Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
If you’re craving that perfect balance of tender, flavorful beef and vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli all cooked effortlessly, this Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a delightful twist on a classic takeout favorite made incredibly simple with the convenience of a slow cooker. The rich, savory sauce infused with garlic, soy, and a hint of sweetness makes every bite irresistible, proving that homemade comfort food can be both impressive and easy. Let me take you through how to bring this mouthwatering dish to life in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this dish is both straightforward and essential. Each one plays a key role in building that signature Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe flavor, from the tender beef texture to the sauce’s sweet-savory balance and the broccoli’s fresh crunch.
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak or beef chuck: Sliced thin against the grain to ensure tenderness and ease of eating.
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth: Adds a rich, meaty base without overwhelming sodium.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Brings the classic umami depth with controlled saltiness.
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar: Balances the savory with just the right hint of sweetness.
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil: Imparts a nutty, aromatic layer of flavor.
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic: For that irresistible fragrant sharpness.
- 2-3 Tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for the perfect clingy coating on beef and broccoli.
- 3-4 cups chopped broccoli (fresh or frozen): Adds color, crunch, and a nutritional boost to the dish.
How to Make Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing your flank steak or beef chuck thinly against the grain. This step is crucial — slicing correctly will make the meat tender and easy to chew, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth feeling after slow cooking. Place the beef strips directly into the base of your crockpot, setting the stage for that flavorful soak.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a medium bowl, mix the beef broth, low-sodium soy sauce, light brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic vigorously until everything is beautifully combined. This sauce is the heart of the Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes that will soak deep into your beef.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Pour the sauce over the beef in the crockpot, ensuring all those juicy strips are well coated. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the beef will absorb all those gorgeous flavors and become incredibly tender, transforming this dish from simple ingredients to a comforting classic.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce and Add Broccoli
When the beef is ready, remove about 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid and whisk in the cornstarch until smooth—this little trick creates a luscious sauce that clings perfectly. Stir this mixture back into the crockpot, add the chopped broccoli, and let it cook on high for another 20 minutes or until the broccoli is tender but still crisp. This timing keeps the veggies vibrant and fresh.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give the dish a final taste and adjust any seasoning if needed. Once everything is beautifully melded, serve your Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe piping hot, ideally over fluffy rice to soak up all that savory goodness.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds brings a lovely nutty crunch and an extra layer of flavor that complements the sesame oil in the sauce beautifully. Fresh chopped green onions also brighten the dish, adding color and a fresh bite.
Side Dishes
While this beef and broccoli dish shines on its own, serving it alongside jasmine or basmati rice is a classic choice that soaks up the sauce wonderfully. For some variety, try it with steamed noodles or quinoa for a protein-packed alternative.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe in lettuce wraps or over a bed of cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. You could even turn it into a hearty stir-fry bowl with extra veggies like snap peas or bell peppers for more color and crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making it an excellent option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool the dish completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking the beef and broccoli. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak and beef chuck are excellent choices for tenderness and flavor, you can try sirloin or skirt steak sliced thin as well. Just be mindful of cooking times since some cuts may require less time to stay juicy.
Do I have to use fresh broccoli?
Nope! Both fresh and frozen broccoli work well in this recipe. Frozen broccoli is convenient and holds up nicely when cooked the last 20 minutes in the crockpot.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and double-check your beef broth’s ingredients. This swap keeps all the deliciousness intact without gluten worries.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is great for making ahead. You can slice the beef and mix the sauce the night before, then assemble and cook in the morning. It’s perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready without stress.
How do I get the broccoli perfectly tender without overcooking?
Adding the broccoli in the final 20 minutes of cooking on high is key. This timing allows it to soften while retaining a slight crunch and vibrant color, which really elevates the dish visually and texturally.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about making a homemade meal that tastes like it came from your favorite takeout spot but better. This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is one of those gems: simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and utterly comforting. I can’t wait for you to try it and share that warm, cozy feeling at your own dinner table.
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Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli recipe offers a tender, flavorful twist on a classic Chinese-American dish, made easy with a slow cooker. Thinly sliced flank steak simmers in a savory sauce of soy, beef broth, garlic, and sesame oil before being combined with fresh or frozen broccoli. The dish is thickened with cornstarch and perfect served over rice for a comforting, hands-off weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak (or beef chuck), sliced thinly against the grain
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
Thickening and Vegetables
- 2–3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 3–4 cups chopped broccoli, fresh or frozen
Instructions
- Add beef to crockpot: Place the thinly sliced flank steak or beef chuck strips into the base of your crockpot, evenly distributing the meat.
- Prepare sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, low-sodium soy sauce, light brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Cook beef: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is fully cooked and tender.
- Thicken sauce and add broccoli: Remove about 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid from the crockpot (or measure 1/4 cup water). Whisk in 2 to 3 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth, then stir this mixture back into the crockpot. Add the chopped broccoli on top.
- Finish cooking: Increase the crockpot setting to high and cook for an additional 20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender yet crisp. Season with salt or pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the beef and broccoli hot over steamed rice. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Using low-sodium soy sauce keeps the dish flavorful without being too salty.
- You can substitute frozen broccoli if fresh is not available; just ensure it’s chopped to bite-sized pieces.
- Adjust the amount of cornstarch to reach your desired sauce thickness.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine or basmati rice.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
