This slow cooker flank steak is flavored with ginger and garlic and packed with protein and vegetables. The best part is you don’t need to sear the meat beforehand! Just slice everything up, cover with sauce and let it cook!
*Thanks to the Ohio Beef Council for sponsoring this post. Published 10/22. Updated 4/24.*
Hi friends!
The biggest request I get when it comes to slow cooker recipes is that they be as easy as possible. Readers want to be able to just dump everything into the crockpot, set the timer and come home to a delicious meal.
Recently, I’ve had a lot of requests for a beef and broccoli recipe that didn’t require searing the meat beforehand.
Crock Pot Flank Steak
Enter this flank steak recipe in the slow cooker. It’s such a great source of protein and I love how tender it gets in the crockpot. I took the broccoli request to heart and then added a bunch more vegetables because you really can’t have too many right?
So really all you have to do is add rice and boom! You’ve got a complete dinner ready and waiting when you get home.
How To Cook Flank Steak in the Crockpot
Let’s talk about how to make this recipe. As I said, it just requires a little slicing and chopping, and then you dump everything in. One important thing to note is that for tender beef, you want to be sure to cut against the grain. Luckily with flank steak, it’s easy to see the long lines running across the meat so you just want to make sure you cut across those and not with them.
Another tip is to throw your flank steak in the freezer for an hour or so before slicing. This allows you to cut it thinly, at a slight angle, more easily than if it’s just straight out of the fridge. You’ll easily be able to get the perfect strips to add to the slow cooker.
We toss the strips in cornstarch to help thicken the sauce a little as it cooks. And remember that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Flank Steak in the Air Fryer
While this recipe is all about the slow cooker, I also wanted to mention that cooking flank steak in the air fryer is another super easy way to cook it! Here are a few recipes if you want to try it that way:
Or try my Air Fryer Steak Bites!
But for today we’re all about the crockpot so let’s get to the recipe:
Crockpot Flank Steak Recipe
PrintSlow Cooker Ginger Garlic Flank Steak
This slow cooker ginger garlic flank steak is packed with protein and vegetables. The best part is you don’t need to sear the meat beforehand! Just slice everything up, cover with sauce and let it cook!
Ingredients
- 1.5 – 2# flank steak
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 cups thinly sliced carrots
- 1 thinly sliced bell pepper
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 – 2 Tbsp hot sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 1 package frozen broccoli, steamed
- green onions
Instructions
- Thinly slice flank steak into strips (be sure to slice against the grain).
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Place steak strips in a large bowl. Add cornstarch and toss to coat.
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Add thinly sliced carrots and bell peppers to the crockpot and add the steak.
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In a bowl, combine beef broth, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, tamari and hot sauce and stir to combine.
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Pour the sauce into the crockpot and stir to coat.
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Cook on low for 6 hours.
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Prior to serving, stir in a bag of cooked, steamed broccoli.
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Taste and adjust seasonings. You can add salt, add more hot sauce or even sprinkle with garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
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Serve over rice and top with green onions.
Notes
- You can sub chicken broth for beef broth.
- You can sub soy sauce for tamari
- If you want to use fresh broccoli, just throw it in for the last hour or so of cooking!
Doesn’t it look just delicious?! I love how many veggies are packed in there and I love that there’s not dirtying another pan by having to sear beforehand. The brown sugar adds sweetness to this but then you can mix in as much hot sauce as you want to give it that sweet and spicy combination flavor!
Need more slow cooker flank steak recipes? Try:
- Brown Sugar Chili Slow Cooker Flank Steak
- Slow Cooker Flank Steak for sandwiches or tacos
- Shredded Slow Cooker Flank Steak
Slow Cooker Flank Steak FAQs
What is the best way to prepare flank steak before cooking it in the slow cooker? What are some tips for slicing flank steak?
The easiest way to slice flank steak is to stick it in the freezer for an hour. It will freeze it just enough to make it easy to slice. Be sure to slice against the grain for tender slices. If you slice with the grain, the meat will be stringy and tough.
How long should I cook flank steak in the slow cooker for optimal tenderness?
This recipe does best when cooked on low for 4-6 hours.
Can I cook vegetables alongside the flank steak in the slow cooker?
Yes! Feel free to add whatever vegetables you’d like. I use broccoli, peppers and carrots. You could try green beans, cauliflower or even potatoes.
How can I ensure my flank steak doesn’t dry out?
Cooking the steak with sauce in the slow cooker will keep the steak from drying out!
What are the benefits of cooking flank steak in a slow cooker versus grilling?
Using the slow cooker is a more hands-off approach. If you don’t have time to man the grill, try using the crockpot.
Can slow cooker flank steak be prepared in advance and frozen?
You could easily combine all of the ingredients except the cornstarch and freeze. When ready to cook, dump into the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Mix cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water, stir to combine and pour into the crockpot, stirring well, for the last hour of cooking.
What are some healthy side dishes to serve with slow cooker flank steak?
This is a healthy balanced meal all by itself but adding a side of rice, quinoa or farro would be a great addition. You could also serve with a side salad, some fruit or something like roasted potatoes, baked sweet potatoes or corn on the cob.
How can I thicken the sauce created from cooking flank steak in a slow cooker?
The sauce will thicken as it cools, but if you want a thicker sauce, mix 1-2 Tbsp more cornstarch with 2 Tbsp water and stir it in and let cook 15 min longer.
How can I make a gluten-free version of slow cooker flank steak?
Make sure to use certified gluten-free cornstarch as needed and use tamari instead of cornstarch.
What are some creative ways to repurpose leftover slow cooker flank steak?
I think this recipe would be delicious as a filling for lettuce wraps! You could also dice leftovers up a bit smaller and use them to make quesadillas.
Slow Cooker Beef Flank Steak Recipe
I hope you guys enjoy this recipe! Be sure to let me know if you try it! If you’re looking for more slow cooker recipes you can see all of my crockpot recipes here!
Some of my favorites include:
- Slow Cooker Chicken Quinoa Enchilada Casserole
- Crockpot Potato Soup with Hashbrowns
- Sweet Potato Chicken Chili
And if you’re a beef-lover, Ohio Beef Council has tons of great beef recipes on their site.
Enjoy!
–Lindsay–
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Courtney says
Can’t wait to try this!
Angie says
Delicious! Ate mine on ramen noodles!
Will make again but cook in less time as I used the Pampered Chef RockCrock and 6 hours made the meat too soft.
Claudia says
Such a lovely, heartwarming and balanced meal! What you need after a long day!