Are you tired of complicated weeknight dinners? Craving a flavorful, healthy meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Then look no further! This crock pot flank steak recipe is your new best friend. It's incredibly easy, bursting with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. Prepare for incredibly tender, juicy steak that practically melts in your mouth – all thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. This is one of those delicious dishes that’s both impressive and surprisingly simple to make, making it a winner for both casual and special occasions. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs flank steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels. This helps it sear better and develop a nice crust.
- Season the steak generously with salt and pepper.
Sear (Optional but Recommended):
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This step isn't strictly necessary, but searing adds a delicious depth of flavor.
Slow Cooking Magic:
- Place the sliced onion in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Place the seared (or unseared) flank steak on top of the onions.
- In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, thyme, and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the steak in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the steak is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Finishing Touches:
- Once the steak is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
- While the steak rests, you can skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid. This liquid makes an amazing sauce!
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain. This is crucial for tenderness! Serve immediately, drizzled with the delicious pan juices.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a splash of red wine to the cooking liquid.
- Spice it up: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Garlic lover? Add more garlic! Minced, sliced, or even a few cloves left whole will infuse the steak with extra garlicky goodness.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve this flank steak over rice, mashed potatoes, or with a side of roasted vegetables for a truly satisfying and healthy meal.
- Leftovers are amazing: This steak is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This crock pot flank steak recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It’s a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights and a great addition to your repertoire of healthy meals. Enjoy this delicious and incredibly tender dish! It's one of the best recipes for achieving perfectly cooked, flavorful flank steak with minimal effort. Try it tonight and see for yourself!