Tender London Broil in Your Crock Pot: A Slow-Cooked Feast

Unlock the Secret to Melt-in-Your-Mouth London Broil with Your Crock Pot

London Broil often gets a bad rap for being a tough cut of meat. But what if we told you there’s a simple, hands-off way to transform it into a wonderfully tender, flavorful main dish that practically melts in your mouth? Enter your trusty crock pot!

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cooking London Broil in a crock pot, ensuring a delicious and stress-free meal every time. Forget dry, chewy steak – get ready for a slow-cooked triumph!

What Exactly is London Broil, Anyway?

First things first, let’s clear up a common misconception. “London Broil” isn’t actually a specific cut of beef. It’s more of a preparation method, usually referring to a thick cut of beef that’s marinated, broiled, then sliced thinly against the grain. The cuts most commonly sold as “London Broil” are typically:

• Top Round Steak: Lean and flavorful, but known for being tough if not cooked correctly.
• Flank Steak: A lean, flat cut with a distinct grain.

Because these cuts are lean and muscular, they benefit immensely from slow, moist cooking methods – making the crock pot an absolute superstar for this particular challenge.

Why Your Crock Pot is London Broil’s Best Friend

When it comes to tenderizing tougher cuts of meat like London Broil, the slow cooker is unparalleled. Here’s why it’s the perfect match:

• Moist Heat Magic: The enclosed environment of a crock pot bathes the meat in constant, gentle moisture, slowly breaking down tough connective tissues.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Set it and forget it! Once your London Broil is in the pot, you can go about your day while it transforms into culinary perfection.
• Flavor Infusion: Slow cooking allows the meat to absorb all the delicious flavors from your broth, seasonings, and any added aromatics, resulting in a deeply flavorful dish.
• Budget-Friendly: London Broil is often more affordable than premium cuts, and the crock pot makes it taste just as luxurious.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need. This recipe is flexible, allowing for personal touches!

• London Broil: A 1.5 to 2-pound cut (top round or flank steak).
• Beef Broth: 1-2 cups (or a combination of broth and red wine/Worcestershire for deeper flavor). Water works in a pinch, but broth adds so much more taste.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (for searing, if you choose to do so).
• Seasonings:
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and subtle flavor)
  • Optional: Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves.
• Optional Aromatics/Veggies:
  • 1 large onion, sliced or chopped
  • 2-3 carrots, peeled and chopped into large pieces
  • 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
  • Potatoes, cut into chunks (if you want a one-pot meal)

Step-by-Step: Cooking London Broil in Your Crock Pot

Step 1: Prep Your Steak

Start by patting your London Broil dry with paper towels. This helps seasonings adhere better and encourages a good sear. Generously season the entire surface of the meat with your salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Don’t be shy – this is where much of your flavor comes from!

Step 2: Searing for Sensation (Optional, but Recommended)

While this step is technically optional, we highly recommend it for a richer, deeper flavor profile. Searing creates a beautiful crust and locks in savory juices.

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the seasoned London Broil in the hot pan and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until a nice brown crust forms. Remove the steak from the skillet once seared.

Step 3: Into the Crock Pot It Goes

Place your seared (or unseared, if skipping that step) London Broil into the bottom of your crock pot. If you’re adding optional vegetables like chopped onions, carrots, or celery, arrange them around the meat.

Step 4: The Slow Cooking Magic

Pour the beef broth (and any other liquids like Worcestershire or a splash of red wine) over the meat and vegetables. Ensure there’s enough liquid to cover at least the bottom third of the meat – typically 1 to 2 cups. Cover your crock pot with the lid.

Now, let the magic happen! Cook on:

• LOW setting: 6-8 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
• HIGH setting: 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.

The goal is tenderness, not a specific internal temperature for doneness, as this cut is best when it can be easily shredded or sliced thinly.

Step 5: The All-Important Rest

Once your London Broil is wonderfully tender, carefully remove it from the crock pot and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum succulence.

Step 6: Slice Against the Grain & Serve

This is arguably the most crucial step for achieving tender London Broil. After resting, locate the “grain” of the meat (the direction the muscle fibers run). Using a sharp knife, slice the steak thinly against the grain. Slicing with the grain will result in tough, chewy pieces, even after slow cooking!

Serve your beautifully tender London Broil with the flavorful pan juices from the crock pot.

Pro Tips for Crock Pot London Broil Success

• Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: London Broil can take a lot of flavor, so season generously before cooking.
• Searing Matters: Even a quick sear adds incredible depth of flavor and a lovely color. Make time for it if you can.
• Don’t Overfill: Ensure your crock pot isn’t packed too full; leave room for the steam and liquid to circulate.
• Trust the Tenderness: Instead of relying solely on a timer, check for fork-tenderness. The meat should pull apart easily.
• Slice Thinly and Against the Grain: We can’t stress this enough! It’s the key to making this lean cut enjoyable.
• Get Creative with Liquids: Beyond beef broth, consider adding a splash of red wine, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, or Worcestershire for different flavor profiles.

Delicious Variations to Try

• Italian Style: Add canned diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, sliced bell peppers, and a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.
• Asian Inspired: Use a mix of beef broth, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil. Serve with rice and steamed broccoli.
• BBQ Pulled Beef: Shred the cooked London Broil and toss it with your favorite BBQ sauce. Perfect for sandwiches!
• Mushroom Gravy: Sauté mushrooms and onions, then add them to the crock pot with the broth. Thicken the cooking liquid with a cornstarch slurry at the end to make a rich gravy.

What to Serve with Your Tender London Broil

This versatile dish pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes
• Fluffy white rice or brown rice
• Egg noodles or pasta
• Roasted root vegetables (carrots, potatoes, parsnips)
• Steamed green beans or asparagus
• A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette
• Crusty bread for soaking up the delicious juices

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover London Broil can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 2-3 months. It’s fantastic for quick sandwiches, wraps, or even added to soups and stews.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you put raw London Broil in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! While searing first adds a wonderful depth of flavor and color, you can certainly place raw, seasoned London Broil directly into your crock pot with the liquids and vegetables. The slow cooking process will ensure it cooks thoroughly.

How long does London Broil take to cook in a slow cooker?

Typically, London Broil will take 6-8 hours on the LOW setting or 3-4 hours on the HIGH setting. The exact time can vary slightly depending on the thickness of your meat and your slow cooker’s efficiency, so always cook until it’s fork-tender.

Do you add water or broth to London Broil in a slow cooker?

While water can be used, beef broth is highly recommended as it adds a significant amount of flavor to the meat and the resulting pan juices. You want enough liquid to cover at least the bottom third of the meat, usually 1 to 2 cups.

What temperature should London Broil be?

For fork-tender London Broil in a slow cooker, the internal temperature will likely be well beyond the minimum safe temperature for beef (145°F). The goal here is to break down tough fibers, so you’re aiming for tenderness rather than a specific “doneness” like medium-rare.

Why is my London Broil still tough after slow cooking?

If your slow-cooked London Broil is still tough, it’s most likely due to one of two reasons:

1. Not cooked long enough: Tougher cuts need time for connective tissues to break down. If it’s still firm, give it more time in the slow cooker.
2. Incorrect slicing: Even perfectly tender meat will seem tough if not sliced thinly against the grain. Always identify the grain and slice perpendicular to it.

Enjoy Your Tender London Broil!

With your crock pot, that “tough” London Broil is no match! You now have all the tips and tricks to transform it into a wonderfully tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal. So go ahead, grab that London Broil, set your slow cooker, and prepare to enjoy a delicious, hassle-free dinner!