London broil crock pot recipe lovers, this one’s for you. If you’ve ever wrestled with a tough, chewy cut of beef, the slow cooker changes the game. This dish transforms a humble London broil into a tender, flavorful meal with almost no effort.
It’s the kind of recipe that lets you toss in the ingredients, walk away, and come back to something that tastes like you spent all day on it. We’ll cover the full recipe, simple variations, the best sides, and everything you need to make this a go-to dinner.
Table of Contents
London Broil Crock Pot
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the London Broil generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meat on all sides until browned, about 3 minutes per side.
- Place seared meat into the crock pot. Add baby potatoes, chopped carrots, beef broth, water, onion soup mix, and bay leaf.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreddable.
- In a small bowl, mix cold water and cornstarch to form a slurry. Stir into the crock pot and cook on high for 10–15 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Remove bay leaf, slice or shred the beef, and serve hot with vegetables and gravy.
Nutrition
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, marinate the London Broil overnight in a simple garlic-herb marinade before searing.
- You can substitute baby potatoes with peeled and chopped russet potatoes if preferred.
- To reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium beef broth and onion soup mix.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, increase the cornstarch slurry to 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water.
- This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!London Broil Crock Pot Memories and Magic
Growing up, London broil was always our “Sunday special”—the kind of meal Mom started before church and finished just in time for dinner. But back then, it was all about the oven.
These days, I lean on my slow cooker to do the heavy lifting. When you’ve got three kids, a dog, and a never-ending list of chores, tossing a tough cut like London broil in the Crock Pot and coming back to something that falls apart with a fork? That’s gold.
This recipe became my go-to during my trucking days. I’d prep it in the morning, and by dinner it was hot, tender, and waiting. Pair it with something hearty like steak alfredo or keep it rustic with boneless beef ribs on the weekend—either way, it hits like home cooking should.
Why Crock Pot Is the Best Way to Cook London Broil
London broil may look like steak, but treat it wrong and you’ll be chewing for days. That’s where the Crock Pot comes in—it transforms this lean cut into a tender, flavorful dish without breaking a sweat.
Low and Slow Brings Out Big Flavor
The magic of a slow cooker lies in its gentle heat. With enough time, even a budget cut becomes rich and fork-tender.
- Moisture stays locked in, so the meat doesn’t dry out.
- Connective tissues break down slowly, giving you that fall-apart texture.
- The flavors from broth, onions, garlic, and seasonings soak deep into the meat.
I use the same approach with my crockpot French onion meatloaf, and it’s a game-changer.
No Babysitting, Just Great Beef
Set it and forget it—literally.
- Toss everything in before work and come home to dinner done.
- Perfect for busy weekdays, meal prep, or lazy weekends.
- Keeps your kitchen cool and stress low.
This is the kind of hands-off cooking that made me fall hard for the slow cooker—same with dishes like buffalo chicken dip crock pot. Less work, more flavor.
Ingredients and Substitutions You Can Trust
This London broil crock pot recipe keeps it honest—nothing fancy, just pantry staples that build big flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few smart swaps if your fridge is looking light.
The Core Ingredients
- London Broil (2–3 lbs): This lean cut handles slow cooking like a champ. Just trim any silver skin and let the Crock Pot do the rest.
- Beef broth: Adds depth and moisture. Low sodium works fine—you’re building flavor elsewhere.
- Onions & garlic: Classic base. Slice them thick so they hold up over hours of cooking.
- Worcestershire sauce: A few splashes go a long way. It brings a deep, savory hit you can’t skip.
- Italian seasoning + paprika + black pepper: Simple seasoning, but it punches above its weight.
- Olive oil: For a quick sear—optional but worth it.
Real-Life Substitutions
- No beef broth? Use veggie broth or even water with a splash of soy sauce.
- Out of Worcestershire? Try a dash of balsamic vinegar and extra garlic.
- Prefer chicken? Switch the beef for a thick-cut breast and use the same method—kind of like my baked boneless chicken thighs, just slower and richer.
- Want a spicier twist? Add chili flakes or swap in taco seasoning like we do for Mexican meatloaf.
This recipe’s forgiving—so even if you’re short an ingredient or two, it still comes out tasting like a win.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Crock Pot London Broil
This recipe keeps things simple, but delivers real-deal flavor. You don’t need a fancy marinade, a thermometer, or a culinary degree—just follow the steps and let your slow cooker handle the heavy lifting.
Step 1: Sear for Flavor (Optional but Recommended)
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear the London broil for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. This builds flavor you can’t get from slow cooking alone.
Skip this step if you’re in a rush—your Crock Pot still has your back.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Place thick-sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. This not only flavors the meat, but keeps it off the bottom so it cooks evenly.
Step 3: Add the Meat and Season
Lay the London broil on top of the onions. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and a small pinch of salt (especially if using salted broth). Pour 1 cup beef broth and 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce around the meat.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
- Low: 7–8 hours
- High: 4–5 hours
The meat is done when it’s fork-tender and easy to shred or slice. Don’t rush it—London broil rewards patience.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the onions and pan juices spooned over the top.
Want to turn it into a full meal? Plate it next to buttery mashed potatoes or roasted veggies—just like I do with mini meatloaf or hearty slow-cooked dishes.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with London Broil
A slow-cooked London broil brings bold, beefy flavor—so your sides need to hold their own. Whether you’re building a weeknight plate or a weekend spread, the right pairings make this meal sing.
Comfort Food Combos That Always Work
You can’t go wrong with the classics. These sides soak up all that rich juice and make every bite count:
- Mashed potatoes – buttery, smooth, and perfect for sopping up pan drippings
- Roasted carrots or green beans – add a pop of color and balance to the plate
- Buttered corn or skillet potatoes – when you want hearty without the fuss
- Soft dinner rolls or cornbread – for wiping the plate clean
That same “comfort-first” approach works wonders with recipes like chicken spaghetti with Velveeta—familiar flavors, done right.
Easy Weeknight or Sunday Spread?
If it’s a busy weeknight, keep it simple with pre-prepped salads or quick rice. But for Sunday dinner? Lean in.
- Go all out with garlic mashed potatoes and oven-roasted asparagus.
- Add hot honey popcorn as a fun, unexpected snack starter for guests.
- Or serve leftovers over rice the next day—it’s just as good, if not better.
Whatever you choose, the Crock Pot did the hard part. Now round it out with sides that feel like home.
Recipe Variations to Try Next Time
Once you’ve nailed the classic London broil crock pot method, it’s easy to switch things up without losing what makes this dish so satisfying. Whether you want more spice, a different flavor profile, or a second-day twist, these variations keep things interesting.
Spicy, Smoky, and Saucy Twists
Add a little kick or take a left turn with the seasonings. Here’s how:
- Tex-Mex Style: Swap the Italian seasoning for taco or fajita seasoning. Add sliced bell peppers and canned diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Smoky BBQ: Use BBQ rub instead of Italian seasoning and finish with your favorite barbecue sauce in the last 30 minutes.
- Mushroom Gravy Version: Add sliced mushrooms and a can of cream of mushroom soup for a rich, almost stroganoff-style finish.
These tricks work great with similar dishes like boneless beef ribs—same soul, different vibe.
Make It Work for Leftovers
No one wants dry leftover steak, but slow-cooked London broil? That’s a different story. Here’s how I stretch it into round two:
- Shred it and toss it into quesadillas or tacos
- Layer over buttered egg noodles or rice for a next-day bowl
- Make sliders with a slice of cheese and a touch of ranch or horseradish sauce
When a recipe does this much with so little effort, it earns a spot in the rotation—just like our chicken spaghetti with cream cheese recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is London broil good for slow cooking?
Absolutely. While London broil gets a bad rap for being tough, it’s made for slow cooking. Low and slow turns that lean cut into something tender and flavorful. Just give it time—and don’t skip the broth and seasoning. The Crock Pot handles the hard work, and you get all the credit.
Will London broil get more tender the longer it cooks?
It sure will—if you do it right. London broil has just enough connective tissue to soften up beautifully in the slow cooker, but it takes time. As it cooks low and steady, those fibers relax and the meat turns juicy and pull-apart tender. Just don’t rush it—cutting corners with high heat can leave you with chewy bites. Patience makes the difference here.
What is the best method to cook a London broil?
Depends on what you want. If you’re short on time and want a quick sear, the broiler works. But for flavor and tenderness? The slow cooker wins hands down. It lets the meat soak up all the seasoning and finish melt-in-your-mouth tender. That’s how I do it—and how I recommend you do it, too.
How long does it take for steak to cook in a Crockpot?
For a cut like London broil, you’re looking at about 7 to 8 hours on low for that fall-apart texture, or 4 to 5 hours on high if you’re short on time. Either way, the goal isn’t speed—it’s tenderness. Letting it go low and slow gives you that rich, deep flavor that tastes like it took all day… because it kind of did.
Conclusion : Slow Cooker London Broil That Hits Every Time
When it comes to no-fuss, high-reward meals, this London broil crock pot recipe earns its spot at the top. It takes a tough cut of beef and turns it into something tender, juicy, and full of flavor—without tying you to the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe shows up and delivers.
The best part? Once you master the basics, it’s easy to make it your own—spice it up, change the sides, stretch the leftovers into tacos or sliders. That’s the kind of versatility every home cook needs.
If recipes like this are your thing (and I think they are), make sure you’re following Hearty Home Recipes on Facebook and Pinterest for daily comfort food ideas, real-life kitchen tips, and family-tested meals that hit the spot every time.
Let’s keep cooking the food that feels like home.
