We’ve always loved how a slow cooker transforms tough cuts like flat iron steak into melt-in-your-mouth magic, making it ideal for effortless family dinners. Originating from the shoulder of the cow, this flavorful steak boasts rich marbling that shines in low-and-slow cooking.
Our recipe brings bold flavors to the table without fuss, proving that you can enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home. Whether you’re a busy parent or a steak enthusiast, it’s the perfect way to savor tender, juicy results with minimal effort.
Ingredients
We select high-quality ingredients to transform tough flat iron steak into a tender, flavorful dish using our slow cooker method, making it effortless for busy weeknights. This setup ensures restaurant-quality results right at home.
Steak and Marinade Ingredients
For the star of our slow cooker flat iron steak recipe, we start with the steak itself and its flavorful marinade. Here’s our curated list, ordered by preparation:
- 2 pounds flat iron steak: Choose a well-marbled cut for maximum tenderness; trim any excess fat before adding.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Use low-sodium if preferred; this forms the base of our marinade for savory depth.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced finely; adds a pungent, aromatic punch to enhance the steak’s natural flavors.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Provides a tangy, umami boost; whisk it into the marinade mixture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For coating the steak; helps in browning and locks in moisture.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground; season the steak directly for a simple yet bold kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Kosher variety works best; apply after the steak to balance the marinade’s flavors.
Vegetable Ingredients
- 2 medium onions: Sliced thinly; these go in first as a flavorful base layer.
- 4 large carrots: Peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces; provide natural sweetness and help build the stew-like consistency.
- 3 medium potatoes: Diced into chunks; Yukon gold variety recommended for their creamy texture when slow-cooked.
- 2 stalks celery: Chopped roughly; adds a crisp, fresh element that softens beautifully.
- 1 bell pepper: Seeded and sliced; choose red for a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup beef broth: Low-sodium; poured over the vegetables to create a steamy cooking environment.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our slow cooker flat iron steak recipe seamlessly, we rely on a few key pieces of equipment that ensure precise preparation and effortless cooking. Building on our ingredient list, which includes the steak and vegetables, having the right tools allows us to marinate, chop, and cook with confidence.
Here’s a curated list of essential equipment we recommend:
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart model is ideal for this recipe, as it provides ample space for the steak and vegetables to cook evenly and develop rich flavors through low-and-slow heat.
- Chef’s Knife: We use a sharp, 8-inch chef’s knife to slice the onions, carrots, and other vegetables quickly and safely, ensuring uniform pieces for optimal tenderness.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy, large cutting board (preferably bamboo or plastic) gives us a stable surface to prep ingredients without mess, preventing cross-contamination.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: These precise tools help us measure soy sauce, olive oil, and other marinade components accurately, guaranteeing the perfect balance of flavors.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized glass or stainless steel bowl allows us to combine the marinade ingredients effortlessly, letting the garlic and Worcestershire sauce infuse the steak.
- Tongs: Durable kitchen tongs make it easy for us to handle the hot steak and vegetables, ensuring safe transfer in and out of the slow cooker without losing juices.
With this setup, we transform simple ingredients into a tender, flavorful meal using tools that enhance efficiency and results.
Instructions
We make preparing our slow cooker flat iron steak simple and straightforward so you can enjoy tender, flavorful results every time. Let’s dive into the steps using the ingredients and tools we’ve outlined.
Prepare the Steak
First, we trim any excess fat from the 2 pounds of flat iron steak to ensure even cooking and enhance its rich marbling. In a mixing bowl, we combine the marinade by whisking together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt until fully blended.
Next, we coat the steak thoroughly with this marinade, ensuring every inch absorbs the bold, savory flavors. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper taste infusion, allowing the steak to become infused with aromatic garlic and tangy notes that promise a restaurant-quality meal.
Assemble in the Slow Cooker
We start by layering the vegetables in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker for a flavorful base. Chop 1 large onion, 2 carrots, 2 potatoes, 2 celery stalks, and 1 bell pepper into even 1-inch pieces and arrange them evenly to create a bed that will cradle the steak and absorb its juices.
Then, we place the marinated flat iron steak on top of the vegetables and pour in 1 cup low-sodium beef broth to add moisture and depth. This setup ensures the steak cooks surrounded by vibrant veggies, allowing the marinade’s flavors to meld with the broth for a hearty, aromatic stew-like effect.
Cook the Steak
We set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the assembled ingredients for 8 hours, or until the flat iron steak reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for medium doneness, transforming the tough cut into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness through gentle, even heating.
During this time, we resist the urge to stir, letting the low-and-slow method work its magic to break down fibers and infuse the steak with rich, beefy flavors that fill your kitchen with an irresistible savory aroma.
Serve the Dish
We carefully remove the flat iron steak from the slow cooker using tongs and let it rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board to lock in juices, resulting in slices that are succulent and full of bold flavor.
Slice the steak against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces and serve it alongside the tender vegetables, perhaps with a side of crusty bread to soak up the savory broth. The dish delights with its juicy texture, earthy vegetable notes, and a mouthwatering blend of garlic and soy undertones that make every bite a satisfying, home-cooked triumph.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To maximize our time and enhance the flavors of our slow cooker flat iron steak, we can prepare several components in advance. This approach allows the tender, flavorful steak to develop even richer marbling and taste, making weekday meals effortless without sacrificing quality.
Preparing the Marinade and Steak
We recommend marinating the steak ahead of time to let the bold flavors of soy sauce, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, black pepper, and salt deeply penetrate the meat. Here’s how:
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup soy sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. This mixture creates a savory base that infuses the steak with restaurant-quality depth.
- Step 2: Trim excess fat from 2 pounds of flat iron steak, then submerge it fully in the marinade. Seal in an airtight container or zip-top bag and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The longer marination—ideally 8 to 24 hours—tenderizes the steak’s rich marbling, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Chopping and Storing Vegetables
Prepping the vegetables in advance ensures they release their natural sweetness and complement the steak’s robust flavors without last-minute effort.
- Gather 2 onions, 4 carrots, 4 potatoes, 2 celery stalks, and 1 bell pepper.
- Step 1: Wash and chop the vegetables into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking. This step preserves their fresh crunch and enhances the dish’s hearty aroma.
- Step 2: Store the chopped vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent browning, lightly toss potatoes and bell pepper in a bit of olive oil before sealing.
Assembling for the Slow Cooker
For ultimate convenience, we can partially assemble the slow cooker components the night before.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the marinated steak with the pre-chopped vegetables and 2 cups low-sodium beef broth. Transfer everything to a sealed container and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld, creating a more cohesive and aromatic meal.
- Storage Tips: Always use a 6-quart slow cooker insert if possible, as it fits perfectly and promotes even heat distribution. Refrigerate the assembled mixture for no more than 12 hours to maintain food safety and optimal taste.
If you’re tracking marination or storage times, refer to the table below for guidelines on preparation durations and their effects:
| Preparation Step | Recommended Time Frame | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Marinating the steak | 8–24 hours | Enhances tenderness and flavor depth |
| Chopping vegetables | Up to 2 days ahead | Saves time and retains freshness |
| Assembling mixture | Up to 12 hours ahead | Allows flavors to integrate fully |
When you’re ready to cook, simply transfer the pre-assembled ingredients to your slow cooker and follow the original steps for a seamless, delicious result.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing how a slow cooker transforms flat iron steak into a tender masterpiece with ease. It’s a game-changer for us, blending bold flavors into everyday meals without the fuss.
Let’s make this recipe our go-to for hassle-free dinners that impress every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is flat iron steak and why is it ideal for slow cooking?
Flat iron steak is a flavorful, well-marbled cut from the shoulder, known for its tenderness when cooked low and slow. It’s perfect for slow cookers because the method breaks down tough fibers, turning it into a juicy, restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort, ideal for busy families.
What ingredients are needed for slow cooker flat iron steak?
You’ll need 2 pounds of flat iron steak, a marinade with soy sauce, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, black pepper, and salt, plus vegetables like onions, carrots, potatoes, celery, bell pepper, and low-sodium beef broth. These create a bold, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare.
What equipment is required for this recipe?
Essential tools include a 6-quart slow cooker for even cooking, a sharp chef’s knife and sturdy cutting board for prep, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a mixing bowl for the marinade, and tongs for handling food safely. This setup ensures efficient, mess-free cooking.
How do I prepare slow cooker flat iron steak step by step?
Start by trimming fat from 2 pounds of steak and marinating it for at least 30 minutes in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, oil, pepper, and salt. Place the steak on chopped vegetables in a slow cooker, add beef broth, and cook on low for 8 hours. Rest, slice against the grain, and serve.
Can I make slow cooker flat iron steak ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the steak for 8-24 hours to boost flavor and tenderness. Chop vegetables up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge, or partially assemble the slow cooker the night before. This makes it easy for busy days while keeping the meal fresh and delicious.