Description
This Slow Cooker Cuban Beef Sandwich is a delightful blend of tender beef, tangy pickles, and melted cheese, all nestled in crispy bread. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it requires minimal hands-on time and bursts with flavor.
Ingredients
- beef shoulder (2–3 pounds)
- fresh orange juice (1 cup)
- lime juice (1/4 cup)
- garlic cloves (4–5, minced)
- onion (1, sliced)
- oregano (1 teaspoon)
- cumin (1 teaspoon)
- salt (to taste)
- black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
- sandwich rolls or Cuban bread (4–6 pieces)
- deli ham (8–10 slices)
- Swiss cheese (6–8 slices)
- dill pickles (sliced)
- yellow mustard (as needed)
- butter (for grilling)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup of lime juice, 4-5 minced garlic cloves, 1 sliced onion, 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are mixed evenly.
- Place the 2-3 pound beef shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour the marinade over the beef, ensuring it is well-coated. Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours.
- After 8 hours, carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the meat, returning the shredded beef to the slow cooker to soak up the juices.
- Slice your bread or sandwich rolls in half and spread a generous layer of yellow mustard on each side. Layer the shredded beef, 8-10 slices of deli ham, 6-8 slices of Swiss cheese, and dill pickles on the bottom half of the bread.
- Butter the outer sides of the sandwich. Heat a skillet or panini press over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and press down lightly. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and crispy. Flip the sandwich carefully and grill the other side for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: For maximum flavor, let the beef marinate in the citrus juices for a couple of hours or overnight. Use a cast-iron skillet for grilling the sandwiches for even crispiness. Don't skip the pickles for necessary tang.