There’s nothing like the savory aroma of beef and broccoli simmering away in your kitchen, filling the air with warmth and comfort. This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is a favorite for busy weeknights, making dinner feel like a cozy hug after a long day. It’s all the goodness of takeout but made right at home!
Imagine tender beef soaked in an umami-rich sauce, perfectly paired with crisp-tender broccoli. It’s simple and satisfying, like the version you’d get at your favorite Chinese restaurant, but you don’t need to order out. Just toss everything in your crockpot, let it work its magic, and savor a wholesome meal without any fuss.
I started making this dish during snowy winters back in 2015. The first time my kids tasted it, their eyes lit up, and they raved about it for days. The trick? Add a splash of soy sauce at the end for an extra depth of flavora little hack that takes it from good to fantastic! Over the years, this cozy dish has become a beloved staple at our dinner table.
Thomas Baker
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe Easy and Delicious
This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli recipe is a simple and flavorful meal that anyone can prepare with minimal effort. Tender strips of beef cook slowly in a savory sauce until juicy and soft, then fresh broccoli is added for a nutritious finish. Perfect for a hearty dinner served over rice, this dish brings together classic tastes with the convenience of a crockpot.
1 ½ pounds flank steak or beef chuck sliced against the grain in thin strips
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup light brown sugar
1 Tablespoon sesame oil
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
2-3 Tablespoons cornstarch
3-4 cups chopped broccoli frozen or fresh
For serving: Cooked rice
For serving: Sesame seeds
Method
Place the sliced beef at the bottom of your crockpot.
In a bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic and mix well.
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the beef in the crockpot.
Set the crockpot to low and let the beef cook for 3 to 4 hours until it becomes tender.
Carefully remove about ¼ cup of the cooking liquid and whisk in the cornstarch until smooth.
Stir this cornstarch mixture back into the crockpot and add the broccoli on top.
Increase the heat to high and cook for another 20 minutes or until the broccoli reaches your desired tenderness.
Give everything a good stir and season to taste if desired.
Serve the beef and broccoli hot over cooked rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds to finish.
Notes
Make sure to slice the beef against the grain for the most tender results. You can use frozen broccoli for convenience or fresh if you prefer. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple and Convenient: With just a few ingredients, you can have a cozy meal ready with minimal effort.
Hearty and Flavorful: Tender beef in a savory sauce, balanced by crisp broccolicomfort food at its finest.
Make Ahead: Perfect for meal prep! Just toss everything in your crockpot and let it do the work while you take care of other things.
Perfect for Family Dinners: A hit with everyone! This dish brings smiles to the table, making it an ideal weeknight favorite.
Key Ingredients & Tools
Before we dive into cooking, let’s chat about what you’ll need:
Flank Steak (or Beef Chuck): The star of the dish, sliced against the grain for tenderness.
Low-Sodium Beef Broth: Provides depth to the sauce without being overly salty.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Essential for flavor, and you can adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.
Light Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the savory notes beautifully.
Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma that makes this dish feel special.
Minced Garlic: Because who doesn’t love the aroma of garlic cooking?
Crockpot: Your trusty kitchen companion for this recipedon’t forget to give it a little love too!
How It Works: Step-by-Step
Start by placing 1 ½ pounds of sliced beef in your crockpot.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of beef broth, ½ cup of soy sauce, ⅓ cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
Pour the sauce over the beef, making sure every piece is lovingly coated.
Cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is beautifully tender.
After that, it’s time to add in your broccoli! Remove ¼ cup of liquid from the pot, whisk in 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch, and mix it all back into the crockpot.
Add 3-4 cups of chopped broccoli and let it cook on high for another 20 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then serve it over warm rice, topped with sesame seeds for that extra touch!
Troubleshooting Tips
Even the best of us run into hiccups occasionally. Here are some handy tips:
Too Salty? Add a little sugar or water to balance it out.
Beef Not Tender? Cook it a bit longer on low; some cuts may take more time.
Broccoli Soggy? Add it later next time to keep it vibrant and crunchy!
Customization Tweaks
Your kitchen, your rules! Here are some ideas to make this dish your own:
Protein Swaps: Try chicken or tofu for a different twist.
Add Veggies: Bell peppers or snap peas can bring more color and nutrition.
Sauce Variation: A splash of rice vinegar could enhance the flavor if you like things tangy!
Serving & Storage Tips
Tip
Details
Serving:
Best served over ricewhite or brown! Don’t forget those sesame seeds for garnish.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
This dish freezes well! Just thaw overnight before reheating.
Expert Says
Using a crockpot for beef and broccoli allows for deeper flavors as the slow cooking process tenderizes the meat, breaking down collagen for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Additionally, the low-temperature cooking helps retain the vibrant color and nutrients of broccoli, making this dish both satisfying and nutritious.
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The Road to an Unforgettable Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli took me a handful of attempts to get just right. I’ll never forget the time I accidentally confused cornstarch for powdered sugarlet’s just say the outcome was interesting! Now, after all those trials, I’ve found the balance of tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and a savory sauce that feels like home.
FAQs (Crockpot Beef and Broccoli)
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy. There’s no need to thaw it first – just toss it in straight from the freezer for best texture.
What cut of beef works best for this dish?
Flank steak or sirloin are ideal choices because they stay tender during slow cooking. Chuck roast also works beautifully and becomes incredibly tender. Slice the meat thinly against the grain before or after cooking for the most tender results.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker during the last 15-20 minutes on high heat. The sauce will thicken beautifully as it continues to cook.
Can I cook this meal on high instead of low?
Absolutely! Cook on high for 2-3 hours instead of low for 4-5 hours. The beef will still be tender, though low and slow typically yields the most melt-in-your-mouth texture. Just monitor it to avoid overcooking the meat.
What should I serve with this stir-fry?
White rice or brown rice are classic pairings that soak up the delicious sauce perfectly. Cauliflower rice makes a great low-carb option, or try it over noodles for variety. A side of steamed vegetables rounds out the meal nicely.
Conclusion
You’ll adore how this Crockpot Beef and Broccoli turns outso tasty and comforting! With just a few hours, you’ll fill your home with a rich aroma that invites everyone to the table. It’s a surefire hit for busy nights!
Feeling adventurous? Try adding some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or throw in some snap peas for a pop of color. Leftovers reheat beautifullyheat them gently in the microwave to keep that beef tender. A trick I learned from my aunt: make sure to chop your broccoli just before serving for the best crunch.
I’d love to see how yours turns out! Did you have a similar dish growing up? Share your photos or stories! Don’t forget to save or share this recipe with your loved onesit’s a keeper that brings everyone together over delicious food.
