How to Fix a London Broil Steak in a Slow Cooker

The traditional London broil is cooked quickly in the oven with a flank steak.
Image Credit: George Crudo Photography/Moment/Getty Images

Crockpot London broil consists of thin strips of flank steak that are slow cooked to make burritos, tacos or sandwiches. Simmering the meat with spices and sauces makes it very savory.

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Tip

To prepare London broil in a slow cooker, combine it with your choice of seasonings and sauces, and then cook it on low for 6 to 7 hours. Next, shred it and allow it to steep in the juices for another 30 minutes.

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London Broil in Crock Pot

New Mexico State University provides this recipe below for crockpot London broil. It produces 16 servings.

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Things You'll Need

  • 1 London broil (about 2 pounds)

  • 4 garlic cloves

  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (Use just 1 pepper and freeze the remainder.)

  • 2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce

  • 1 diced onion

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons whole peppercorns

  • 1½ teaspoons chili powder

  • 16 Burrito-size tortillas and favorite toppings

Instructions:

  1. Put the ingredients in a gallon-size freezer bag.
  2. Thaw the meat overnight in the refrigerator.
  3. Throw the ingredients in the slow cooker, and cook 6 to 7 hours on low, or 4 to 5 hours on high.
  4. When the meat is done, strain the peppercorns from the juice and put it back in the slow cooker.
  5. Shred the meat, and then return it to the slow cooker to steep in the juice for 30 minutes.
  6. Serve on warm tortillas and add your choice of condiments.

Read more: 9 Simple Slow Cooker Recipes for When You Can't Even

About London Broil

What exactly is London broil? Rather than a cut of meat, London broil is a method of preparation, reports Depaul University. It's typically made of flank steak, which comes from the belly of the cow.

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The most common preparation involves broiling a thin steak and then cutting it against the grain. This method is used for tougher cuts of meat that aren't tender enough to serve as a regular steak.

Aside from broiling, it's also good for slow cooking. The meat can also be prepared in other ways, Lisa Richards, CNC, nutritionist and creator of The Candida Diet, tells LIVESTRONG.com.

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"Pan-searing or frying in a cast iron skillet creates a flavorful crust on the outside while keeping the moisture within the cut of beef," she says. "London broil can also be cooked on the grill like a typical cut of steak, which can be done within 10 minutes." If your butcher offers London broil, they can also offer handy tips on how to best prepare this delicious, savory meal.

Slow Cooker Questions

Is it safe to marinate beef and put it in the slow cooker? "Marinating should be done under refrigeration to prevent potential bacterial growth and food-borne illness," Richards advises. "If you marinate your meats inside the slow cooker before turning it on, it can lead to bacterial growth."

She also recommends preheating your slow cooker before placing the beef inside. This advice is consistent with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which warns that a slow cooker may take several hours to reach a safe temperature.

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How do you stop food from burning in a slow cooker? "Prevent burning in a slow cooker by making sure enough liquid has either been added or introduced by the natural juices from the food," Richards explains. Excessively-high temperatures can also lead to rapid burning inside the slow cooker, because they cause the meat to dry out before juices can be introduced to the pot.

Read more: 10 Simple and Delicious Slow Cooker Meals

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Can you leave a slow cooker on for 24 hours? According to Richards, it's safe to leave the appliance on for extended periods of 24 hours, or more. "For example, if you're making bone broth, a 24-hour cooking time will extract the maximum amount of nutrients from the bones and vegetables in your slow cooker," she notes.

Just follow the recipe's cooking time instructions. If you intend to allow the food to cook longer than what is stated in the recipe, make sure you have added enough liquid.

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