Spicy Slow Cooker Ropas Viejas

Spicy Slow Cooker Ropas Viejas (Serves six to eight people)

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. flank steak

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes

• 1/2 cup beef broth

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

• 2 tbsp. tomato paste

• 1 tbsp. cumin

• 1 tbsp. paprika

• 1 tsp. oregano

• 1 tsp. salt

• 1/2 tsp. black pepper

• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

• 1 bay leaf

• 2 tbsp. olive oil

• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the flank steak and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer the steak to the slow cooker.

2. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the same skillet and cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, red wine vinegar, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.

3. Pour the tomato mixture over the steak in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the steak is very tender and falls apart easily.

4. Remove the bay leaf from the slow cooker and discard. Using two forks, shred the steak into bite-sized pieces.

5. Serve the Ropas Viejas hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.