Description
This Slow Cooker Flank Steak is a tender, flavorful dish featuring a brown sugar chili powder rub that infuses the meat with a perfect balance of sweet and smoky spices. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe requires less than 10 ingredients and uses a slow cooker for effortless preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Steak and Rub
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (omit if you don’t like spice)
- 2 pounds flank steak
For Serving
- Honey mustard for drizzling, if desired
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Grease a 6-quart crockpot with cooking spray, then pour in the olive oil. Set aside to preheat slightly.
- Mix the Spice Rub: In a medium bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar, chili powder, ranch seasoning mix, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper. This mixture will be used to coat the steak.
- Apply the Rub: Rub a few spoonfuls of the spice rub onto the flank steak until it is fully coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Place and Season Steak: Place the coated steak into the prepared crockpot and sprinkle the remaining spice rub evenly over the top.
- Cook the Steak: Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 8 hours, until the steak becomes ultra tender.
- Slice the Steak: Remove the steak from the crockpot and use a sharp knife to slice it into strips against the grain. This technique helps avoid long, stringy pieces and gives a shredded texture.
- Serve: Serve the sliced steak as desired – on a bun, in quesadillas, over mashed potatoes, atop mac and cheese, or as nachos. Drizzle with honey mustard sauce if preferred for an extra layer of flavor.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freeze cooked steak for 2-3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat gently in a microwave, oven, or on the stovetop to preserve tenderness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to spice tolerance.
- Slicing against the grain is crucial to keep the steak tender and easy to chew.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: 15 minute prep, easy, slow cooker, flank steak, brown sugar rub
