```html

If you're craving a melt-in-your-mouth dinner that practically prepares itself, then the Slow Cooker Flank Steak with Garlic and Au Jus Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This dish combines the rich, hearty flavors of a perfectly seared flank steak with the deep, savory essence of garlic and a luscious au jus that soaks into every tender bite. It’s comfort food elevated with ease, delivering restaurant-quality results right from your slow cooker, making weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings effortlessly delicious.

Ingredients You'll Need

A raw piece of red meat lies flat on a brown parchment paper in the center of the image, showing a textured surface with some white fat streaks. Surrounding the meat are small white bowls containing different ingredients: a slab of light yellow butter on the left, sliced white onion rings at the bottom center, clear olive oil, brown liquid, and various dry spices with colors ranging from black pepper, dried green herbs, light beige powders, and white salt. Three whole peeled garlic cloves are placed on the white marbled surface near the top right. Fresh green parsley leaves are placed on both the top left and bottom right corners of the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients, yet each plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and tender texture in this Slow Cooker Flank Steak with Garlic and Au Jus Recipe. From the fragrant Italian seasoning to the richness of butter, they come together in perfect harmony.

Flank steak (2 pounds): This lean cut is perfect for slow cooking, yielding wonderfully tender slices or shreds.

Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle but essential garlic aroma that penetrates the meat deeply.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances savory notes without adding extra moisture to the dish.
Italian seasoning blend (1 teaspoon): Brings a blend of fragrant herbs that uplift the meat’s flavor profile.

Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances and brings out natural flavors without overwhelming.
Pepper (½ teaspoon): Provides a gentle spicy kick to complement the richness.
Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): For searing the steak to lock in flavors and create a beautiful crust.

Thinly sliced onion (1 cup): Softens as it cooks slowly, infusing gentle sweetness throughout.
Garlic cloves (3): Fresh garlic adds punchy, aromatic notes unlike any powder can replicate.
Au jus mix (1 package): The base of the delicious sauce that pools around the meat, enriching every bite.

Beef broth (1 cup): Adds moisture and a deep beefy richness to the slow-cooked au jus.
Unsalted butter (¼ cup): Melted into the au jus, it gives the sauce its silky texture and a hint of indulgence.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness upon serving.

How to Make Slow Cooker Flank Steak with Garlic and Au Jus Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Steak

Start by prepping your slow cooker with a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking. Then, generously season the flank steak with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning blend ensures the meat is flavorful in every bite.

Step 2: Sear to Lock In Flavor

Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over high heat and sear the seasoned flank steak on both sides until it develops a golden-brown crust. This step is essential to create complex flavors and seal in juices before slow cooking.

Step 3: Place Steak in Slow Cooker and Add Aromatics

Transfer your seared steak to the slow cooker. Soften the garlic cloves and sliced onions by microwaving them briefly for about 3 minutes, which helps mellow their sharpness. Distribute the softened garlic and onions evenly around the steak for that wonderful aroma to infuse the meat while cooking.

Step 4: Prepare and Pour Au Jus Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the au jus mix and beef broth until fully combined. Pour this flavorful liquid over the steak, garlic, and onions, so it seeps into the meat as it slowly cooks, transforming into a rich, savory sauce.

Step 5: Add Butter and Slow Cook

Top the steak with the unsalted butter, which will melt slowly to enrich the au jus with a velvety finish. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process breaks down the meat’s fibers for a fork-tender texture.

Step 6: Slice or Shred and Serve

Once cooked, remove the flank steak from the slow cooker. Depending on your preference, you can either slice the steak against the grain for perfect pieces or shred it for a more rustic feel. For extra freshness and color, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Flank Steak with Garlic and Au Jus Recipe

The image shows a dish with two layers, served on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is creamy mashed potatoes, white in color with a smooth texture. The top layer is shredded brown meat with a slightly moist appearance, scattered evenly over the potatoes. Small bits of green herbs are sprinkled on top of the meat, adding a touch of color. Surrounding the edges is a thin layer of brown gravy that blends into the mashed potatoes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic garnish that cuts through the richness with a hint of herbal brightness. For an extra touch, consider a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper to enhance the presentation and boost flavor complexity.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Flank Steak with Garlic and Au Jus Recipe pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of the decadent au jus. You can also try roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the meal with some freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more casual approach, pile shredded flank steak on toasted sandwich rolls for decadent French dip sandwiches, ideal for game day or weekend lunches. Alternatively, serve slices alongside polenta or creamy risotto to create a comforting, elegant plate that wows your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Slow Cooker Flank Steak with Garlic and Au Jus Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The meat will absorb even more flavor overnight, making your next meal just as delicious.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the steak with its au jus into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the meat and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through to preserve tenderness and moisture. You can also reheat in the microwave, just be sure to cover it and stir halfway through to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is perfect for slow cooking due to its texture and flavor, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin tip. Just keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly depending on thickness and cut.

What is the best way to slice flank steak?

Always slice flank steak against the grain—that is, perpendicular to the muscle fibers—to ensure each bite is tender and easy to chew. This technique makes a huge difference in the eating experience.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can season and sear the steak a day ahead, then refrigerate it, making your slow cooker prep quick and hassle-free when you’re ready to cook.

Is the au jus mix necessary, or can I make my own?

You can certainly make your own au jus from scratch with beef drippings, broth, and seasoning if you prefer, but the au jus mix offers a convenient and flavorful shortcut that works brilliantly here.

How can I make this recipe lower in sodium?

Use low-sodium beef broth and reduce or omit added salt, depending on your taste preferences. You can also choose a low-sodium au jus mix or make your own with fresh ingredients.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the cozy satisfaction of a hearty, slow-cooked meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and delights your taste buds with savory goodness. The Slow Cooker Flank Steak with Garlic and Au Jus Recipe is that kind of dish—effortlessly impressive and deeply comforting. Give it a try and see how it quickly becomes a favorite in your recipe rotation!

```

Slow Cooker Flank Steak with Garlic and Au Jus Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need