Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is a simple and tasty dish that brings together tender, slow-cooked beef with fresh, crisp broccoli in a flavorful, slightly sweet sauce. The beef turns wonderfully…
Tip: save now, cook later.Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is a simple and tasty dish that brings together tender, slow-cooked beef with fresh, crisp broccoli in a flavorful, slightly sweet sauce. The beef turns wonderfully soft while soaking up all the delicious juices, making every bite comforting and satisfying. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic takeout favorite right from your own kitchen.
I love how easy this recipe is—just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do its magic while you go about your day. The long cooking time makes the beef melt in your mouth, and the broccoli stays nice and bright when added near the end. I always find myself looking forward to this meal because it tastes like I spent hours cooking, but really it’s mostly hands-off.
My favorite way to eat crockpot beef and broccoli is served over a big bowl of steamed rice or noodles, soaking up all that tasty sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something warm and filling without a lot of fuss. I also like to add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a little extra garlic soy sauce on top—just to give it a bit of a special touch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I use flank steak or sirloin because they stay tender and soak up the sauce well. If you want a leaner option, try top round or even thinly sliced chuck roast for a richer flavor.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best texture and color. If fresh isn’t available, frozen broccoli works but add it later to avoid overcooking and mushiness.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness since the sauce reduces in the slow cooker. Tamari or coconut aminos are good gluten-free swaps.
Brown Sugar: This adds a nice touch of sweetness to balance the salty sauce. Honey or maple syrup can replace it if you prefer natural sweeteners.
Cornstarch: Used for thickening the sauce at the end. You can substitute arrowroot powder or potato starch if needed.
How Do You Keep Broccoli Crisp and Bright in a Slow Cooker?
Broccoli can get soft and dull if cooked too long in a slow cooker. To keep it crisp and green:
- Add the broccoli only in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This gives it time to soften but not mush.
- Use the HIGH setting after adding broccoli to speed up cooking and help it stay bright.
- Don’t cover the slow cooker all the time; slightly lifting the lid can help release steam and prevent sogginess.
- Stir gently when you add the cornstarch slurry to avoid breaking the broccoli florets.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – perfect for gently cooking the beef until it’s tender without much effort.
- Sharp knife – helps you slice the beef thinly and evenly for quick cooking.
- Cutting board – gives you a stable surface to prep the beef and broccoli safely.
- Mixing bowl – for whisking together the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the sauce flavors just right every time.
- Small bowl – handy for mixing the cornstarch and water slurry to thicken the sauce.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef for chicken thighs – they stay juicy in the slow cooker and work great with the sauce.
- Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas with the broccoli for more crunch and color.
- Stir in a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Try using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a slightly sweeter, gluten-free option.
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1.5 pounds beef flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Vegetables and Thickening:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Serving and Garnish:
- Cooked white rice
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 4 to 6 hours cooking time on low in the crockpot. Add 30 minutes at the end for cooking the broccoli and thickening the sauce. It’s a great set-it-and-forget-it meal perfect for busy days.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef and Sauce:
Place the thinly sliced beef at the bottom of your crockpot. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, whisking until smooth. Pour this sauce over the beef, gently tossing the meat to coat it evenly.
2. Slow Cook the Beef:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the beef is tender and flavorful.
3. Add Broccoli and Thicken the Sauce:
About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the crockpot. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth, then stir this mixture into the crockpot. Cover and change the setting to high. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes more, until the broccoli is tender but still crisp and the sauce has thickened nicely.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the beef and broccoli over cooked white rice. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a little extra flavor and crunch. Enjoy your hearty and delicious slow cooker meal!
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh beef that’s been thinly sliced for even cooking. If using frozen beef, thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before adding it to the crockpot to ensure it cooks properly.
Can I Substitute Broccoli with Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Snap peas, bell peppers, or green beans are great alternatives. Add them at the same time as the broccoli to keep their texture crisp and fresh.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover beef and broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the beef and sauce mixture the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, add it to the crockpot and follow the recipe as usual. Add fresh broccoli toward the end as instructed for best texture.
