Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe

There is something truly magical about this Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe that makes it a go-to for busy weeknights and casual dinners alike. Tender slices of beef slow-cooked to perfection mingle with vibrant broccoli florets, all brought together by a savory and slightly sweet sauce that feels both comforting and fresh. The ease of tossing everything in the crockpot and letting it do its thing means you get to come home to an irresistible meal that tastes like you spent hours preparing. Whether you’re a slow cooker novice or a seasoned pro, this dish promises a warm hug of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe plays an essential part in building those rich, layered flavors and textures that make it unforgettable. From the meaty bite of flank steak to the bright crunch of broccoli, the balance is just right.

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin beef: Thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness and easy shredding during cooking.
• 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, they add a vibrant pop of color and a satisfying crunch.
• 1/2 cup soy sauce: The salty umami backbone that infuses the dish with deep savory flavor.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the soy sauce perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: For a warm, nutty aroma that elevates the entire sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings pungent, aromatic notes that breathe life into the dish.
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: Or ground ginger for a gentle spicy zip, brightening the flavors.
• 1/4 cup water: Helps blend the sauce ingredients without diluting the taste.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): Perfect for thickening the sauce to achieve that glossy, restaurant-quality finish.
• 2 tablespoons cold water (if using cornstarch): To create a smooth slurry ensuring no lumps in your sauce.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional): Adds a subtle tang to balance the richness.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish, optional): Offers a slight crunch and visual appeal when sprinkled on top.
• Cooked rice (for serving): The perfect base to soak up every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

How to Make Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start with slicing your flank steak or sirloin against the grain — this is key for tenderness after slow cooking. Slicing thin strips about a quarter-inch thick ensures the meat will cook evenly and soak up the delicious sauce. If your beef is too soft to slice cleanly, pop it in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to firm it up just enough.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

Whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, water, and rice vinegar if you’re using it. This blend is where the magic happens, marrying sweet, salty, and aromatic notes that will elevate your beef and broccoli. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry and add it to the mixture early on.

Step 3: Add Beef and Sauce to the Crockpot

Layer the sliced beef in the bottom of your crockpot, then pour the sauce over top. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure each piece of beef is well coated. This even distribution lets the meat absorb those flavors fully as it cooks low and slow.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The goal here is tender beef that practically falls apart with a fork, infused throughout with the umami-rich sauce.

Step 5: Add the Broccoli

About 30 minutes before mealtime, toss the broccoli florets into the crockpot and mix them into the beef and sauce. Whether fresh or frozen, this last-minute addition keeps the broccoli bright green and crisp-tender, adding texture contrast to your dish.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you’re a fan of a saucier stew, now’s the time to stir in one more cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) into the crockpot. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce to glossy perfection.

Step 7: Serve

Dish out generous portions of your Crockpot Beef and Broccoli over fluffy, steamed rice. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a final flourish if you like. Every bite should offer tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and that savory-sweet sauce that makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

How to Serve Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions to your Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe for a burst of color and an extra layer of flavor and crunch. A drizzle of sriracha or chili flakes can also add a kick, balancing the sweetness with heat.

Side Dishes

While served perfectly atop steamed jasmine or basmati rice, this dish also pairs wonderfully with simple stir-fried noodles, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even a crisp Asian-style slaw to freshen things up alongside the warm beef and broccoli.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, transform this classic into lettuce wraps with crisp butter lettuce leaves holding spoonfuls of beef and broccoli, or use it as a filling for steamed bao buns. It’s also fantastic as a hearty topping for baked potatoes, giving you endless ways to enjoy your Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping or turning last night’s feast into tomorrow’s easy lunch.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to keep it longer. Place cooled leftovers into freezer-friendly containers or bags, removing as much air as possible, and store for up to 3 months. Note that broccoli texture may soften after freezing but the flavors will stay fantastic.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your Crockpot Beef and Broccoli gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much while stored. Reheat slowly to maintain tenderness and avoid drying out the beef.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for the Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin are ideal for tenderness and flavor, you can also use chuck roast or skirt steak. Just be sure to slice against the grain and adjust cooking times slightly if needed.

Do I have to use fresh broccoli or can I use frozen?

Either works perfectly. Frozen broccoli is convenient and should be added at the same step as fresh broccoli in the recipe. Just keep in mind frozen broccoli might release a bit more water, so you may want to thicken the sauce a little extra.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe?

You can swap the beef for hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini and use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce if you want a vegetarian take. Cooking times will vary, so keep an eye on the texture.

Can I make this recipe faster without a crockpot?

Yes! You can cook the beef and sauce on the stovetop over medium-low heat until tender, which usually takes about 30-40 minutes. Then add the broccoli and cook until tender-crisp. The crockpot just gives you that slow-cooked depth with less hands-on time.

How do I get the sauce to the perfect thickness?

Adding the cornstarch slurry toward the end of cooking thickens the sauce beautifully. If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply skip the cornstarch. For a thicker sauce, make sure to stir the slurry in well and allow the crockpot to cook it a bit more to activate the thickening.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is a true kitchen champion, combining effortless prep with soul-warming flavor that hits all the right notes. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone who loves classic Asian-inspired dishes without the fuss. Next time you want an easy, delicious meal that feels special, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite!

Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe

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4.2 from 30 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli recipe offers a deliciously tender and flavorful take on a classic Chinese-American dish. Using a slow cooker, the beef is perfectly cooked to juicy tenderness while infused with a savory soy-ginger sauce. Broccoli is added near the end to maintain its vibrant color and slight crunch. Served over steamed rice and garnished with sesame seeds, this comforting meal is straightforward to prepare and perfect for busy days.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef and Vegetables

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin beef, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

Sauce

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)

Thickening Agent (Optional)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Garnish and Serving

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: Thinly slice the flank steak or sirloin against the grain into strips about 1/4-inch thick. To make slicing easier, freeze the beef for 20-30 minutes before cutting.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, water, and rice vinegar if using. For a thicker sauce, prepare a slurry by mixing cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the sauce mixture.
3. Add Beef and Sauce to the Crockpot: Place the sliced beef in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the sauce over the beef and stir to ensure the strips are evenly coated.
4. Cook the Beef: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the beef becomes tender and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
5. Add the Broccoli: About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the crockpot. Stir to mix the broccoli evenly with the beef and sauce. This timing preserves the broccoli’s color and crunch. If using frozen broccoli, add it at this step as well.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you desire a thicker sauce, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the crockpot 10-15 minutes before serving. Allow the sauce to thicken as it cooks.
7. Serve: Serve the beef and broccoli mixture hot over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired for added flavor and texture.

Notes

• Freezing the beef slightly before slicing helps achieve thinner, more uniform strips.
• Adding broccoli late in the cooking process prevents it from becoming mushy and maintains its bright green color.
• The cornstarch slurry is optional but recommended if you prefer a thickened sauce.
• Use fresh ginger for a more vibrant flavor, but ground ginger works in a pinch.
• Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese-American