We absolutely love how our Flat Iron Steak Recipe in a Crock Pot transforms a flavorful cut from the beef shoulder into a tender masterpiece. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that brings rich, juicy flavors to your table with minimal effort.
This dish draws on simple ingredients to highlight the steak’s natural marbling making it ideal for busy weeknights. We’ve perfected the slow-cooking method so you get melt-in-your-mouth results every time.
Ingredients
In our Flat Iron Steak Recipe for the Crock Pot, we select simple yet flavorful ingredients that enhance the steak’s natural tenderness and robust taste. These components work together to deliver a mouthwatering, melt-in-your-mouth dish perfect for effortless weeknight meals.
To prepare, gather the following ingredients in the order we use them—starting with the main protein and moving to aromatics, liquids, and seasonings for seamless assembly.
- Flat Iron Steak: 2 pounds of beef shoulder cut, trimmed of excess fat to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium onion, thinly sliced, to build a savory base that infuses the steak with sweet, caramelized notes during slow cooking.
- Garlic Cloves: 4 cloves, minced, for adding a pungent, aromatic punch that deepens the dish’s overall flavor profile.
- Beef Broth: 2 cups low-sodium broth, to create a rich, savory liquid that keeps the steak moist and tender as it simmers.
- Soy Sauce: ¼ cup, for a umami boost that balances the steak’s inherent earthiness without overpowering it.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons, to introduce tangy, slightly sweet undertones that complement the meat’s natural juices.
- Fresh Thyme: 1 tablespoon leaves, stripped from stems, for a fresh, herbaceous aroma that elevates the dish’s sensory appeal.
- Carrots: 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces, to add a subtle sweetness and vibrant color as they cook alongside the steak.
- Potatoes: 4 small Yukon Gold potatoes, quartered, for absorbing flavors and providing a hearty, buttery texture in every bite.
- Salt and Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, to season to taste and enhance the steak’s bold, beefy essence.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our flavorful Flat Iron Steak Recipe in the Crock Pot, we need a few essential tools that make the process straightforward and efficient. As we transition from gathering ingredients to setting up for slow cooking, having the right equipment ensures tender, mouthwatering results with minimal effort.
Here’s a list of the key items we recommend:
- Crock Pot (Slow Cooker): Our go-to for this recipe, a 6-quart model works best to accommodate the steak, vegetables, and liquids without overcrowding.
- Large Cutting Board: Essential for safely chopping onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes to the perfect size for even cooking.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: We rely on this for precise trimming and slicing of the 2 pounds of Flat Iron Steak and other veggies, ensuring quick prep.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for ingredients like beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce—use a set that includes both dry and liquid options.
- Mixing Spoon or Tongs: Ideal for stirring the mixture initially and handling the steak once it’s done, promoting even flavor distribution.
By using these tools, we guarantee that our Crock Pot method delivers consistently tender steak every time. Remember, quality equipment like a reliable Crock Pot can elevate your slow-cooked dishes to new heights.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential equipment, let’s guide you through preparing this succulent Flat Iron Steak in our Crock Pot. We promise these straightforward steps will deliver tender, flavorful results every time.
Prep
Before we start slow-cooking, we’ll prepare our Flat Iron Steak and vegetables to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor infusion. Begin by placing the 2 pounds of trimmed Flat Iron Steak on a large cutting board and patting it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps achieve a better sear if desired. Next, peel and slice 1 medium yellow onion into thin rings, mince 4 cloves of garlic for a robust aroma, and chop 4 medium carrots and 4 Yukon Gold potatoes into 1-inch chunks to promote uniform tenderness.
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of low-sodium beef broth, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves to create a savory marinade that enhances the steak’s natural juices. Season the steak generously with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper, rubbing it in evenly for a well-balanced taste. Arrange all prepped items nearby for seamless transition to the Crock Pot, ensuring our setup is efficient and ready for cooking.
Cook
With our ingredients prepped, we’ll now layer them into the 6-quart Crock Pot for slow cooking that transforms the Flat Iron Steak into melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Start by placing the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the Crock Pot to form a flavorful base, then add the seasoned steak on top, followed by the carrots, potatoes, and our prepared marinade mixture—pour it evenly over everything to lock in moisture and create a rich, aromatic broth.
Set the Crock Pot to low heat and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or until the steak reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for medium-rare doneness; use a meat thermometer to check accuracy. About halfway through, around 3 hours, stir the contents gently with a mixing spoon or tongs to distribute flavors, allowing the vegetables to absorb the steak’s savory essence and fill your kitchen with an irresistible, herbaceous scent. Once done, the steak should be fork-tender and infused with the umami from the soy sauce and Worcestershire, making this an effortless weeknight win.
Serve
After cooking, it’s time to plate our tender Flat Iron Steak for a satisfying meal that highlights its juicy texture and layered flavors. Carefully remove the steak from the Crock Pot using tongs and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes to retain its juices, then slice it against the grain into ½-inch thick pieces for optimal tenderness.
Arrange the sliced steak on plates alongside the cooked carrots and potatoes, spooning some of the flavorful broth over the top for added moisture and taste. For an elevated presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or a dash of black pepper, and pair it with a simple side like steamed greens or crusty bread to complement the dish’s hearty, melt-in-your-mouth appeal—serving 4 people with ease.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To streamline our Flat Iron Steak Recipe for Crock Pot, we often prepare components in advance, ensuring a hassle-free cooking process that delivers tender, flavorful results every time. This approach lets us focus on other tasks while the steak absorbs rich, savory notes from the marinade and vegetables.
Prepping Ingredients Ahead
We recommend prepping the vegetables and marinade up to 24 hours in advance to enhance the steak’s natural juices and simplify assembly. Here’s how:
- Trim and season the steak: Pat 2 pounds of Flat Iron Steak dry with paper towels, then trim excess fat. Season generously with salt and black pepper, and place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to let the seasonings penetrate deeply, promising a more succulent texture.
- Chop vegetables: Slice 1 medium yellow onion into thin rings and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Chop 3 medium carrots and 4 Yukon Gold potatoes into even 1-inch pieces. Transfer these to a sealed container or zip-top bag, and refrigerate for up to 1 day. This step keeps the veggies fresh and ready, allowing their earthy flavors to complement the steak seamlessly.
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of low-sodium beef broth, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 2 sprigs of fresh thyme. Pour the mixture into a separate airtight container and chill for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, this marinade will infuse the steak with bold, aromatic depth for an unforgettable meal.
Assembling the Crock Pot in Advance
For even greater convenience, we suggest partial assembly the night before. Simply layer the ingredients in your 6-quart Crock Pot as follows, but hold off on turning it on until cooking day:
- Layer the base: Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the bottom of the Crock Pot for a flavorful foundation.
- Add the steak and vegetables: Place the pre-seasoned Flat Iron Steak on top, followed by the chopped carrots and potatoes. Pour the prepared marinade over everything to ensure even distribution.
- Cover and store: Seal the Crock Pot with its lid and refrigerate the entire unit overnight. In the morning, plug it in and set to low for 6 to 8 hours. This method allows the ingredients to marinate together, yielding a steak that’s incredibly tender and packed with robust flavors.
By following these steps, we maximize the benefits of slow cooking, making our Flat Iron Steak Recipe a go-to for effortless, delicious dinners. Always use fresh ingredients and check for safe refrigeration to maintain quality.
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this Flat Iron Steak recipe to bring simplicity and flavor right to your table, turning everyday ingredients into a standout meal. It’s our go-to for effortless dinners that deliver tender, juicy results every time.
By slow-cooking, we unlock the steak’s full potential, making it a reliable favorite for busy families. Give it a try and elevate your weeknight routine—we’re confident it’ll become one of your staples.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flat Iron Steak?
Flat Iron Steak is a flavorful cut from the beef shoulder, known for its tenderness and rich taste. It’s a great alternative to more expensive cuts and works perfectly in slow-cooking methods like a Crock Pot, where it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
How do I make Flat Iron Steak in a Crock Pot?
Start by prepping your steak and veggies: pat the steak dry, season it, and layer it in the Crock Pot with onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and a marinade of beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until fork-tender for an easy, delicious meal.
What ingredients are needed for this Flat Iron Steak recipe?
You’ll need 2 pounds of trimmed Flat Iron Steak, a medium yellow onion, minced garlic, low-sodium beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, carrots, Yukon Gold potatoes, salt, and black pepper. These simple ingredients enhance the steak’s natural flavors for a hearty dish.
How long does it take to cook Flat Iron Steak in a Crock Pot?
This recipe cooks on low heat for 6 to 8 hours in a Crock Pot, allowing the steak to become tender and flavorful. It’s ideal for busy days since you can set it and forget it until dinnertime.
Can I prepare this Flat Iron Steak recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep ingredients up to 24 hours in advance. Trim and season the steak, chop veggies, and mix the marinade ahead. For extra convenience, assemble everything in the Crock Pot the night before and refrigerate, then cook the next day for maximum flavor.
What equipment is needed for this recipe?
You’ll need a 6-quart Crock Pot for slow cooking, a large cutting board, a sharp chef’s knife for prepping, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and a mixing spoon or tongs for stirring. These tools make preparation straightforward and help achieve perfect results.
How should I serve the Flat Iron Steak?
Let the steak rest for a few minutes, then slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve it with the cooked vegetables, garnished as desired, for a satisfying meal that feeds about four people. It’s a wholesome, comforting option straight from the Crock Pot.