Savory Crockpot Skirt Steak

Disclaimer: Our editors have used AI to create or enhance parts of this article and some images. All content has been fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy.

If you ask me, crockpot skirt steak is one of those set-it-and-forget-it meals that just makes sense.

This hearty main dish turns an affordable cut of beef into something truly special through low and slow cooking. The meat comes out tender and full of flavor, making it perfect for weeknight family dinners.

It’s cooked with simple seasonings and a splash of broth, letting the natural taste of the beef shine through. The end result gives you meat that’s ready for tacos, sandwiches, or serving over rice.

It’s a no-fuss recipe that delivers big on taste, making it just right for busy days when you still want a home-cooked meal.

What Kind of Skirt Steak Should I Use?

Skirt steak comes in two different cuts – the outside skirt and the inside skirt – and both will work well in your slow cooker. The outside skirt tends to be a bit more tender and uniform in thickness, making it the preferred choice if you can find it. Inside skirt is still great though, and it’s usually a bit cheaper. When shopping, look for pieces with good marbling (those white streaks of fat) as this adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist during the long cooking time. Just remember to slice your skirt steak against the grain when serving – this breaks up the muscle fibers and makes each bite more tender.

Options for Substitutions

This crockpot recipe is pretty adaptable, and here’s what you can switch up if needed:

• Skirt steak: If you can’t find skirt steak, flank steak works great as a direct substitute. You could also use flat iron steak or hanger steak – they all have similar texture and cook well in a slow cooker.
• Olive oil: Any neutral cooking oil like vegetable oil or avocado oil will work just fine here.
• Worcestershire sauce: You can replace this with soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a splash of balsamic vinegar to get that same savory kick.
• Dried oregano: Italian seasoning can work in place of oregano, or you could use dried marjoram or dried basil.
• Spice levels: Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper and chili powder to match your heat preference – you can reduce or even skip them if you’re not into spicy food.
• Paprika: Regular paprika can be swapped with smoked paprika if you want a smokier flavor, or you can simply leave it out if you don’t have any on hand.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when cooking skirt steak in a crockpot is overcooking it, which can turn this flavorful cut into a tough, chewy disappointment – for the best results, cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, and always check the internal temperature (aim for 145°F for medium-rare). Another common error is not cutting the meat against the grain after cooking, so remember to identify the direction of the muscle fibers and slice perpendicular to them for maximum tenderness. To get the most flavor from your spice blend, don’t skip rubbing it thoroughly into the meat and letting it sit for at least 15 minutes before placing it in the crockpot. For extra juiciness, resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking as this releases valuable moisture and heat, adding unnecessary cooking time to your dish.

What to Serve With Crockpot Skirt Steak?

This tender, flavorful skirt steak calls for some classic sides that’ll make your meal complete. Mexican-style rice and refried or black beans make perfect accompaniments, especially if you’re planning to slice the meat for tacos or fajitas. A simple corn salad with lime juice and cilantro adds a fresh crunch that balances the rich meat perfectly. For a complete spread, warm up some tortillas and set out toppings like diced onions, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and lime wedges – this way everyone can build their plate exactly how they like it.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Let your crockpot skirt steak cool down, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get even better after a day, making it perfect for meal prep!

Freeze: This skirt steak freezes really well! Cut it into portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then put in a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Reheat: To warm up your steak without drying it out, slice it thinly against the grain first. Then either heat it quickly in a skillet with a splash of beef broth, or microwave in 30-second intervals with a damp paper towel over top. This helps keep the meat tender and juicy!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	180-240 minutes
Total Time	190-255 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1600-1800
• Protein: 120-140 g
• Fat: 100-120 g
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 g

Ingredients

• 1.5 to 2 pounds skirt steak
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/2 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Begin by placing the steak in the crock of your slow cooker.

Drizzle a little oil and Worcestershire sauce over the top to help enhance the flavor and keep the meat moist during cooking.

Step 2: Season the Steak

In a small bowl, combine all the seasonings of your choice and mix well to create a spice blend.

Sprinkle half of this spice mix over one side of the steak, using your hands to press it onto the surface to adhere.

Flip the steak over and repeat with the remaining seasonings on the other side.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Set your slow cooker to low and cook the steak undisturbed for 6 hours, or choose a faster option by cooking on high for 3-4 hours.

The goal is to achieve a very tender texture, so ensure you allow the meat to cook through its full time.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Once the cooking time is complete, carefully transfer the steak to a cutting board.

Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain, which will ensure maximum tenderness.

Serve the sliced steak as desired, and enjoy your flavorful, slow-cooked meal.