Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Introduction

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender beef with crisp broccoli in a savory, flavorful sauce. This dish is the kind of recipe you can set and forget, letting the slow cooker do all the hard work while you relax. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up all the rich, bold flavors of the sauce, while the broccoli stays vibrant and crisp—perfectly balancing the hearty beef.

I love making this dish on busy weeknights when I want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s the perfect meal to prep ahead of time and let the slow cooker do its magic. I can already smell the savory aroma filling the house as it cooks! Plus, it’s so versatile—you can serve it over fluffy white rice, nutty brown rice, or even noodles for a comforting, satisfying meal.

What’s even better is how easy it is to customize. Add a little extra ginger for some kick, throw in some garlic for a deeper flavor, or even sneak in some extra vegetables to make it a more well-rounded dish. No matter how you tweak it, Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli always delivers a delicious, takeout-inspired meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Perfect for:

• Quick weeknight dinners
• Family meals
• Meal prepping
• Lazy weekends
• Asian-inspired dinner nights

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe will become a favorite:

• Set It and Forget It: The slow cooker does all the work, giving you tender beef and a rich, flavorful sauce with minimal effort.
• Restaurant-Style Flavors: This recipe recreates the bold, savory-sweet taste of your favorite Chinese takeout, all in the comfort of your home.
• Budget-Friendly: Using affordable cuts of beef like flank steak or chuck roast keeps costs low without sacrificing flavor.
• Healthier Alternative: Control the ingredients and adjust seasonings to make a dish that’s fresher and healthier than takeout.
• Meal Prep Hero: The leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping and planning ahead.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli:

• For the Beef:
  • 1 ½ lbs beef flank steak or chuck roast, sliced thinly
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• For the Broccoli and Sauce:
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water (for slurry)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Flank Steak: This lean cut of beef becomes meltingly tender after hours in the slow cooker.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Balances the savory flavor without making the dish overly salty.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to complement the soy sauce and beef.
• Sesame Oil: Infuses a nutty aroma and authentic flavor to the dish.
• Fresh Broccoli: Adds a crunchy, nutritious element to the tender beef and rich sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli:

Prepare the Beef:

1. Coat the Beef: In a large bowl, toss the sliced beef with cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.

Assemble and Cook:

3. Add to Slow Cooker: Place the beef in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over the top, ensuring the meat is fully coated.
4. Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Prepare the Broccoli and Sauce:

5. Steam the Broccoli: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp. Alternatively, add the broccoli to the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes.
6. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce in the slow cooker and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes to thicken.

Finish and Serve:

7. Combine and Serve: Toss the steamed broccoli with the beef and sauce until well combined. Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.

How to Serve

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and presentations:

• Over Steamed Rice: Serve over jasmine or basmati rice for a classic pairing that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• With Noodles: Toss with cooked lo mein or soba noodles for a hearty noodle dish.
• In a Bowl: Create a balanced bowl with quinoa or cauliflower rice, topped with extra veggies like carrots or snap peas.
• Family Style: Serve on a large platter with rice on the side, perfect for sharing at the dinner table.
• Lunch Prep: Pack into meal prep containers for easy, flavorful lunches throughout the week.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli even better:

• Slice Beef Thinly: Use a sharp knife to cut thin slices of beef across the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Adjust Sweetness: For a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar slightly or substitute with honey for a natural sweetener.
• Use Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a bright, aromatic flavor that powdered ginger can’t replicate.
• Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce for drizzling, double the sauce ingredients and adjust the slurry proportionally.
• Broccoli Texture: Add the broccoli toward the end of cooking for a crunchy texture, or cook it longer for a softer consistency.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 creative variations for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli:

• Spicy Beef and Broccoli: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Honey-Garlic Beef: Replace the brown sugar with honey and add extra garlic for a sweeter, garlicky twist.
• Teriyaki Style: Use teriyaki sauce in place of soy sauce for a slightly sweeter, tangier flavor.
• Citrus Beef and Broccoli: Add a splash of orange juice or zest to the sauce for a refreshing citrus note.
• Mushroom Beef: Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for an earthy flavor and extra texture.
• Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly meal.
• Peanut Butter Sauce: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter for a nutty, creamy addition to the sauce.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap the beef for firm tofu and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Sesame Beef: Top with toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil for a nutty finish.
• Extra Veggie Mix: Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for more color and nutrients.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Cool the cooked beef and broccoli completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid overcooking.

Special Equipment

Here’s the special equipment that will make preparing this dish a breeze:

• Slow Cooker: A 4-6 quart slow cooker is perfect for evenly cooking the beef.
• Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife for slicing the beef thinly against the grain.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board makes prepping the meat and broccoli easier.
• Small Whisk: Useful for mixing the sauce ingredients and slurry smoothly.
• Steamer Basket: Ideal for steaming the broccoli to tender-crisp perfection.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
   Yes, but add it directly to the slow cooker in the last 15 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.
2. Can I substitute chicken for beef?
   Yes, chicken thighs or breasts work well, but adjust the cooking time to prevent overcooking.
3. Can I cook this on high?
   Yes, cook on high for 2-3 hours, but check the beef for tenderness as slow cooking on low yields better results.
4. How can I make it gluten-free?
   Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
5. What if I don’t have sesame oil?
   Substitute with olive oil, though the flavor will differ slightly.

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Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is the ultimate go-to dish for a flavorful, easy meal with minimal effort. The tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory sauce create a perfectly balanced dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. With the slow cooker doing all the work, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or those times when you want to relax while dinner cooks itself.

This dish offers the best of both worlds: the convenience of a slow cooker and the bold flavors of a takeout favorite, all made with wholesome ingredients. Customize it to your taste by adjusting the sauce’s sweetness or adding in your favorite vegetables for an extra twist.

I can’t wait to see how your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli turns out! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your delicious creation. Don’t forget to leave a comment or share how you made this recipe your own! Enjoy!