Are you craving a flavorful, tender steak dinner but short on time? Look no further! This slow cooker flank steak recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep and hands-on cooking time, resulting in a juicy and incredibly delicious meal the whole family will love. This recipe is a perfect example of how simple homemade cooking can be, offering a healthy and satisfying alternative to takeout. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this fantastic quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 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 achieve a beautiful sear and better browning.
Sear the Steak (Optional but Recommended):
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the flank steak for 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 the sear really elevates the dish.
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 and Enjoy:
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the steak is fork-tender.
- Remove the steak from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in an incredibly tender and flavorful steak.
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain. This is crucial for tenderness.
- Serve the sliced steak over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish. The flavorful cooking liquid can be used as a delicious sauce.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcook: Flank steak is best served medium-rare to medium. Overcooked flank steak will be tough.
- Slicing is key: Always slice flank steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Make it a meal: Serve your slow cooker flank steak with roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or your favorite sides.
Variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade.
- Herbacious: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, oregano, or garlic powder.
- Citrusy: Add the zest and juice of one orange or lemon to the marinade for a bright, tangy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and specific ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input your exact ingredients and portion sizes. Generally, this recipe provides a good source of protein and iron.
This slow cooker flank steak recipe is a simple, delicious, and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a fantastic example of how easy and satisfying homemade cooking can be. Enjoy!