Cooking dinner shouldn’t feel like a chore, especially after a long day. That’s why I love flank steak in the crock pot recipes. They’re rich, flavorful, and hands-off.
In this article, I’m sharing my go-to slow cooker flank steak recipe that’s juicy, tender, and packed with bold flavors. We’ll also talk about how this lean cut behaves in a slow cooker, and how to get it just right every time. Whether you’re prepping for family dinner or want leftovers that reheat like a dream, this is the recipe to keep on hand.
Table of Contents
Easy Flank Steak in the Crock Pot Recipes That Always Turn Out Tender
- Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Slow cooker flank steak is a foolproof way to turn a lean cut of beef into a tender, flavorful main dish. Just marinate, set, and let your crock pot do the magic.
Ingredients
1.5–2 pounds flank steak
⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Make the Marinade : Mix the balsamic vinegar, oil, honey, Worcestershire, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
2. Add Steak to Slow Cooker : Place the flank steak and marinade ingredients in the slow cooker and flip the steak once or twice to coat.
3. Cook Until Tender : Cook undisturbed for 6 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high until very tender.
4. Rest and Slice the Steak : Carefully transfer the steak to a cutting board, let it rest for 10 minutes, then slice it against the grain and serve.
Notes
Look for uniform thickness in the flank steak for even cooking.
Cook on low for the most tender results.
Avoid adding water to the slow cooker.
Let the steak rest before slicing to retain juices.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, use a skillet with a splash of liquid or microwave at 50% power in 30-second bursts.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Slow Cooker
- Method: Crock Pot
- Cuisine: American
The Story & Why I Love This Flank Steak in the Crock Pot Recipe
Comfort Food with Zero Fuss
I still remember the first time I made flank steak in the crock pot recipes. It was one of those freezing New York days when the city felt especially harsh, and I craved something warm, tender, and low-effort. I had a beautiful flank steak in the fridge, but I didn’t want to fire up the stove. Instead, I tossed everything into my slow cooker balsamic, garlic, mustard and hoped for the best. Six hours later, I sliced into the most melt-in-your-mouth beef I’d ever made.
Since then, flank steak in the crock pot recipes have become my go-to for easy comfort. The magic is in the marinade and the hands-off cooking. This cut of beef is naturally lean, but in the slow cooker, it transforms into juicy, fork-tender slices that soak up all those rich flavors. I love recipes that feel like a hug, and this one delivers every time.
If you’ve tried other beef slow cooker recipes like Mississippi Pot Roast or Slow Cooker Beef Tips, adding flank steak in the crock pot recipes to your weekly rotation is a no-brainer. It’s easy, deeply flavorful, and perfect for meal prep.
Why Flank Steak Works in the Crock Pot
The key to great flank steak in the crock pot recipes is patience. Letting the steak cook low and slow allows the muscle fibers to break down and absorb every drop of the marinade. This isn’t a sear-and-serve kind of dish. It’s a build-up-of-flavor kind of meal that rewards you with minimal effort and maximum taste.
For more comforting slow cooker meals, I also recommend my Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy or Crock Pot Salisbury Steak.
Simple Steps That Make Flank Steak in the Crock Pot Recipes Truly Work
The Best Way to Marinate for Flavor and Tenderness
If you want the kind of flank steak in the crock pot recipes that feel restaurant-worthy, it all starts with the marinade. Flank steak doesn’t have much fat, so giving it bold, acidic ingredients like balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard helps it soak up flavor while breaking down tough fibers. I like to mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper—all pantry staples that pack a serious punch.
Pour it straight into the crock pot, place the steak inside, and flip it once or twice to coat. That’s it. No pre-searing, no fuss. This is where flank steak in the crock pot recipes shine they’re not only easy, they make lean cuts taste luxurious. For another flavor-packed marinade-based dish, try this Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken.
Cook Low and Slow for Guaranteed Tender Results
Low and slow is the name of the game. Set your crock pot to low and cook for six hours. Fight the temptation to open the lid for a quick look lets out heat and moisture. The result? Perfectly tender meat that slices like butter. Want it faster? You can cook on high for 3–4 hours, but the texture won’t be quite as silky.
What makes flank steak in the crock pot recipes unique is how they flip the script on a cut that’s usually grilled or pan-seared. Instead of chewing through overcooked beef, you’ll get ultra-tender slices that melt into mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. Just remember to rest the steak for 10 minutes before slicing it across the grain. This step matters it keeps those precious juices right where you want them.
If you’re looking for other foolproof slow cooker hits, don’t miss Slow Cooker Cube Steak or Slow Cooker Ribs.
How to Customize Flank Steak in the Crock Pot Recipes & Make Them Yours
Creative Variations to Suit Any Mood
One of my favorite things about flank steak in the crock pot recipes is how flexible they are. Once you’ve nailed the base recipe, you can riff on it depending on your mood or what’s in your pantry. Want a Southwestern vibe? Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika and swap the balsamic for lime juice. Craving an Asian twist? Use soy sauce instead of Worcestershire, add a dash of sesame oil, and throw in some sliced ginger.
The key is to stick with the basics acid, fat, sweetness, and salt but change up the flavors around them. I’ve even added a splash of bourbon once, just like I do in my Bourbon Spiked Tomato Soup, and it made the sauce rich and bold.
You can also turn this dish into tacos by shredding the meat, tossing it in the cooking juices, and serving it in warm tortillas. Add a little slaw and avocado, and you’ve got an easy weeknight dinner that feels brand new.
Serving Ideas and Common Mistakes to Avoid
Once your slow-cooked steak is ready, the possibilities are wide open. I love serving slices over mashed potatoes, rice, or even polenta. The savory juices double as a sauce, so don’t let them go to waste. You can also pile the meat into hoagie rolls for incredible steak sandwiches especially if you layer it with melty provolone. It’s comfort food, but with real flavor depth.
Just remember: don’t skip the resting period. Cutting the steak too soon is one of the most common mistakes people make with flank steak in the crock pot recipes. It seems small, but letting the meat rest ensures those flavorful juices don’t spill out onto your cutting board.
For more crowd-pleasing meal ideas, check out my Beef and Noodles with Leftover Roast or Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo.
Conclusion
Whether you’re feeding your family or just looking for a no-fuss dinner after a long day, flank steak in the crock pot recipes deliver every time. They’re flavorful, forgiving, and totally weeknight-friendly. I love how this recipe fills my kitchen with the kind of aroma that says, “Dinner’s taken care of,” even before I’ve kicked off my shoes.
Remember, home cooking doesn’t have to be fancy it just has to taste good and make you feel something. So grab a slow cooker, a good cut of flank steak, and let’s keep cooking the kind of meals that feel like home.
Flank Steak in the Crock Pot Recipes: FAQs & Final Tips
Is it possible to cook flank steak in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. In fact, flank steak in the crock pot recipes are one of the best ways to cook this lean cut. Because flank steak has very little fat, it benefits from slow, moist cooking. When you give it time to break down in a flavorful liquid, it becomes tender, juicy, and loaded with bold, savory flavor.
Does flank steak get more tender the longer you cook it?
Yes, when you’re using a slow cooker. The low heat over time gives the collagen in the meat a chance to dissolve, which results in that fall-apart tenderness everyone loves. For best results, go low and slow for at least six hours. That’s the sweet spot for most flank steak in the crock pot recipes.
What is the best way to cook flank steak?
It depends on your goal. If you want char and chew, a quick grill works. But if you’re after flavor-packed tenderness without effort, flank steak in the crock pot recipes are hands-down the best method. Plus, it’s almost impossible to mess up especially with a marinade that does most of the work for you.
Will steak get tender in crock pot?
Yes, and especially cuts like flank steak. The key is to slice against the grain once it’s cooked. That last step makes a big difference in texture. If you skip that, even the most tender steak can feel chewy. Combine that with a good marinade and the right cook time, and your steak will be anything but tough.
Extra Tips for Crock Pot Flank Steak Success
- Always slice against the grain after resting the meat.
- Use a uniform cut of steak so everything cooks evenly.
- Don’t add extra liquid flank steak releases just enough as it cooks.
- Flip the steak once in the marinade to coat both sides well.
If you enjoy easy wins like this, you’ll love Shrimp Scampi Crock Pot Recipe or Potato Soup Crock Pot Recipe with Hash Browns same vibe, just as satisfying.
