If you’re craving a takeout classic that you can easily whip up at home, Crockpot Beef and Broccoli will quickly become your new obsession. Succulent beef, sweet-and-savory sauce, and crisp-tender broccoli create the ultimate bowl of comfort—right in your slow cooker! Forget standing over a hot stove; all you need is a handful of pantry staples, your trusty crockpot, and a little patience to let those incredible flavors develop. Get ready for a dinner that feels special and effortless at the same time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli only requires basic, accessible ingredients, but each one plays a critical role. From the umami punch of soy sauce to the fresh bite of broccoli, every item lends something wonderful to your final dish.
- Flank steak or sirloin (1 1/2 pounds): Go for thinly sliced beef, cut against the grain for maximum tenderness in every bite.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Lends depth and a rich, savory backbone to your sauce.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): Provides all the classic salty umami flavor without the sodium overload.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the salty and savory elements.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Just a little gives the dish its irresistible, toasty aroma.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): No Asian-inspired dish is complete without the bold hint of fresh garlic.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, minced or grated): For zesty warmth that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): If you like a little heat, sprinkle these in—you can always dial it up or down to suit your taste.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Mixed into a slurry, this is the secret to achieving that glossy, perfectly thick sauce.
- Cold water (2 tablespoons): Whisked with cornstarch to make sure your sauce thickens smoothly.
- Broccoli florets (4 cups, steamed or blanched): Adds color, crunch, and that perfect, healthy contrast to the savory beef.
- Cooked white rice (for serving): Soaks up all the delicious sauce and turns this into a satisfying meal.
- Sesame seeds and green onions (optional garnishes): For added crunch and a pop of freshness right before serving.
How to Make Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the beef broth, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, freshly minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if you want a kick of heat. Give everything a good whisk until the brown sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth and aromatic—this mix is what will infuse your beef with flavor as it cooks low and slow.
Step 2: Prep and Add the Beef
Thinly slice your flank steak or sirloin against the grain to ensure every piece comes out tender. Layer the slices evenly in your crockpot so they cook uniformly. Pour the sauce you just mixed right over the beef, making sure everything is nicely coated and ready to soak up those flavors.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Perfectly Tender
Cover your crockpot and set it to low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, depending on your schedule. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is fall-apart tender and your kitchen smells absolutely incredible. Don’t rush this step—slow cooking lets all the magic happen!
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, mix together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the crockpot. This step helps the sauce thicken to that classic, glossy consistency you love about restaurant beef and broccoli.
Step 5: Add the Broccoli
Steam or quickly blanch your broccoli florets so they’re bright green and tender-crisp, not mushy. Gently stir the broccoli into the crockpot just before serving, letting it soak up the delicious sauce without overcooking.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the tender beef and saucy broccoli over fluffy white rice. Finish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for that restaurant-worthy touch. Serve piping hot and get ready for rave reviews at your table!
How to Serve Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
Garnishes
Give your Crockpot Beef and Broccoli a finishing touch with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a scattering of fresh green onions. These simple garnishes add both visual flair and a bit of crunch—plus a little freshness that really sets off the rich sauce and beef.
Side Dishes
This dish is a superstar with steamed jasmine or white rice, which soaks up every drop of that thick, savory sauce. For something lighter, try cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Stir-fried vegetables, like snap peas or bell peppers, also make perfect partners if you want to round out your meal with extra color and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli isn’t just for family-style bowls! For a fun twist, serve it in lettuce cups for an interactive dinner, or pile it atop crispy fried rice cakes for a playful appetizer. Meal prep lovers can portion it into jars for delicious, portioned lunches throughout the week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is practically a gift for next-day lunches. Let everything cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors will only deepen as they sit.
Freezing
To freeze, let the beef and broccoli cool completely, then spoon into freezer-safe bags or containers (skip the rice if you’re freezing). Label, date, and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the cooked broccoli separately so it keeps its texture after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat Crockpot Beef and Broccoli gently in a skillet over medium heat, or use the microwave for quick lunches. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened a bit too much. If you’ve frozen the dish, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin are favorites for their tenderness and flavor, you can use chuck roast or even pre-sliced stir fry beef. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary—the key is slicing thin and across the grain.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to create a gluten-free version of Crockpot Beef and Broccoli. Always double-check ingredient labels, especially with store-bought sauces, to make sure your dish is safe for everyone to enjoy.
How can I add more vegetables?
Feel free to add colorful bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots either when you add the broccoli or as a side. This boosts nutrition, adds crunch, and creates a beautiful, vibrant presentation.
Can I make Crockpot Beef and Broccoli ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prep all the ingredients the night before, keeping the beef and sauce together in the crockpot insert in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it into your slow cooker and go about your day. If you’re meal prepping, store portions with the rice and broccoli stirred in for easy grab-and-go lunches.
What’s the best way to keep the broccoli crisp?
For truly crisp-tender broccoli, steam or blanch it just before serving and stir it in at the very end. This keeps it bright green and avoids that dreaded mushy texture, even after reheating leftovers.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a fuss-free, flavor-packed family dinner, you can’t beat Crockpot Beef and Broccoli. The combination of melt-in-your-mouth beef, vibrant broccoli, and deeply savory sauce is impossible to resist. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes your very own weeknight tradition!
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Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic Asian-inspired dish at home. Tender slices of beef are slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce and paired with crisp broccoli, creating a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced or grated)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Thickening:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For Serving:
- 4 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
- cooked white rice
- sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Cook the Beef: Place sliced beef into the crockpot and pour the sauce over the top. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until beef is tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Just before serving, steam or blanch the broccoli until tender-crisp and stir it into the beef mixture. Serve hot over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice.
- You can add carrots or bell peppers for extra veggies and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (without rice)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
