beef of traditional Ropa Vieja with a low-carb cauliflower rice twist. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a healthy yet indulgent meal that is packed with classic Cuban flavors. Follow this guide to create a mouth-watering and nutritious meal that will impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Trim and Cut: Trim any excess fat from the beef and cut it into large chunks, suitable for slow cooking.
- Chop the Onion and Garlic: Finely chop 1 cup of onion and mince 4 garlic cloves.
- Slice the Peppers: Slice 1.5 red peppers into thin strips.
- Layer Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the chopped onion, sliced peppers, and minced garlic.
- Season & Add Spices: Sprinkle 1 tsp of ground cumin, 1 tbsp of fresh thyme, 1 tsp of dried oregano, a dash of salt, and a dash of black pepper over the vegetables.
- Add Tomato Ingredients: Pour in 3/4 cup of tomato sauce and 1.5 cups of canned tomatoes.
- Add Beef: Place the beef chunks on top of the vegetable and spice mix.
- Finish with Capers & Bay Leaf: Add 3 tbsp of capers and a bay leaf.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and shred easily.
- Rice the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into small florets and pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook 3 bacon strips over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
- Sauté Cauliflower Rice: Add the riced cauliflower to the skillet with bacon grease and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Spices: Stir in 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, 2 tsp of ground cumin, 1 tsp of garlic powder, and 1 tsp of onion powder. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes.
- Crumble Bacon: Crumble the cooked bacon and mix it into the cauliflower rice.
- Remove Beef from Cooker: Once the beef is tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred using two forks.
- Return Beef to Sauce: Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix it well with the sauce.
- Plating: Place a generous scoop of cauliflower rice on each plate.
- Top with Ropa Vieja: Spoon the Cuban-style Ropa Vieja over the cauliflower rice.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions.
Tips:
- For best results, sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker to lock in flavors and enhance the overall taste.
- Using fresh thyme and garlic can add a more robust flavor compared to dried herbs and spices.
- Ensure you fully drain and rinse the canned tomatoes to avoid excess liquid making the dish too watery.
- For added texture, lightly sauté the cauliflower rice in the bacon fat after cooking the bacon to enhance its flavor.
- Allow the dish to cook low and slow; patience will ensure the beef becomes tender and flavorful.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.
Congratulations! You've successfully made a delicious Slow-cooked Cuban-style Ropa Vieja with Cauliflower Rice. The tender, flavorful beef paired with seasoned cauliflower rice provides a nourishing and satisfying meal. Enjoy this hearty dish with family and friends, and rest assured that it will become a new favorite in your home.
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 440 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 640kcal | 26% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 60g | 40% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 15g | 4% |
| Fiber 5g | 14% |
| Sugar 8g | 8% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 36g | 44% |
| Saturated 14g | 48% |
| Cholesterol 220mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 90ug | 10% |
| Choline 250mg | 46% |
| Vitamin B1 0.67mg | 56% |
| Vitamin B2 0.48mg | 37% |
| Vitamin B3 11mg | 66% |
| Vitamin B6 0.99mg | 58% |
| Vitamin B9 80ug | 20% |
| Vitamin B12 3.69ug | 154% |
| Vitamin C 90mg | 96% |
| Vitamin E 3.09mg | 21% |
| Vitamin K 20ug | 17% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 120mg | 9% |
| Copper, Cu 0.37mg | 0% |
| Iron, Fe 8mg | 71% |
| Magnesium, Mg 80mg | 19% |
| Phosphorus, P 450mg | 36% |
| Potassium, K 1130mg | 33% |
| Selenium, Se 60ug | 105% |
| Sodium, Na 770mg | 51% |
| Zinc, Zn 14mg | 125% |
| Water | |
| Water 320g | - |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |
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