Bourbon Gravy Flank Steak: 5-Ingredient Crockpot Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best flavor, choose a high-quality jarred mushroom-bourbon gravy. If you can’t find one, use a rich beef gravy and stir in a tablespoon of bourbon and a handful of sliced mushrooms. Let the slow cooker do the work—resist the urge to peek.

The steam trapped inside is what keeps the meat moist and tender. If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

To make the dish even more flavorful, sear the flank steak strips in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds a deep, caramelized crust that enhances the overall taste.

However, it’s not necessary—the recipe works perfectly without it. For a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped parsley before serving, though the video doesn’t include it. The leftovers are fantastic in sandwiches or over mashed potatoes the next day.

Variations

• Mushroom & Herb: Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and 2 sprigs fresh thyme along with the other ingredients. The mushrooms will soak up the gravy and add an earthy depth. Remove the thyme sprigs before serving.
• Spicy Bourbon: Stir 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder or a minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce into the gravy before pouring over the beef. This adds a subtle smoky heat that pairs wonderfully with the sweet bourbon notes.
• Beef & Broccoli: Replace the carrots with 2 cups of broccoli florets added during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The broccoli will remain slightly crisp and add a fresh contrast to the rich gravy. Serve over rice as usual.
• Slow Cooker Pot Roast: Use a 2 lb chuck roast instead of flank steak, and leave it whole. Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours until fork-tender, then shred or slice. The longer cooking time makes the beef exceptionally tender and flavorful.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Freezer

Freeze cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a little beef broth or water to loosen the gravy if needed.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the dish even more delicious the next day. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If the gravy thickens too much upon reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it.

This recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals. Assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker base and cook on LOW as directed. You may need to add 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold. Alternatively, cook the entire dish, let it cool, and refrigerate in portions for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Serving ideas

Serve the bourbon gravy flank steak over steamed white rice, which soaks up the rich sauce beautifully. For a more substantial meal, pair it with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

The pearl onions and carrots are an integral part of the dish, so be sure to spoon them over the rice as well. A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad completes the meal. The dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, making it a great choice for a family dinner.

For a low-carb option, serve the beef and vegetables over cauliflower rice or alongside steamed broccoli. The gravy is rich and flavorful, so a little goes a long way. Leftovers can be used to make sandwiches, tacos, or a hearty hash.

The recipe is versatile and can be adapted to your preferences—try adding mushrooms or swapping the carrots for parsnips. No matter how you serve it, this slow cooker dinner is sure to become a favorite.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Bourbon Gravy Flank Steak: 5-Ingredient Crockpot Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 8 hTotal 8 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 cup peeled pearl onions
• 2 cups crinkle-cut carrots
• 1 jar (12 oz) mushroom-bourbon gravy
• 4 tbsp salted butter, cut into pats

Instructions

1. Place the thinly sliced flank steak strips into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Spread them into an even layer. Scatter the pearl onions and crinkle-cut carrots over the beef. Pour the mushroom-bourbon gravy over everything, then top with the pats of salted butter. Do not stir.
2. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on LOW for 8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain steady heat and moisture. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
3. After 8 hours, check the beef for doneness. It should shred easily with a fork and register at least 145°F (63°C) on an instant-read thermometer. If not yet tender, continue cooking in 30-minute increments until it reaches the desired texture. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
4. Turn off the slow cooker and let the beef rest in the warm gravy for at least 3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures every bite is moist and flavorful.
5. Spoon steamed white rice onto a serving plate. Ladle the braised flank steak, pearl onions, carrots, and plenty of bourbon gravy over the rice. Serve hot.

Contains: milk, gluten, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

430

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

22 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.