London Broil Slow Cooker Recipe (Guide)

Let’s talk about London Broil-a cut of beef that often gets a bad rap. Traditionally, London Broil refers more to a method of cooking rather than a specific cut of meat. But in grocery stores today, it’s usually a lean, tough cut like top round or flank steak. These cuts are great because they’re flavorful and affordable, but they need careful handling to stay tender. Enter the slow cooker: the unsung hero of weeknight dinners. By cooking your London Broil low and slow, you transform a tough, dry steak into a melt-in-your-mouth, fork-tender meal that practically falls apart on its own.

Slow cooking is not just convenient-it’s magical. The long, gentle heat breaks down connective tissue and infuses every bite with flavor. Plus, it’s hands-off, leaving you free to focus on life while your dinner cooks itself.

London Broil Slow Cooker Recipe

Imagine this: you walk into your kitchen after a long day, and the smell of savory, garlicky beef hits you before you even step inside. That’s what a slow-cooked London Broil delivers. Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, this recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends when you just want dinner to take care of itself.

This recipe isn’t just about cooking meat-it’s about creating an experience. You’ll end up with a main dish that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh salad. And the best part? It’s mostly hands-off, giving you maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredient List

Here’s everything you need for this simple, flavorful slow-cooked London Broil:

• London Broil (top round or flank steak) – 2 to 3 pounds
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons, for browning
• Beef broth – 1 cup, for deep, savory flavor
• Soy sauce – ¼ cup, adds umami and depth
• Worcestershire sauce – 2 tablespoons, for that classic savory kick
• Garlic cloves – 4 to 6, minced (or more if you’re a garlic lover)
• Onion – 1 large, thinly sliced
• Carrots – 3 to 4, sliced into chunks
• Celery stalks – 2 to 3, chopped
• Red wine (optional) – ½ cup, for a richer flavor
• Brown sugar or honey – 1 tablespoon, to balance savory flavors
• Salt and black pepper – to taste
• Dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning) – 1 teaspoon each

Instruction Guide

Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking your London Broil to perfection in the slow cooker:

1. Prep The Meat

   • Pat your London Broil dry with paper towels. Drying the meat ensures better browning.
   • Season generously with salt, pepper, and any dried herbs you’re using.

2. Sear The Meat (optional But Highly Recommended)

   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Sear the London Broil for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. This step locks in flavor and adds a rich depth to the final dish.

3. Prepare The Slow Cooker

   • Place sliced onions, carrots, and celery at the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a natural bed that keeps the meat elevated slightly and adds aromatic flavor.

4. Mix The Sauce

   • In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and optional red wine or honey. Pour over the meat and vegetables.

5. Slow Cook

   • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Low and slow is always preferable for tough cuts-it ensures tenderness.

6. Rest And Slice

   • Once cooked, remove the meat and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. This prevents toughness and ensures every bite is tender.

7. Serve

   • Spoon the veggies and juices over the sliced London Broil, or serve with mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.

Ingredient Swaps

Flexibility is key, and you can easily tweak this recipe based on what you have in your pantry:

• Beef broth: Substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth. Reduces richness slightly but still works.
• Soy sauce: Coconut aminos or tamari (gluten-free) are excellent alternatives.
• Worcestershire sauce: Balsamic vinegar or a splash of lemon juice can mimic tangy depth.
• Carrots/Celery: Swap for parsnips, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers.
• Red wine: Beef broth alone works, or try a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.

Helpful Tips

Here’s where things get fun, because slow cooking is an art as much as a science:

• Don’t skip the sear: Even though the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, searing adds flavor that no slow cooker alone can achieve.
• Slice against the grain: Especially for flank or top round, this ensures tenderness.
• Layer wisely: Harder vegetables like carrots go under the meat; they benefit from slow cooking and absorb the juices beautifully.
• Check liquid levels: Make sure the sauce covers at least half the meat. You can always add a little broth during cooking if needed.

Customization Ideas

Want to make this dish your own? Here are some creative tweaks:

• Asian-inspired: Add ginger, sesame oil, and a splash of rice vinegar. Top with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
• Italian twist: Add tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Serve with polenta or pasta.
• Spicy kick: Include crushed red pepper flakes or chipotle in adobo sauce for smoky heat.
• Vegetarian-friendly sides: Serve alongside roasted mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a complete, flavorful plate.

FAQs

What Cut Of Meat Is Best For A London Broil Slow Cooker Recipe?

London broil typically refers to a top-round or flank steak. For slow cooking, top-round steak is preferable because it becomes tender when cooked slowly over several hours.

Do I Need To Marinate The London Broil Before Using A Slow Cooker?

Marinating is recommended. A marinade with acidic ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, or wine helps break down tough muscle fibers, enhancing tenderness and flavor.

How Long Should I Cook London Broil In A Slow Cooker?

Cooking time depends on the size of the meat and the heat setting. On low, cook for 6-8 hours; on high, 3-4 hours. The goal is for the meat to become tender without drying out.

Should I Sear The London Broil Before Placing It In The Slow Cooker?

Searing is optional but highly recommended. Browning the meat on all sides before slow cooking adds depth of flavor and improves appearance.

What Liquid Should I Use In The Slow Cooker For London Broil?

You can use beef broth, wine, a mixture of soy sauce and water, or even a tomato-based sauce. The liquid helps keep the meat moist and infuses flavor.

Can I Cook Vegetables With London Broil In The Slow Cooker?

Yes. Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions can be added. Place them beneath the meat to allow even cooking and absorption of meat juices.

How Can I Prevent The London Broil From Becoming Tough In The Slow Cooker?

Cook low and slow, avoid overcooking, and ensure there is enough liquid to maintain moisture. Cutting against the grain after cooking also enhances tenderness.

Is It Necessary To Cover The Slow Cooker While Cooking London Broil?

Yes. Keeping the lid on traps moisture and heat, creating a braising environment that helps tenderize the meat.

Can I Use Leftover London Broil From The Slow Cooker For Sandwiches?

Absolutely. Sliced thin against the grain, slow-cooked London broil makes excellent sandwiches or wraps and retains flavor and tenderness.

How Should I Store Leftover Slow-cooked London Broil?

Allow the meat to cool slightly, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for 2-3 months for longer storage.