How to Cook Flavorful Beef Flank Steak in the Crock Pot

Beef flank steak can be a delicious but tricky cut of meat to cook. While flank steak is budget-friendly, it can easily turn out tough and chewy if not prepared properly. However, with the right techniques, flank steak can become fall-apart tender and bursting with flavor. This is where using a crock pot comes in handy!

The slow, moist heat of the crock pot breaks down the meat’s tough connective tissues to make it mouthwateringly tender. Plus, cooking flank steak in a tasty homemade spice rub infuses it with layers of flavor. After 8-10 hours in the slow cooker, flank steak transforms from tough to fork-tender perfection.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to cook beef flank steak in the crock pot to bring out its absolute best!

Benefits of Cooking Flank Steak in a Crock Pot

There are several advantages to using a crock pot when cooking flank steak:

Achieves Tender, Juicy Results

The slow, steady simmering action gently breaks down the meat’s tough muscle fibers.
Keeps the flank steak moist as it cooks low and slow,
Results in fork-tender meat that practically falls apart

Infuses Meat with Lots of Flavor

Dry spice rubs have prolonged contact time to permeate the meat.
Meat soaks up flavors from the braising liquid.
No need to marinate in advance.

Adds Convenience

Minimal hands-on time, with most cooking unattended.
Preparation and cleanup is quick and easy.
Great for busy weeknights or laidback weekends.
Allows you to multi-task while it cooks.

Tips for Cooking Flank Steak in the Crock Pot

Follow these handy tips to turn out perfect crock pot flank steak every time:

Choose the Right Cut

Opt for a whole 2-3 lb flank steak, not pre-sliced strips.
Uniform shape allows more even cooking.
Leaves you in control of slicing direction later.

Trim Excess Fat

Flank steak is pretty lean, but trim any thick chunks of fat.
Fat doesn’t render well in the slow cooker.
Creates greasy finished dish.

Use a Flavorful Spice Rub

Rub flank steak all over with spices for maximum coverage.
Chili powder, brown sugar, garlic, cumin = addictive combo.
Boosts flavor tremendously compared to plain meat.

Add Some Liquid

1⁄2 – 1 cup broth prevents drying out.
Water, beef stock, wine all work well.
Liquid helps baste and tenderize meat.

Resist Peeking!

Lifting the lid frequently lets heat escape.
Causes moisture loss and uneven cooking.
Wait until fully cooked to check doneness.

Let Meat Rest

Allows juices to redistribute evenly.
Makes carving across the grain easier.
Improves moisture retention when eating.

Easy Crock Pot Beef Flank Steak Recipe

This straightforward crock pot flank steak recipe results in crazy tender, richly flavored meat ready to slice and serve.

Ingredients:

2-3 lbs beef flank steak
2 Tbsp olive oil
1⁄2 cup beef broth or wine
Spice rub:
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1⁄4 tsp pepper

Instructions:

Pat flank steak dry and trim any excess fat. Rub all over with spice mix.
Place seasoned steak into crock pot and add liquid around the meat.
Cook on LOW heat setting for 8-10 hours. Do not lift lid during cooking.
Remove steak from crock pot and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Slice steak thinly across the grain into bite-sized pieces.
Use in tacos, burritos, sandwiches, over rice, or any favorite recipes!

How to Tell When Flank Steak is Done

With foolproof crock pot cooking, overcooking flank steak is rarely an issue. However, to test for doneness:

Visual test – Meat should look fork tender and start to shred apart
Temperature test – Use a meat thermometer to check for 130-140°F
Fork tender test – Forks or knife should slide in and out of meat without resistance when done

Serving Ideas for Crock Pot Flank Steak

The uses for deliciously tender crockpot flank steak are nearly endless! Here are some amazing ways to serve it:

Tacos or burritos with all the fixings
Steak sandwiches with melty cheese
Stir fry with peppers and onions
Fajitas on the grill or stove top
Over rice, mashed potatoes or pasta
In salads or pasta salad
Nachos or quesadillas
Breakfast hash or omelette filling
Pizza or flatbread topping

Any way you slice it, preparing flank steak in the crock pot results in unbelievably tender, flavorful meat. Give this easy method a try for your next steak dinner!

Tasty & Tender Crock Pot Flank Steak

FAQ

What is the best method to cook flank steak?

Rub a flank steak with olive oil, season it with salt and pepper and slide it onto a foil-lined sheet pan for easy cleanup. Then just broil it until it’s medium-rare, 6 to 8 minutes. No flipping needed.

Does flank steak get tender the longer you cook it?

If you’re looking for a tender and flavorful way to cook flank steak, consider slow cooking. Slow cooking allows the meat to break down and become melt-in-your-mouth tender while infusing it with rich flavors.

How to make beef more tender in crockpot?

You can do this by placing the beef in a pot or slow cooker with the liquid and heating it until it’s heated through and tender. Add some fat: Adding some fat, such as olive oil or butter, can also help make the beef more tender.

Does flank steak shred well?

Place the marinaded flank steak in your slow cooker, and add 1/2 cup of water or stock. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Once done, remove the slow cooker pot and place in an oven-safe dish, and begin to shred it up– it should happen easily!