This Mouthwatering Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli is the perfect mix of tender beef strips and fresh, crisp broccoli all cooked slowly in a delicious savory sauce. It’s a simple, no-fuss dish that fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma and makes dinner time easy and satisfying. The slow cooker does all the hard work, letting the flavors blend beautifully while you go about your day.
I love how the beef comes out so soft it almost melts in your mouth, and the broccoli stays just right — not mushy but perfectly cooked. I usually like to serve this over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up all that tasty sauce. If you want an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like it came from a restaurant, this recipe is a go-to in my house.
One fun tip I’ve picked up is to toss the broccoli in during the last 30 minutes of cooking so it keeps its bright color and crunch. It makes such a difference! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some greens into a meal that everyone loves. Whenever I make this, I know there won’t be any leftovers because it’s just that good and comforting.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I prefer flank steak or sirloin because they stay tender and soak up the sauce well. If you want a leaner option, try using lean ground beef or even thinly sliced chicken breast.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best crunch and color. If you can’t find fresh, frozen broccoli works too—just add it toward the end like fresh to avoid overcooking.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce helps keep the salt balanced. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos as a great substitute.
Beef Broth: This adds rich flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have broth on hand, use water with a bit of beef bouillon or soy sauce to boost taste.
Brown Sugar: It brings a touch of sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce. You can swap with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
Sesame Oil: This gives a nice nutty flavor and aroma. If you don’t have it, vegetable or olive oil works, but add toasted sesame seeds for signal flavor.
How Do You Keep Broccoli Crisp in a Slow Cooker?
Broccoli can turn mushy if cooked too long in a slow cooker. Here’s my trick for perfect crunchy broccoli:
- Add broccoli florets in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This is just enough time to soften them without losing their color or bite.
- Keep the slow cooker on low heat during this time to avoid overcooking.
- Stir gently when adding the broccoli to make sure it’s coated with sauce but not broken up.
This way, your broccoli stays bright green with a nice crunch, making the dish fresh and balanced.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – the star of this recipe that lets the beef become tender and flavors meld without constant watching.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – for slicing the beef thinly and chopping broccoli with ease.
- Mixing bowl – to whisk together the sauce ingredients quickly and evenly.
- Small bowl and spoon – to make the cornstarch slurry that thickens the sauce perfectly.
- Serving spoon – to scoop out the beef, broccoli, and sauce onto rice easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef for thinly sliced chicken or pork for a different protein that cooks well in the slow cooker and pairs nicely with broccoli.
- Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to add some heat and spice.
- Top with toasted cashews or peanuts for an extra nutty texture and flavor boost before serving.
Mouthwatering Crock Pot Beef And Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef and Sauce:
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For The Broccoli and Thickening:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Serving and Garnish:
- Cooked white rice
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
Time Needed:
This meal takes about 4 to 5 hours for cooking in the slow cooker, plus a little extra time for prepping and adding the broccoli near the end. It’s mostly hands-off cooking, which makes it perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef and Sauce:
Place the thinly sliced beef into your slow cooker. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce mixture over the beef, making sure everything gets coated well.
2. Slow Cook the Beef:
Cover the slow cooker and let the beef cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, until it becomes tender and full of flavor.
3. Add Broccoli and Thicken Sauce:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth to make a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker to help thicken the sauce. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened nicely.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the beef and broccoli over steamed white rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you like for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Enjoy your tender, savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli! It’s a simple and delicious dish full of rich flavors and fresh veggies.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but add it in during the last 20-25 minutes to avoid overcooking. Frozen broccoli tends to release more water, so monitor the sauce thickness and adjust cooking time if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and sauce mixture and refrigerate it overnight before cooking. Add broccoli fresh during the last part of cooking for the best texture.
What’s the Best Way to Slice the Beef?
Be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain. This helps keep it tender and easy to chew after slow cooking.
