Mouthwatering Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli is a simple and tasty dish featuring tender beef cooked low and slow in a flavorful sauce, paired perfectly with crisp broccoli. The rich sauce clings to every bite, giving you that classic takeout vibe right from your slow cooker. It’s a great mix of hearty and fresh flavors that just works every time.
I love how easy this recipe is to put together. Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do its magic while you go about your day. The beef turns out super tender without needing much attention, and the broccoli stays nice and bright when added toward the end. I always make a little extra sauce because it’s perfect for spooning over rice or noodles.
One fun thing I like to do is serve this with some steamed jasmine rice and a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for some added crunch and color. It’s a meal that feels comforting but isn’t heavy, and everyone I’ve shared it with keeps asking for the recipe. That’s the kind of dinner I love making on busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak or sirloin works best because they’re tender and slice nicely against the grain. If you want a budget option, chuck roast sliced thin can also work but may need longer cooking.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best texture and color. Frozen broccoli is okay but can become soggy if added too early. Add fresh toward the end for that nice crunch.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce controls saltiness well. You can substitute tamari for a gluten-free and slightly richer flavor. Coconut aminos is a good soy-free alternative.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and depth. Feel free to swap with honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh is ideal for that punch of flavor. Ground or powdered versions can be used in a pinch, but fresh gives the best aroma.
How Do You Keep the Broccoli Crisp and Bright in a Slow Cooker?
Broccoli can get mushy when cooked too long in a crock pot, so timing is key. Follow these tips:
- Add the broccoli florets during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This gives them enough heat to become tender but keeps their bright color and slight crunch.
- If your crock pot runs hot, consider steaming or microwaving the broccoli separately and adding it just before serving to avoid overcooking.
- Stir gently after adding broccoli to coat it well with the sauce without breaking it up.
These small steps help keep your dish fresh and inviting every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot or slow cooker – perfect for cooking beef slowly until tender without much fuss.
- Sharp knife – helps you slice the beef thinly and evenly against the grain.
- Cutting board – sturdy surface for slicing meat and chopping broccoli safely.
- Mixing bowl – for whisking together the sauce ingredients easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the sauce flavors balanced just right.
- Small bowl – to mix the cornstarch slurry that thickens the sauce nicely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef with sliced chicken breast or thighs for a lighter, quicker-cooking option that still absorbs the sauce well.
- Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas with the broccoli for extra color and crunch.
- Stir in a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or fresh chopped chili for a spicier kick.
- Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free, slightly sweeter flavor.
Mouthwatering Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 5 to 6 hours cooking time on low (or 2 to 3 hours on high) in the crock pot. Add 20-30 minutes at the end to cook the broccoli and thicken the sauce, so plan for roughly 6 hours or a little less if cooking on high.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef and Sauce:
Place the thinly sliced beef into the crock pot. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Pour this sauce mixture over the beef.
2. Slow Cook the Beef:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the beef is tender and flavorful.
3. Add Broccoli and Thicken Sauce:
About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the crock pot. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the crock pot to thicken the sauce. Continue cooking for 20 to 30 minutes until the sauce thickens and the broccoli becomes tender but still crisp.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the beef and broccoli over cooked white rice. Sprinkle with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if you’d like a little extra heat. Enjoy your delicious, comforting meal!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, but add frozen broccoli in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming too mushy. Thaw it slightly beforehand for best texture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can slice the beef and prep the sauce a day ahead. Refrigerate separately and combine in the crock pot when ready to cook.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
