Flat Iron Steak Slow Cook Recipe for Tender, Juicy Meat

If you’re looking for a tender, flavorful cut of beef that melts in your mouth, then the flat iron steak slow cook recipe is a game changer. This underrated cut is known for its rich marbling and robust beefy flavor, but when cooked quickly, it can be a bit tough.

Slow cooking transforms this steak into a juicy, fork-tender delight, making it perfect for busy days or casual weekend dinners. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just dipping your toes into slow cooker recipes, this method guarantees delicious results without much fuss.

In this post, we’ll walk you through every step, from selecting the right ingredients to serving tips that elevate your meal. Plus, you’ll find handy variations and pro tips to customize the flavor to your liking.

Ready to savor the perfect slow-cooked flat iron steak? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This flat iron steak slow cook recipe is ideal for those who want a hearty, melt-in-your-mouth steak meal without spending hours at the stove or grill. Slow cooking breaks down the connective tissues, resulting in an incredibly tender texture that rivals restaurant-quality dishes.

It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe—just prep, add to the slow cooker, and enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen while the magic happens. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides and sauces, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Compared to other steak recipes that require precise timing and constant attention, this slow cooker method is forgiving, convenient, and consistently delicious.

Ingredients

• 1.5 to 2 pounds flat iron steak, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 large carrots, cut into chunks
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• Optional: 1 bay leaf

Equipment

• Slow cooker (crockpot) – 4-6 quart size preferred
• Large skillet or frying pan for searing
• Sharp knife for prepping vegetables and steak
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Tongs for handling the steak
• Mixing bowl for marinade (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the flat iron steak: Trim any excess fat from the steak and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a good sear.
2. Season the steak: Sprinkle the steak evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Rub the seasonings into the meat gently.
3. Sear the steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak and sear for about 3 minutes on each side until a deep brown crust forms. Remove and set aside.
4. Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat.
5. Prepare the slow cooker: Place the carrots and celery evenly at the bottom. Add the sautéed onions and garlic over the veggies.
6. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, combine beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well until the tomato paste dissolves.
7. Add steak and sauce to slow cooker: Place the seared flat iron steak on top of the vegetables. Pour the sauce mixture over the steak. Add the bay leaf if using.
8. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The steak should be fork-tender and easily shredded.
9. Rest and serve: Remove the steak from the slow cooker and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice against the grain or shred with forks. Serve with the cooked vegetables and spoon some of the flavorful juices over the top.
10. Optional thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the vegetables and steak, then pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Simmer on medium heat until reduced to your desired consistency.

Tips & Variations

“For the best texture, always slice the flat iron steak against the grain after slow cooking.”

• Marinate for extra flavor: For a deeper flavor profile, marinate the steak in the soy and Worcestershire mixture for 2-4 hours before cooking.
• Vegetable options: Add potatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.
• Spicy kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to add some heat.
• Herbs: Fresh rosemary or oregano can be substituted for thyme for a different aromatic touch.
• Searing alternative: If short on time, you can skip searing, but the caramelized crust adds depth to the final dish.
• Make it a stew: Add a cup of diced tomatoes and some thickening agents like cornstarch mixed with water for a gravy-like texture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This succulent slow-cooked flat iron steak pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a classic meal, serve with buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up the rich juices.

For a lighter option, steamed green beans or a crisp salad balance the richness of the meat. Roasted root vegetables or garlic sautéed mushrooms also complement the smoky paprika and thyme flavors perfectly.

Don’t forget fresh crusty bread to mop up every last bit of the savory sauce!

Conclusion

The flat iron steak slow cook recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, tender cut of beef with minimal effort. This method allows you to create a flavorful, satisfying meal that feels like a special occasion dish but requires far less hands-on time in the kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is versatile, easy to follow, and always a crowd-pleaser. You can customize it with your favorite herbs and veggies or keep it simple for weeknight dinners.

Plus, the leftovers make excellent sandwiches or salads the next day.

For more hearty and easy slow cooker meals, check out our Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy and explore versatile vegan options like Best Vegan Slowcooker Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals.

If you’re looking for quick, delicious sandwiches to pair with your steak meal, don’t miss our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

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