Effortless Elegance: Johnny’s Slow Cooker London Broil Recipe
London broil, often perceived as a tougher cut of beef, transforms into a tender and flavorful masterpiece when slow-cooked to perfection. This recipe, inspired by Johnny’s classic approach to simple yet delicious meals, guides you through creating a melt-in-your-mouth London broil using your slow cooker. Forget fussy preparations; this is about maximizing flavor with minimal effort, letting the slow cooker do all the work. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unbelievably easy and satisfying dish.
## Why Slow Cook London Broil?
London broil benefits immensely from the slow cooking process. Here’s why:
* **Tenderization:** The low and slow heat breaks down the tough muscle fibers, resulting in a much more tender cut of meat.
* **Enhanced Flavor:** The prolonged cooking time allows the marinade to deeply penetrate the meat, infusing it with rich flavor throughout.
* **Convenience:** Simply prep the ingredients, toss them in the slow cooker, and let it do its thing. Perfect for busy weeknights!
* **Moisture Retention:** Slow cooking helps retain moisture, preventing the London broil from drying out.
## Johnny’s Slow Cooker London Broil Recipe
This recipe focuses on using readily available ingredients and a straightforward method to deliver exceptional results. It emphasizes a flavorful marinade that complements the beef without overpowering it. Feel free to adapt the recipe to your own preferences, adding herbs, spices, or vegetables as you see fit.
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high
### Ingredients:
* 1 (2-3 pound) London broil
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
* 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 medium onion, sliced (optional, for added flavor)
* 2 carrots, chopped (optional, for added flavor)
* 2 celery stalks, chopped (optional, for added flavor)
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
* 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening the sauce)
### Equipment:
* Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
* Large bowl
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Fork
* Serving platter
### Instructions:
**1. Prepare the Marinade:**
* In a large bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and black pepper. Ensure the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
**2. Marinate the London Broil:**
* Place the London broil in the bowl with the marinade. Turn the meat to coat it evenly on all sides.
* If using, add the sliced onion, chopped carrots, and chopped celery to the bowl, nestling them around the London broil.
* Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the London broil and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to fully penetrate the meat. The longer the marinating time, the more flavorful and tender the London broil will be. Turn the meat occasionally to ensure even marinating.
**3. Slow Cook the London Broil:**
* Remove the London broil from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature slightly. This helps with even cooking.
* Transfer the London broil and the marinade (including the vegetables, if used) to the slow cooker.
* Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the London broil, as well as the specific slow cooker.
**4. Check for Doneness:**
* After the minimum cooking time, check the internal temperature of the London broil using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding any bone.
* For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium, it should be 135-145°F (57-63°C). For medium-well, it should be 145-155°F (63-68°C). For well-done, it should be 155°F (68°C) or higher. However, keep in mind that London broil can become tough if overcooked, so aim for medium or medium-rare for the best results.
**5. Rest the London Broil:**
* Once the London broil has reached the desired internal temperature, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
* Cover the London broil loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. The resting period is crucial for achieving optimal tenderness.
**6. Prepare the Gravy (Optional):**
* While the London broil is resting, you can make a gravy from the slow cooker juices. If you used vegetables, remove them from the slow cooker with a slotted spoon and discard them (or save them for another use).
* In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This is a slurry that will help thicken the gravy.
* Turn the slow cooker to high heat. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker juices and whisk constantly until the gravy thickens. This should take about 5-10 minutes. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent any sticking.
* Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
**7. Slice and Serve:**
* After the London broil has rested, use a sharp knife to slice it thinly against the grain. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the meat even more tender.
* Serve the sliced London broil on a serving platter. Drizzle with the gravy (if made) and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
### Serving Suggestions:
* Mashed potatoes: A classic pairing that complements the rich flavors of the London broil.
* Roasted vegetables: Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus are excellent choices.
* Green beans: A simple and healthy side dish.
* Yorkshire puddings: Add a touch of elegance to your meal.
* Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy.
* Side salad: A light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the beef.
* Rice pilaf: A flavorful and versatile side dish.
### Tips and Variations:
* **Sear the London Broil:** For an even deeper flavor, sear the London broil in a hot skillet with oil before placing it in the slow cooker. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until browned.
* **Add Wine:** Substitute 1/2 cup of the beef broth with red wine for a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a touch of heat.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, basil, or marjoram.
* **Add Mushrooms:** Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for a delicious and earthy flavor.
* **Substitute Balsamic Vinegar:** Replace the apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a slightly sweeter and more tangy flavor.
* **Make it a Pot Roast:** Add potatoes and large chunks of carrots and celery during the last few hours of cooking to create a complete pot roast meal.
* **Adjust Cooking Time:** Slow cookers vary, so adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve the desired level of doneness. Check the internal temperature regularly.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked London broil can become tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to the correct temperature.
* **Deglaze the Pan (if searing):** After searing the London broil, deglaze the pan with a little beef broth or red wine to capture all the flavorful browned bits. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker with the London broil.
### Storage Instructions:
* **Leftovers:** Store leftover London broil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze cooked London broil for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **Gravy:** Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan on the stovetop.
## Conclusion:
Johnny’s Slow Cooker London Broil recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious and impressive meals don’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can transform a relatively inexpensive cut of beef into a tender and flavorful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a truly effortless and elegant meal. Enjoy!