Imagine tender, succulent beef that falls apart with the gentlest touch, infused with vibrant Cuban spices that transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Havana. This Slow Cooker Cuban Style Beef is not just a meal—it's a culinary journey that transforms an ordinary chuck roast into a spectacular dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Cuban
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck roast and pat the meat dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning and browning.
- Season the beef generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano, rubbing the spices evenly into all surfaces of the meat.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until a golden-brown crust forms, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. This step helps develop rich flavor and locks in moisture.
- Slice the onion and mince the garlic cloves, preparing them for layering in the slow cooker.
- Place the seared beef in the slow cooker and spread the sliced onions and minced garlic around and on top of the meat.
- Pour beef broth and fresh lime juice over the meat, ensuring the liquid covers approximately one-third to one-half of the roast.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, cooking for 8 hours until the beef is extremely tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Once cooking is complete, remove the beef from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding.
- Shred the beef using two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat. Mix the shredded meat with the cooking liquid for added moisture and flavor.
- Serve hot with traditional Cuban sides like black beans, rice, or plantains. Optional: garnish with fresh cilantro or additional lime wedges.
Tips
- Pat the beef dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in flavor.
- Don't skip the searing step—it's crucial for developing deep, rich taste and creating a beautiful exterior crust.
- Use fresh lime juice for the brightest, most authentic Cuban flavor profile.
- For extra tenderness, choose a well-marbled chuck roast with some fat content.
- Let the meat rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a little cornstarch with the cooking liquid after removing the beef.
- This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for meal prep.
- Experiment with garnishes like pickled onions or fresh cilantro to add extra layers of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
