I'm quite sure this version of ropa vieja would make any Cuban Cook gasp for breath and run screaming out of the room, but it's close enough to make me happy when I need an easy fix.
Ingredients
2 pounds (or so) carne picada
16 oz can diced tomatoes
2 10-oz bags of Pictsweet seasoning blend [1]
5-6 cloves of garlic, sliced or minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon cumin
1 bay leaf
1 jar pimento-stuffed green olives (halved or sliced if you're feeling fancy)
2 tablespoons capers (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
frozen peas to taste (a 10 ounce bag will do)
2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Put all ingredients except the peas and cilantro into a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. Stir in the chopped cilantro when you're ready to serve. This is great served over white rice and with a side of black beans. Pretend the peas satisfy the vegetable requirement for the meal or eat a nice salad on the side.
If you saute the seasoning blend, garlic, oregano and cumin first it will be extra yummy. But I'm usually too lazy to be bothered.
Recipe by Dishwasher Required at http://dishwasherrequired.com/super-simple-ropa-vieja/