How Long To Cook London Broil In Crock Pot

ByLily

A crock pot turns London broil into a tender, shreddable meal when given enough hours on low heat. If you want to know how long to cook london broil in crock pot, the short answer is 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. This tough cut needs time, not speed.

London broil is actually a cooking method, not a specific cut. Most packages labeled London broil are top round, bottom round, or flank steak. These cuts are lean and full of muscle fibers. That makes them chewy when grilled fast, but perfect for slow cooking.

How Long To Cook London Broil In Crock Pot

The exact time depends on your crock pot size, the thickness of the meat, and whether you use low or high heat. Here is the simple breakdown.

  • Low heat: 6 to 8 hours for a 2 to 3 pound roast
  • High heat: 3 to 4 hours for the same size
  • Frozen roast: add 1 to 2 extra hours on low
  • Small 1 pound piece: 4 to 5 hours on low

Low heat gives you the best texture. The meat fibers relax slowly and soak up the broth. High heat works when your short on time, but the meat can dry out around the edges.

Why Low And Slow Works Best

London broil has very little fat. Fat usually keeps meat moist during long cooking. Without it, the meat relies on liquid and steam. A crock pot traps steam inside, so the roast braises in its own juices.

Collagen in the muscle breaks down after several hours. That is what makes the meat shreddable. If you pull the roast out at 3 hours on low, it will still be tough. Patience pays off here.

Step By Step Crock Pot London Broil Recipe

Follow these steps for a tender result every time. This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.

Ingredients You Will Need

  • 2 to 3 pound London broil roast
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for gravy)

Step 1: Season The Meat

Pat the roast dry with paper towels. Mix the salt, pepper, and herbs together. Rub this mixture all over both sides of the meat. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Layer The Crock Pot

Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the crock pot. Put the seasoned roast on top. Add the minced garlic around the sides. Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over everything.

The liquid should come about halfway up the roast. Do not cover the meat completely. Too much liquid dilutes the flavor.

Step 3: Set The Heat And Timer

Cover with the lid. Set the crock pot to low for 6 to 8 hours. If your using high heat, check it at the 3 hour mark. Every crock pot runs a little different, so the first time you make this, test the meat early.

Step 4: Test For Doneness

Insert a fork into the thickest part of the roast. It should twist easily and the meat should pull apart with little resistance. If it still feels firm, cook another 30 to 60 minutes.

You can also use a meat thermometer. The internal temp should reach at least 200 degrees Fahrenheit for shredding. At 145 degrees it is safe to eat, but it will be sliceable, not shreddable.

Step 5: Rest And Shred

Turn off the crock pot. Let the roast rest in the juices for 10 minutes. Move it to a cutting board and shred with two forks. Return the shredded meat to the juices so it stays moist.

Step 6: Make Gravy (Optional)

Strain the cooking liquid into a small saucepan. Whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add it to the liquid and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens. Pour over the shredded meat.

Tips For Better Results

Do Not Overcook It

Going past 9 hours on low can turn the meat mushy. Set a timer and check it. If your crock pot runs hot, start checking at 5 hours.

Use The Right Size Crock Pot

A 6 quart crock pot works well for a 3 pound roast. If the pot is too big, the meat sits in a thin layer of liquid and dries out faster. If it is too small, the meat steams instead of braises.

Add Acid For Tenderness

Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, or a splash of red wine helps break down tough fibers. Just 1 or 2 tablespoons is enough. Too much acid makes the meat grainy.

Skip The Searing Step If You Want

Some recipes call for browning the roast first. It adds flavor, but it is not required. If your short on time, skip it. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting either way.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Lifting the lid too often, which lets heat escape
  • Using a lean cut with no liquid at all
  • Cooking on high for 6 or more hours
  • Shredding the meat while it is still hot and firm
  • Forgetting to season the meat before cooking

One more thing. The cooking time changes if you cut the roast into chunks. Smaller pieces cook faster, usually 4 to 5 hours on low. Whole roasts need the full 6 to 8 hours.

What To Serve With Crock Pot London Broil

Shredded London broil works on slider buns, over mashed potatoes, or mixed into pasta. You can also serve it on rice with the gravy spooned on top. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

So the next time you see a London broil on sale, grab it. Toss it in the crock pot with broth and onions. Set it on low before you leave for work. By dinner, you will have tender, flavorful meat that feeds a crowd without much effort at all.

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