Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of a classic Cuban sandwich, featuring tender slow-cooked beef, Swiss cheese, and tangy pickles, all perfectly grilled to create a crispy crust. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it an ideal choice for casual brunches, game days, or festive gatherings. With just a slow cooker and a few simple ingredients, you can create mouthwatering sandwiches that are sure to impress your family and friends. Each bite delivers a delightful explosion of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Cuba.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 lbs. beef shoulder or butt roast
- Juice from 2 oranges
- Juice from 2 limes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp. cumin
- 1 Tbsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 2 Cuban bread loaves or Italian bread loaves
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
- ½ lb. sliced Swiss cheese
- ½ lb. sliced deli chicken ham
- 12 sandwich pickles, sliced lengthwise
- Yellow mustard
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
- Place the beef shoulder in the slow cooker with the fat side up and pour the marinade over it. Cook on low for 8–10 hours until tender.
- Shred the beef using two forks and return it to the slow cooker to soak up juices.
- Preheat your panini press or cast iron skillet.
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of Cuban bread and yellow mustard on the inside.
- Layer Swiss cheese, chicken ham slices, shredded beef, pickles, and more Swiss cheese before topping with the other half of bread.
- Grill until golden brown and crispy (3–5 minutes in a panini press or 2–3 minutes per side in a skillet).
- Slice and serve hot with sides like chips or salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, marinate the beef overnight. Substitute pulled pork or turkey for different meat variations. Ensure your grill is preheated for optimal crispiness.