Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli: Easy Dinner
Effortless Comfort Food Beef.
Juicy, tender beef and crisp broccoli simmered in a rich, savory sauce—all made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
I remember the first time I made this. It was one of those gray, busy Tuesdays where the day just gets away from you. I threw everything into the slow cooker in the morning, feeling a bit frazzled, and honestly forgot about it. When I walked back in the door that evening, the aroma just wrapped around me like a warm hug. The beef was fall-apart tender, and the sauce was perfect. It felt like I’d given my future self a gift. Now, it’s a staple for those days when I know I’ll need a little extra comfort waiting for me at home.
Why You'll Adore This Recipe
- •It’s a true 'set it and forget it' meal, perfect for busy days.
- •The beef becomes incredibly tender and just melts in your mouth.
- •The sauce is that perfect balance of savory, sweet, and rich.
- •It feels like a special takeout treat, but made right in your own kitchen.
- •Your whole house will smell absolutely amazing while it cooks.
- •Clean-up is a breeze with just one pot.
Wow, this is a game-changer. My family thinks I spent hours on this, but it was honestly the easiest meal I’ve made all week. The beef is so tender, and the sauce is better than any restaurant. This is officially in our regular rotation!
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is just wonderful for slow cooking. It has enough fat to keep the beef moist and becomes so, so tender after a few hours. Flank steak also works beautifully if you prefer a leaner cut.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This is a key detail, honestly. Regular soy sauce can make the final dish a bit too salty since the flavors concentrate in the slow cooker. Low-sodium gives you all the flavor and more control.
- Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Please, if you can, use fresh. The aroma and bright, zesty flavor from fresh ginger and garlic make such a difference. It’s that little touch that makes it feel homemade and special.
- Broccoli Florets: Wait to add these until the very end! This keeps them from getting mushy, so you have that lovely, tender-crisp texture that contrasts so well with the soft beef.
Complete Cooking Process
- Take a quiet moment to thinly slice your beef. Remember to slice against the grain for the most tender result.
- In a bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients—the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. It'll smell amazing already.
- Combine the beef and sauce in the slow cooker. Give it a little stir and you're done for now.
- Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Now, go about your day.
- Enjoy the rich, savory aroma that will start to fill your home. It’s the best part, I think.
- The beef will slowly become tender and soak up all that wonderful flavor.
- About 30 minutes before you're ready to eat, mix the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. This will thicken your sauce beautifully.
- Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, then add your fresh broccoli florets.
- Let it cook for a final 30 minutes on high. The sauce will become glossy and thick, and the broccoli will be perfectly cooked.
- Serve it warm over rice. It’s simple perfection.
A Few Common Questions
→What's the best cut of beef to use?
I really love using a chuck roast because it becomes incredibly tender. However, flank steak or sirloin are also great options if you slice them thinly against the grain.
→Can I use frozen broccoli?
You can! I'd recommend adding it during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. It might release a bit more water, but the cornstarch slurry should keep the sauce nice and thick.
→How can I make this gluten-free?
It's an easy swap! Just use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative. The flavor will be just as lovely.
→Can I add other vegetables?
Of course. Sliced carrots, snap peas, or water chestnuts would be wonderful. I'd add heartier vegetables like carrots in the beginning and delicate ones like snap peas with the broccoli at the end.
Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli: Easy Dinner
Slow cooker beef and broccoli is an easy crockpot dinner idea! Juicy beef and fresh broccoli with a rich sauce make a satisfying meal.
Timing
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
4-6 hours
Total Time
4 hours 15 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Beef and Sauce
- 012 lbs beef chuck roast or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 021 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 032/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 041/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 051 tablespoon sesame oil
- 064 cloves garlic, minced
- 071 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
For Finishing
- 014 cups broccoli florets
- 021/4 cup cornstarch
- 031/4 cup cold water
- 04Cooked rice, for serving
- 05Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Place the sliced beef in the bottom of your slow cooker.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar is dissolved.
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the slow cooker and stir gently to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, make the cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Add the broccoli florets and gently press them down into the sauce.
Cover and cook on high for another 30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened.
Serve hot over a bed of fluffy rice, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. Enjoy the quiet satisfaction of a beautiful meal.
Notes & Tips
- 1The cooking time can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model, so get to know yours!
- 2If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- 3This recipe is great for meal prepping. Just portion it out with rice for easy lunches during the week.
Tools You'll Need
- •Always slice your beef against the grain. It makes all the difference for a tender bite.
- •Don't add the broccoli until the last 30 minutes, or it will become too soft.
- •Make sure your cornstarch is fully dissolved in COLD water before adding it to the hot liquid to avoid clumps.
- •For an extra layer of flavor, you can quickly sear the beef slices in a hot pan before adding them to the slow cooker.