Busy weeknights just got easier with this flavorful Crock Pot Flank Steak!
Slow-cooked to tender perfection, this recipe turns an affordable cut of beef into a juicy, savory main dish the whole family will love.
Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies for a hearty meal that’s full of comforting, homemade flavor.
Check out all the other Family Friendly Crock Pot Recipes for even more delicious recipes.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep: 10 min | Cook/Bake: 4 hrs | Difficulty: Easy
What it is: A flavorful, slow-cooked Crock Pot Flank Steak made tender and juicy with a simple blend of seasonings, broth, and a touch of red wine vinegar.
Why you’ll love it: It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that practically cooks itself. It's perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday meal prep.
How to make it: Combine the flank steak with seasonings and sauce in your slow cooker, then let it simmer all day until fork-tender. Slice thinly against the grain before serving.
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Table of Contents
- Recipe at a Glance
- Why I Love this Recipe
- Recommended Kitchen Tools
- My Kitchen Tools Essentials
- Ingredients You'll Need
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slow Cooker Instructions
- Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Recipe FAQ's
- Storage and Serving Tips:
- More Slow Cooker Recipes You'll Love for Dinner!
- Finally, a Meal Planner That Keeps Up With Your Life
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Food Safety Tips
- 💬 Comments
Why I Love this Recipe
I love how this Slow Cooker Beef Dinner transforms a simple, budget-friendly cut of beef into a tender, flavorful dinner with almost no effort.
The slow cooker does all the work, filling your kitchen with the delicious aroma of a home-cooked meal that’s perfect for busy days.
Looking for more Slow Cooker Recipes? Try my Barbecue Chicken, BBQ Ribs, and even my Sunday Dinner Pot Roast. Yum!
Recommended Kitchen Tools
For a full list of kitchen tools used in this recipe, be sure to check the recipe card below. You can also browse my Favorite Kitchen Tools by clicking the photo below.
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My Kitchen Tools Essentials
Tools that will make your time easier and faster in the kitchen!
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. For exact amounts and to easily shop for everything, click the Instacart button in the recipe card below to add the ingredients straight to your cart!
Substitutions and Variations
Steak Options: If you can’t find flank steak, London broil, skirt steak, or flat iron steak work just as well. Each cut becomes tender when slow cooked. Try my recipe for Crock Pot London Broil.
Add Vegetables: Include sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots for extra flavor and a built-in side dish.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a little heat and smoky depth.
Swap the Vinegar: Red wine vinegar can be replaced with balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
Garlic and Onion: Fresh minced garlic or pearl onions can be used instead of garlic powder and sliced onions for a more robust flavor.
Make It Saucy: Add ½ cup of beef broth or tomato sauce before cooking for extra moisture and a richer sauce.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section provides step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Season the flank steak with chili powder, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat and add 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Sear the meat for about 3 minutes on each side.
Step 3: Pour the remaining teaspoon of olive oil into the slow cooker then add in the sliced onions.
Step 4: Place the seared flank steak on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Deglazed the pan with the red wine vinegar. Scrape up any stuck on pieces.
Step 6: Pour the sauce made with the red wine vinegar over the steak and onions.
Slow Cooker Instructions
Step 7: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Allow the steak to rest for 10 minutes on a cutting board before cutting into thin slices. Return the steak to the onions and juices.
Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
✔️ DO sear the steak in a little olive oil before adding it to the slow cooker—it locks in flavor and gives the meat a rich, caramelized edge.
❌ DO NOT skip slicing the steak against the grain after cooking or it may turn out tough instead of tender.
Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
Yes! London broil, skirt steak, or flat iron steak all work well in the slow cooker and become tender after several hours of cooking.
Searing isn’t required, but it adds a richer flavor and helps lock in juices. It’s worth the extra few minutes if you have time.
The steak should be fork-tender and easy to shred or slice. Cooking on low for 4 hours usually gives the best texture.
Storage and Serving Tips:
Refrigerate: Store leftover flank steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep it tender.
Freezer: Wrap cooled steak tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Tips: Slice the steak thinly against the grain and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a hearty, comforting meal.
More Slow Cooker Recipes You'll Love for Dinner!
Check out my other recipe for Steak Sandwich. Or you might like this recipe for Beef Braciole.
Finally, a Meal Planner That Keeps Up With Your Life
Want a better way to keep track of your family’s favorite meals? Grab my Ultimate Meal Planner & Recipe Binder—perfect for organizing go-to recipes, planning weekly dinners, and making mealtime feel a little less chaotic.
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📖 Recipe Card
Crock Pot Flank Steak
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the steak on both sides with the seasonings.
- Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil and swirl around the skillet. Add the steak to the skillet and cook until browned without moving, about 3 minutes per side.
- Meanwhile, pour the remaining olive oil into the slow cooker crock and swirl around the bottom. Over the olive oil, place the onions.
- When the steak is browned on both sides, transfer the steak to the slow cooker and place over the onions.
- Pour the red wine vinegar into the skillet, scraping to remove any stuck on pieces. Pour the sauce over the steak.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly.
- Return the steak to the slow cooker or serve on a platter with the onions and juices.
Nutrition
Notes
- Sear the steak before slow cooking to enhance flavor and texture.
- Slice the cooked meat thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Add extra broth or vinegar for more sauce and flavor depth.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Flank steak can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Prepare
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Food Safety Tips
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat.
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
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