Fall-Off-The-Bone Tender Crockpot Flank Steak

Flank steak is a lean, flavorful cut of beef that can sometimes be tough if not cooked properly But when you cook flank steak low and slow in a crockpot, it becomes insanely tender and delicious!

In this article, I’ll explain exactly how to cook flank steak in the crockpot so it turns out super juicy and tender every time. Trust me, after trying this easy recipe, you’ll never want to cook flank steak any other way again!

Why Cook Flank Steak in a Crockpot?

There are a few reasons why the crockpot is absolutely perfect for cooking flank steak

• It cooks low and slow. The long, slow cooking time allows the connective tissues in the flank steak to break down, resulting in incredibly tender meat.

• Adds moisture. The closed environment of the crockpot traps in steam so the meat stays nice and moist.

• Infuses flavor. You can add herbs, spices, sauces, etc right in the crockpot so the flank steak soaks up all that delicious flavor as it cooks.

• Fuss-free. Just throw everything in the crockpot in the morning and dinner is ready by the time you get home from work!

• More affordable. Flank steak is less expensive than other beef cuts like ribeye or tenderloin. Crockpot cooking makes it taste like a million bucks!

So if you want a tasty, budget-friendly cut of meat with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, flank steak cooked in the crockpot is the way to go!

How Long to Cook Flank Steak in a Crockpot

Crockpots tend to cook a bit slower than ovens or stovetops. For a 1-2 lb flank steak, plan on:

• Low Setting (200°F): 8-10 hours
• High Setting (300°F): 4-5 hours

I recommend cooking flank steak on the low setting for the most tender results, but the high setting works too if you’re pressed for time.

Just be sure not to overcook the flank steak or it could become tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, removing it from the crockpot at 140°F for medium rare or 150-160°F for medium.

If using the high setting, check it at the 4 hour mark and continue cooking if needed until it reaches the desired internal temp.

Ingredients Needed to Make Crockpot Flank Steak

The beauty of cooking flank steak in the crockpot is that you really only need a few basic ingredients:

• Flank steak (1-2 lbs)
• Salt and pepper
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth or stock
• 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf

That’s it! The onion, carrots, garlic, and seasonings infuse the flank steak with flavor as it cooks.

The small amount of broth keeps it moist without making it mushy. I like to add a splash of Worcestershire for a little extra depth, but it’s not mandatory.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now let’s get to the good stuff – how to actually make this easy crockpot flank steak recipe!

Prep the Flank Steak

1. Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels. Season all over with a generous pinch of salt and pepper.

2. If desired, lightly score the top side of the steak diagonally across the grain about 1⁄4-inch deep. This helps the sauce and seasonings penetrate better.

Add Aromatics to the Crockpot

1. Place the chopped onion and carrots into a 4-6 quart crockpot. Add the minced garlic on top.

2. Place the seasoned flank steak directly on top of the vegetables.

Pour in Liquid and Add Herbs

1. Whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce (if using), 1⁄4 tsp salt, and 1⁄4 tsp pepper. Pour the liquid around the steak into the crockpot.

2. Sprinkle the thyme over the steak and tuck the bay leaf into the vegetables.

Cook on Low Heat

1. Cover and cook on the low setting for 8-10 hours, until fork tender. I like to cook mine for the full 10 hours.

2. Carefully remove the flank steak from the crockpot and transfer it to a cutting board. Discard the bay leaf.

3. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. This allows the juices to redistribute so they don’t run out when you cut into it!

Make a Quick Pan Sauce (Optional)

1. While the steak rests, you can make an easy pan sauce if desired. Pour the vegetables and cooking liquid into a skillet.

2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and let reduce 5-7 minutes until thickened slightly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3. Serve the sliced flank steak drizzled with the pan sauce!

And that’s it – deliciously tender crockpot flank steak made easy. The flavorful pan sauce puts it over the top, but the steak is fantastic on its own too.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Flank Steak

Here are a few handy tips to ensure flank steak perfection every time:

• Use a fatty cut. Look for a flank steak with plenty of marbling or external fat. This helps keep the lean meat moist.

• Brown it first (optional). Quickly searing the steak on both sides before slow cooking adds a ton of flavor.

• Slice against the grain. As mentioned before, always slice flank steak against the grain of the meat fibers. This produces shorter fibers so it’s more tender.

• Let it rest before slicing. Letting the steak sit after cooking allows the juices to reabsorb. Slice immediately after cooking and the juice will spill right out!

• Use a meat thermometer. It takes the guesswork out and prevents overcooking.

• Add veggies. The onions, carrots, and garlic add moisture and impart flavor.

• Make a pan sauce. It takes this recipe over the top but is totally optional.

Follow these tips and the recipe above for fork-tender, juicy crockpot flank steak every time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about cooking flank steak in the crockpot:

Should flank steak be cooked in liquid?

There’s no need to submerge the steak fully in liquid. The small amount of broth keeps it moist. Too much liquid can make the meat mushy.

Can you put frozen flank steak in a crockpot?

Nope, always thaw flank steak completely before putting it into the crockpot. Starting with frozen meat can lead to uneven cooking.

Is flank steak tough?

Flank steak contains a lot of connective tissue. When cooked improperly, this can make it chewy. But the long crockpot cooking time transforms it into tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat.

Can you overcook flank steak in a crockpot?

Yes, it’s possible to overcook flank steak and make it tough if cooked for too long. Use a meat thermometer and stick within the recommended cooking times in this recipe.

Should you sear flank steak before crockpot?

It’s optional, but searing adds tons of flavor from the browned exterior called the Maillard reaction. So I recommend it!

More Delicious Crockpot Steak Recipes to Try:

• Crockpot Steak Fajitas
• Crockpot Teriyaki Beef Stew
• Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
• Crockpot Beef Tips & Gravy
• Crockpot Swiss Steak

Enjoy Fall-Off-The-Bone Tender Flank Steak

Flank steak goes from tough to mouthwateringly tender with this easy recipe. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies to soak up the delicious pan sauce.