Beef and broccoli is a classic takeout favorite, but did you know you can make it easily at home in your slow cooker? This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe brings all the bold flavors of your favorite Chinese dish while being incredibly simple to prepare. With tender, juicy beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce, this dish is a guaranteed hit for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Easy & Hands-Off: Let your slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.
- Healthier than Takeout: No added MSG, less oil, and fresh ingredients.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable cuts of beef and pantry staples.
Ingredients
For the Beef & Broccoli:
- 1.5 lbs flank steak or sirloin, sliced thinly against the grain
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional, but recommended)
- Cooked white rice or brown rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Check out: Best Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl Recipe
Instructions: Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Thinly slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Mince the garlic and slice the onion.
Step 2: Create the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and ginger.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef
- Add the sliced beef, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and mix to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours or HIGH for 3 hours until the beef is tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Stir the mixture into the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes to thicken.
Step 5: Add the Broccoli
- Stir in the fresh broccoli and cover. Let it steam for 10-15 minutes until it reaches your desired tenderness.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Tips for Success
- Use the Right Cut of Beef: Flank steak, sirloin, or chuck roast work best for slow cooking.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Add more or less brown sugar/honey to match your taste.
- For Extra Flavor: Add a dash of hoisin sauce or oyster sauce for depth.
- Make It Spicier: Increase red pepper flakes or add Sriracha.
- Want a Low-Carb Option? Serve over cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portion-sized bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
FAQs: Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t become too soft.
2. Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Try this recipe with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a different twist.
3. What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute it with arrowroot powder or flour. Just mix with water before adding.
4. Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes! Sauté the beef over medium-high heat, add the sauce, and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the broccoli and cook for another 5 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a must-try recipe that’s better than takeout, easy to make, and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a stress-free dinner or a meal prep favorite, this dish delivers every time. Try it tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Happy Cooking! 🍲
Read more: Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Recipe
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Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli : Easy Meal
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a tender, flavorful dish with thinly sliced beef simmered in a rich, savory-sweet sauce and served with crisp-tender broccoli. It’s a perfect homemade version of the takeout favorite, made effortlessly in the crockpot. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete, satisfying meal!
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 ½ lbs flank steak (or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup beef broth (or water)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For the Broccoli:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish (Optional):
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef:
- Place the sliced beef in a large bowl and toss with cornstarch to coat evenly. This helps thicken the sauce later.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat and quickly sear the beef for 1-2 minutes per side (optional but adds great flavor).
2. Make the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil.
3. Slow Cook:
- Add the beef and sauce to the slow cooker. Stir to coat the beef evenly.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender.
4. Add the Broccoli:
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets and 2 tablespoons of water to the slow cooker. Stir, cover, and continue cooking until the broccoli is crisp-tender.
5. Serve:
- Stir everything together, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve over white rice, brown rice, or noodles. Enjoy!
Notes
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it in 30 minutes before serving.
- Make it Spicier: Add sriracha or more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Asian, Slow Cooker, Takeout-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
Keywords: Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, Crockpot Beef Recipe, Takeout Beef and Broccoli, Easy Asian Beef Recipe