Description
Indulge in the flavors of a Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwich that brings a savory twist to this beloved classic. This easy-to-make recipe features tender beef shoulder, melted Swiss cheese, zesty pickles, and tangy mustard, all nestled in crispy Cuban bread. Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home, this sandwich is sure to please everyone from kids to adults. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the beef to absorb vibrant citrus and spice flavors while remaining juicy and tender. Customize it with your favorite toppings for a meal that’s both satisfying and fun!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pounds boneless beef shoulder
- Juice of 2 oranges
- Juice of 2 limes
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (plus more to taste)
- ¾ tablespoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for searing)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 loaves Cuban bread (or Italian bread loaves)
- 18 slices Swiss cheese (plus more to taste)
- 12 slices pickles (plus more to taste)
- Yellow mustard
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoons garlic powder
Instructions
- Cut the beef shoulder into 3 or 4 parts. This will allow the marinade to penetrate better.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat a few drizzles of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear all sides of the beef until golden brown.
- Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, remaining salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
- Pour this flavorful marinade over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Add bay leaves to enhance flavor.
- Cover and cook on LOW for about 8 hours or HIGH for approximately 4 hours until meat is juicy and fall-apart tender.
- Once cooked, use a fork to shred the beef right in the slow cooker.
- Discard bay leaves before assembling your sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (210g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 150mg