Tender Slow Cooker London Broil

This slow cooker London broil transforms an inexpensive cut of meat into a restaurant-worthy dinner with minimal effort. The long, gentle cooking process breaks down the tougher fibers in the top round roast, resulting in fork-tender meat swimming in its own rich gravy. I developed this recipe during a particularly busy holiday season when I needed something impressive yet hands-off.

I first made this recipe when hosting a dinner party while renovating my kitchen. With only a slow cooker available, I needed something foolproof yet impressive. Now my family requests this London broil regularly, especially for Sunday dinners when we want a homestyle meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Top round roast London broil: The star of the show, this economical cut becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow. Look for one with good marbling for the best flavor.
• Pot roast seasoning: This blend typically includes salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs that complement beef perfectly. The premade mix simplifies your prep while delivering consistent flavor.
• Beef broth: Forms the foundation of your gravy and keeps the meat moist during cooking. Choose low sodium varieties so you can control the saltiness.
• Cornstarch: Transforms the cooking liquid into a silky gravy without any lumps. Always mix with cold water before adding to hot liquid for best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker:

Place your top round roast in the center of your slow cooker. Make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the roast with about an inch of space around the sides for proper heat circulation.

Season the Meat:

Sprinkle the pot roast seasoning generously over all sides of the meat. Use your hands to pat the seasoning into the meat, ensuring it adheres well to create a flavorful crust.

Add the Liquid:

Carefully pour the beef broth around the edges of the roast, not over the top. This technique preserves the seasoning crust while providing enough moisture for cooking. The liquid should come about 1/3 of the way up the sides of the meat.

Set the Cooking Time:

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Low and slow cooking yields the most tender results, but the high setting works when time is limited.

Thicken the Gravy:

Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl until completely smooth. Stir this mixture into the cooking juices in the slow cooker. The temperature needs to be hot enough to activate the thickening properties.

Finish Cooking:

Cover again and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes. During this time, the gravy will thicken to a silky consistency that perfectly coats the meat and accompaniments.

Rest and Serve:

Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes before shredding or slicing against the grain. Serve with the thickened gravy poured over top alongside your favorite sides.

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My favorite part of this recipe is how the meat develops a beautiful tenderness that simply cannot be achieved through quick cooking methods. I learned this technique from my grandmother, who could transform even the toughest cuts into memorable family meals. The aroma that fills your home as this cooks brings back wonderful memories of Sunday family gatherings.

Choosing the Right Cut

London broil is actually a cooking method, not a specific cut of meat. Typically, butchers label top round, bottom round, or flank steak as London broil. For this slow cooker recipe, top round is ideal because it has enough fat to remain juicy during long cooking but not so much that the dish becomes greasy. When shopping, look for meat with slight marbling but not thick fat caps. The thickness should be relatively uniform to ensure even cooking throughout.

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Perfect Pairings

This tender London broil pairs beautifully with starchy sides that can soak up the rich gravy. Creamy mashed potatoes create the ultimate comfort food combination, while egg noodles offer a lighter alternative. For a lower carb option, try cauliflower mash or roasted root vegetables. A bright side salad with vinaigrette dressing provides a nice contrast to the richness of the meat. For a complete meal, consider serving with steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with a bit of the gravy.

Make-Ahead Magic

This London broil actually improves with time, making it perfect for meal prep. Cook it a day ahead, then refrigerate in its gravy overnight. This allows the flavors to deepen and makes fat removal easier as it solidifies on top. When ready to serve, simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker on low. The leftovers make incredible sandwiches when thinly sliced and piled onto crusty rolls with horseradish sauce. You can also dice the meat and add it to beef soup or stew to enhance flavor.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different cut of beef for this London broil?

Yes, while this recipe calls for top round roast (traditional London broil), you can substitute flank steak, bottom round, or sirloin tip. Each cut will have slightly different textures, but the slow cooking method helps tenderize even tougher cuts. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on the thickness of your meat.

→ How can I make the gravy thicker?

If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can increase the cornstarch mixture. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then stir into the cooking liquid. You can also remove the meat after cooking, transfer the liquid to a saucepan, and reduce it over medium heat for a more concentrated flavor.

→ What sides pair well with slow cooker London broil?

This tender beef pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to soak up the savory gravy. For vegetables, consider roasted carrots, steamed green beans, or a simple side salad. Dinner rolls or crusty bread are perfect for mopping up extra sauce.

→ Can I prep this the night before?

Absolutely! You can season the meat and store it covered in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, place it in your slow cooker with the broth and start cooking. This makes it perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a ready meal.

→ How can I use the leftovers from this London broil?

Leftover London broil is incredibly versatile. Slice it thinly for sandwiches with horseradish sauce, chop it for beef stroganoff, add it to vegetable soup, or serve it over a salad. The meat stays tender when reheated with a bit of the reserved gravy to maintain moisture.

→ Is it necessary to brown the meat before slow cooking?

While the recipe notes browning as optional, searing the meat in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before adding it to the slow cooker will develop deeper flavors through the Maillard reaction. This extra step adds richness to the final dish but isn't essential if you're short on time.