Crock pots might seem a little old fashioned to those who haven’t yet discovered how magical they are. It’s true, many of the old crock pot recipes are pretty grandma-esque and gnarly but there are a lot of things you can make in a crock pot that might surprise you. I have big plans for some coconut creme brulee and there is just no beating chili that is hot and ready the second you get home from work.
I came across this recipe on Ask Georgie and it looked too easy to be true. It’s CRAZY simple and CRAZY delicious. The beef gets so tender it just melts under your fork and the sweet onions combine with the balsamic and tomato sauce to make a rich and flavorful gravy. Not only is this recipe easy peasy lemon squeezy AND packed with iron-rich protein, it’s also crazy cheap! When I made it, London Broil was on sale and I made the whole meal (enough for about 6 servings) for under $10!!! You’re killing me Larry!
Recipe Adapted from askgeorgie.com
-1.75 lb top round beef (aka London Broil), trimmed of excess fat
- kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp canola oil
- 1 large sweet onion
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 Tbsp white wine
Season beef on both sides with decent dusting of salt and seasonings.
Heat oil in a large pan until very hot, and brown beef on both sides.
Slice the onion into thick half rings, and place in bottom of slow cooker. Place meat on top.
In a small bowl, stir together tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar.
Deglaze browning pan with water and white wine.
Pour water/wine/pan dripping mixture and tomato balsamic mixture over beef.
Place lid on crock and cook for 6-8 hours on low.
Mmmmm. If you do all these steps in the morning, you will come home from work to a smell that will make your mouth water!
Serve with a nice starchy side like mashed potatoes or my new fave, cauliflower puree (recipe coming soon!)
I have become crock-pot obsessed! Have you seen this website?http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/
Oh my goodness! I think I'm in trouble now! Those recipes look to die for! Thanks for the tip!
I think I will try this It looks so good. I have a question for experienced crock pot cooks. Since getting my first crockpot a few months ago, I have found that onions always end up tough, chewy and rubbery unless I brown them first in a frypan. Am I doing something wrong? Is there anyway to avoid this rubbery texture without pre-cooking?
Great post and delicious recipe! When I made your recipe, I used Grass fed Beef. I always try to eat as healthy as I can. I work with La Cense beef, which is approved USDA grass fed program. Our beef is 100% grass fed and is higher in omega 3 acids and lower in calorie and fat as opposed to traditional grain fed beef.
This looks gorgeous – Quick question though, as I’m from the UK, what is “Broil” as in (aka London broil)? Is it like grilling?
I’ve heard the term before but not sure how it equates to UK cooking.
Whatever, this looks lovely.
Malcolm
Hello Malcolm!
A London Broil is a term commonly used for a round roast. It refers to the cut of meat used in the recipe but can also refer to a cooking method where flank steak is grilled or broiled then cut into strips. In this recipe it just means a roast. Thanks!
wow! the food looks amazing! making me super hungry, thanks for the recipe, gonna try it out1
I MADE THIS TODAY! AND IT CAME OUT DELISH! THE ONIONS ARE SOFT AND THE MEAT IS TASTY, THE SAUCE IS ABSOLOUTLY TO DIE FOR SWEET AND YUMMY!
This looks perfect for me, At present I’m on a very high protein diet (dukan) and this will fit right in. It sure looks tasty and very easy. Thanks!!
The dish looks delicious! I’m partial to mashed potatoes, but that cauliflower puree part sounds interesting. I’m looking for the recipe. Has that been posted?
Thanks so much Fred, I just realized I never posted the cauliflower puree recipe. I’ll have it up this week!