Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and effortless meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Then look no further! This slow cooker beef flank steak recipe is your answer. Tender, flavorful, and bursting with rich savory goodness, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. Forget complicated techniques; this recipe makes impressive homemade cooking accessible to everyone, even beginner cooks. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this easy recipe for a truly satisfying experience!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef flank steak
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Sear the Steak (Optional but Recommended): Before placing the steak in the slow cooker, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the flank steak on both sides for about 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This step adds incredible depth of flavor. If you're short on time, you can skip this step, but trust me, it’s worth it!
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Layer the Ingredients: Place the sliced onions in the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with the seared (or unseared) flank steak.
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Create the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
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Pour & Slow Cook: Pour the marinade over the steak and onions in the slow cooker.
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Cook Low & Slow: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the steak is fork-tender. The longer it cooks, the more tender it will become.
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Rest & Slice: Once cooked, remove the steak from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing it against the grain. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in an incredibly tender and flavorful steak.
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Serve & Enjoy: Serve the sliced beef flank steak with the delicious cooking juices. It's fantastic on its own, or you can serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete and healthy meal.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Flank Steak:
- Don't overcook: Overcooked flank steak will be tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
- Slice against the grain: This is crucial for tenderness. Cutting against the grain separates the muscle fibers, making the steak much easier to chew.
- Use a good quality flank steak: The better the quality of your steak, the better the final result will be.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
Variations:
- Spicy Flank Steak: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Lovers: Add more minced garlic, or even some roasted garlic cloves, to the marinade.
- BBQ Flank Steak: Substitute the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky and sweet flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This slow cooker beef flank steak recipe is a perfect example of delicious and easy recipes that can be made even on the busiest of weeknights. It's a healthy meal option, a quick dinner idea that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. This recipe is a great addition to your collection of best recipes, offering a satisfying and flavorful experience that everyone will love. Enjoy!