This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli recipe is a flavorful, comforting dish that brings takeout-style satisfaction right to my kitchen. With tender beef, a rich savory sauce, and fresh broccoli, it’s an easy, hands-off meal that’s perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends. Slow cooking lets the flavors develop beautifully while keeping the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. I just throw everything into the slow cooker, let it simmer low and slow, and come back to a delicious, hot meal. It’s healthier and more affordable than ordering out, and I get to control the ingredients. Plus, it’s family-friendly and makes great leftovers.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
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Beef broth
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Low-sodium soy sauce
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Brown sugar
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Sesame oil
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Garlic, minced
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Cornstarch
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Water
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Broccoli florets
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Cooked white or jasmine rice (for serving, optional)
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Optional garnish: sesame seeds, green onions
Directions
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I start by placing the sliced beef in the crockpot.
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In a bowl, I mix together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. I pour this mixture over the beef.
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I cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the beef is tender.
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About 30 minutes before serving, I whisk the cornstarch and water together, then stir it into the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
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I add the broccoli florets, cover again, and let everything cook for the final 30 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
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I serve it hot over rice and top with sesame seeds or green onions if I want an extra touch of flavor.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 hours on low (or 3 hours on high)
Total time: About 5 hours and 10 minutes
Variations
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I sometimes swap the beef for chicken thighs for a different take.
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For a spicier version, I add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
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To keep it low-carb, I serve it with cauliflower rice or just on its own.
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I like to add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for more veggies and variety.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I warm it in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until heated through. I can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
How do I keep the broccoli from getting mushy?
I always add the broccoli in the last 30 minutes of cooking. That way it stays bright and tender-crisp instead of overcooked.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, when I’m short on time, I cook it on high for about 2.5 to 3 hours instead of the full 5 hours on low.
What kind of beef is best for this recipe?
I prefer flank steak or sirloin because they get very tender in the slow cooker. I just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, I can use frozen broccoli if I don’t have fresh. I still add it in the last 30 minutes, but I don’t need to thaw it first.
Is it okay to freeze this meal?
Yes, I freeze cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, I thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli recipe is my go-to when I want something cozy, hearty, and easy to prepare. The rich, savory sauce and tender beef pair perfectly with crisp-tender broccoli and fluffy rice. Whether I’m feeding family, meal prepping, or just craving something delicious, this dish always hits the spot.
Print
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli recipe is a flavorful and comforting takeout-style meal made easy at home. Slow-cooked beef in a rich, savory sauce with tender broccoli, perfect over rice.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- Cooked white or jasmine rice, for serving (optional)
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds, sliced green onions
Instructions
- Place sliced beef in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Pour over the beef.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2.5-3 hours until beef is tender.
- Whisk cornstarch and water together and stir into the crockpot 30 minutes before serving.
- Add broccoli florets, cover, and cook for another 30 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Serve hot over rice and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Add broccoli only in the last 30 minutes to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Use frozen broccoli if needed; no need to thaw first.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicier kick.
- Serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approximate)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg