Slow cooking London broil in a crock-pot is a fantastic way to transform a typically tough cut of meat into a tender and flavorful dish. This method allows the meat to cook low and slow, breaking down the fibers and resulting in a juicy and delicious meal. Let’s dive into how you can achieve this culinary magic at home.
What is London Broil?
London broil isn’t actually a specific cut of beef, but rather a method of preparing and cooking a cut, usually from the flank or top round. These cuts are relatively lean and can become tough if not cooked properly. That’s where the slow cooker comes in!
Why Use a Crock-Pot?
* **Tenderizes the Meat:** The low and slow cooking process tenderizes the London broil, making it incredibly easy to slice and enjoy.
* **Convenience:** Set it and forget it! The crock-pot does all the work, freeing you up to focus on other things.
* **Flavor Infusion:** The long cooking time allows the meat to absorb all the flavors from the surrounding ingredients, resulting in a richer and more complex taste.
**Ingredients You’ll Need**
* 1 London Broil (2-3 pounds)
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 large onion, sliced
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
* 1 tsp dried thyme
* 1 tsp dried rosemary
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Prep the Meat:** Pat the London broil dry with paper towels. This helps to get a good sear. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. **Sear the Meat (Optional but Recommended):** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the London broil for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. Searing adds flavor and helps to lock in the juices.
3. **Prepare the Crock-Pot:** Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the crock-pot. If using, add carrots, potatoes, and celery.
4. **Add the Meat and Sauce:** Place the seared London broil on top of the vegetables. In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Pour the mixture over the meat.
5. **Cook:** Cover the crock-pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The meat is done when it’s fork-tender.
6. **Rest and Slice:** Once cooked, remove the London broil from the crock-pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of meat.
7. **Serve:** Slice the London broil thinly and serve with the vegetables and the juices from the crock-pot.
**Tips for Success**
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking will dry out the meat, even in a slow cooker. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the meat. If it’s easily pierced, it’s ready.
* **Sear for Better Flavor:** Searing the meat before slow cooking adds a delicious depth of flavor.
* **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Use Fresh Herbs (If Available):** Fresh herbs will add even more flavor to the dish.
* **Thicken the Sauce (Optional):** If you want a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crock-pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
**Serving Suggestions**
* Mashed potatoes
* Roasted vegetables
* Green beans
* Salad
* Crusty bread
**FAQ**
* **Can I use a frozen London broil?**
It’s best to thaw the London broil completely before cooking it in the crock-pot. Cooking from frozen can result in uneven cooking and a tougher texture.
* **Can I add other vegetables?**
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the crock-pot. Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips work well.
* **How do I store leftovers?**
Store leftover London broil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Can I freeze leftover London broil?**
Yes, you can freeze leftover London broil. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
* **What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?**
You can substitute soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for Worcestershire sauce.
* **Can I make this in an Instant Pot?**
Yes! Sear the meat using the sauté function. Then, add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 45-60 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 15 minutes.
**Enjoy your delicious and tender London broil cooked in the crock-pot!**