Slow Cooker Skirt Steak
Slow Cooker Skirt Steak is the kind of dish that fills your home with the tantalizing aroma of hearty beef, savory spices, and warm, comforting memories. Picture that tender beef, cooked low and slow until it’s practically falling apart, soaking up all those rich flavors from the broth and seasonings. It becomes more than just dinner; it’s an experience that brings family and friends together around the table, sharing good food and even better stories.
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I first discovered this gem of a recipe during a busy week when I craved something delicious but needed minimal hands-on time. A quick 15 minutes of prep before heading out for the day, and by evening, I was coming home to a mouthwatering meal that felt like a warm hug. Trust me, this Slow Cooker Skirt Steak will quickly become your go-to recipe for busy days or special occasions alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prepping takes just 15 minutes and it cooks effortlessly for hours.
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich beef broth and hint of Worcestershire sauce create a umami explosion.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Whether served with veggies or in a taco, it looks as good as it tastes.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as a main course or delicious filling for sandwiches and tacos.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapted to gluten-free with the right thickening agents.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs skirt steak: This cut is ideal for slow cooking due to its inherent tenderness and ability to absorb flavors.
- 1 packet onion soup mix: Adds depth and sweetness; feel free to use low-sodium options for a healthier version.
- 1 cup beef broth: Use a quality broth for a robust flavor; homemade works wonders.
- 2 cups drippings: You can take drippings from the pot; if you need more, simply add enough beef broth to make 2 full cups.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: This adds a wonderful tang that complements the beef perfectly.
- 2 tsp onion powder: Lightweight flavor addition that works great alongside the onion soup mix.
- 3 tbsp cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce perfectly; you can substitute arrowroot flour for a gluten-free option.
- 1 pinch salt: Enhances all the flavors; adjust to taste.
- 1 pinch pepper: A little kick adds character; again, adjust according to your preference.
How to Make Slow Cooker Skirt Steak
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by trimming any excess fat from the 1.5 lbs skirt steak, then season it lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place the steak in the slow cooker.
- Mix the Liquids: In a mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup beef broth, 1 packet onion soup mix, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tsp onion powder. Whisk until well combined.
- Combine with Drippings: Pour the mixture over the skirt steak in the slow cooker. Add the 2 cups of drippings, ensuring the steak is well submerged in the liquid.
- Set the Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for about 7 hours. The longer it simmers, the more tender it will become, so feel free to let it go longer if your schedule allows!
- Thicken the Sauce: Once the steak is fork-tender, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp cornstarch with 1/4 cup water to create a slurry. Stir this into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until thickened.
- Serve: Slice the skirt steak against the grain, serve it with the thickened sauce, and enjoy over mashed potatoes, rice, or even wrapped in tortillas.
Storing & Reheating
To store any leftovers, allow the skirt steak to cool at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and you can store it for up to 3 months. The best way to reheat is to gently warm it on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to bring the moisture back, or reheat in the microwave on low heat until warmed through.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking by sticking to the suggested cooking times; slow and steady is key for tender beef.
- When cutting the skirt steak, always slice against the grain to ensure each piece is tender.
- Don’t skip the thickening step; it transforms the sauce from delicious to outstanding, giving it a wonderful velvety texture.
- Feel free to throw in some vegetables like carrots or potatoes while it cooks for an all-in-one meal.
- If you’re looking to make it ahead, you can prepare everything the night before and pop it in the slow cooker in the morning.
This Slow Cooker Skirt Steak recipe is not only delicious but also an easy way to impress your family and friends. It’s a flavor-packed meal that can simplify busy weeknights or elevate a weekend gathering. The combination of tender meat and rich, savory sauce is irresistible, and you can play with the ingredients based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While skirt steak is perfect for slow cooking, you can substitute it with flank steak or even chuck roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the cut.
How do I know when the skirt steak is done?
The key indicator is when the skirt steak is easily shred with a fork, which usually takes around 7 hours on low. If it reaches that point early, you can simply keep it warm in the slow cooker for a while.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the skirt steak a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it gently to maintain its tender texture.
What should I serve it with?
This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or even loaded nachos. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
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📖 Recipe Card

Slow Cooker Skirt Steak
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Skirt Steak boasts rich flavor and tenderness. With minimal prep and delightful ingredients like beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, it’s perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs skirt steak
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups drippings (from pot, add additional beef broth to make 2 full cups)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 3 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken in 1/4 cup water, or use arrowroot flour for gluten free option)
- 1 pinch salt (to taste)
- 1 pinch pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Slice skirt steak in half lengthwise to fit in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the top with onion soup mix, then pour beef broth over it.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until tender.
- To prepare the gravy, combine ingredients in a saucepan, keeping cornstarch aside to mix with water.
- Heat the mixture over medium-high, stirring until bubbling, then add the cornstarch and water slurry to thicken. Serve over sliced skirt steak.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, substitute cornstarch with arrowroot flour.
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
