Savory Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe That Cooks Itself

Slow-cooking magic brings incredible depth to this mouthwatering beef and broccoli crockpot recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavors right in your kitchen.

Tender meat practically melts against crisp green florets, creating a harmony of textures.

Busy home cooks adore simple meals that require minimal effort but deliver maximum satisfaction.

Savory seasonings infuse each bite with rich, comforting goodness that makes dinnertime feel special.

Incredibly straightforward ingredients come together without complicated techniques or extensive prep work.

Minimal dishes and quick cleanup mean you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal.

Smell the incredible aromas filling your home and get excited about this classic comfort dish that everyone will love.

Easy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli with Weeknight Energy

• Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, making meal preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Tender beef absorbs a rich, savory sauce that blends sweet and umami notes, creating a satisfying meal everyone will love.
• Combines protein-rich beef with vibrant broccoli, delivering a balanced meal that's both delicious and wholesome.
• Easily adaptable to serve over rice, noodles, or even as a standalone dish, making it perfect for different dining preferences.

What Fills Easy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli with Flavor

• Beef: A tender, flavorful meat that becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft when slow-cooked.

• Soy Sauce: Adds a rich, savory depth to the dish.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a sweet balance to the salty soy sauce.
• Garlic: Brings a pungent, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Ginger: Offers a warm, slightly spicy undertone to the beef.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a silky, thick sauce that coats the beef and broccoli.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, authentic Asian-inspired flavor to the dish.
• Green Onions: Provides a fresh, mild onion garnish with a pop of color.

• Broccoli Florets: A nutritious green vegetable that adds texture and freshness to the meal.

• Rice, Noodles: A perfect base to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal.

Setting Up Easy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Slice and Season the Beef

Cut the beef into thin strips and place directly into the crockpot.

Ensure the slices are uniform for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

Step 2: Create the Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Whisk these ingredients until the sugar dissolves completely and pour the mixture over the beef, ensuring every slice is coated.

Step 3: Begin the Slow Cooking Process

Cover the crockpot and set to low heat for 4-5 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours.

During this time, the beef will become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious sauce flavors.

Step 4: Introduce the Broccoli

Thirty minutes before serving, add fresh broccoli florets to the crockpot.

This timing ensures the broccoli stays crisp and bright green while soaking up the savory sauce.

Step 5: Enhance the Sauce Consistency

Create a quick cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water until smooth.

Pour this into the crockpot 15 minutes before serving and stir thoroughly to thicken the sauce.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serving

Drizzle sesame oil over the dish, sprinkle chopped green onions on top, and serve over steamed rice or soft noodles.

The result is a mouthwatering meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Tricks for Tender Easy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

• Cut against the grain for more tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat that absorbs sauce perfectly.
• Adjust cornstarch mixture gradually to prevent sauce from becoming too thick or too runny.
• Add broccoli during the last 30 minutes to maintain crisp texture and bright green color.
• Use low heat setting for more tender beef and deeper flavor development.
• Sprinkle fresh green onions and drizzle sesame oil right before serving to enhance overall taste and aroma.

Saving Leftovers of Easy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Pour leftovers into a skillet. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Tasty Complements for Easy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

• Pair with Jasmine Rice: Fluffy, fragrant jasmine rice complements the savory beef and broccoli perfectly, soaking up the rich, umami-packed sauce with each delightful bite.
• Create a Crisp Asian Slaw: Prepare a tangy cabbage and carrot slaw with rice vinegar and sesame seeds to add refreshing crunch and balance the hearty meat dish.
• Complement with Green Tea: Brew a hot, slightly grassy green tea to cleanse the palate and enhance the ginger and garlic notes in the beef and broccoli recipe.
• Select a Light Pinot Noir: Choose a smooth, medium-bodied red wine with subtle fruit notes that won't overpower the delicate flavors of the slow-cooked beef and broccoli.

Flavor Routes for Easy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

• Low-Sodium Option: Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce salt content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos, and substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder for thickening.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap beef with firm tofu or seitan, cut into strips, and follow the same cooking method for a plant-based protein option.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the original sauce mixture for those who enjoy a kick of heat in their meal.

FAQs

• What cut of beef works best for this recipe?

Chuck roast or flank steak are ideal because they’re tender, flavorful, and become very soft during slow cooking. Slice them thinly against the grain for the most tender results.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain its texture. Thaw and drain excess water before adding to the crockpot.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free. Also, check that your cornstarch is certified gluten-free to ensure the entire dish is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

• How can I make this dish less sweet?

Reduce the brown sugar by half or replace it with a small amount of honey or skip the sweetener entirely. You can also balance the sweetness by adding a splash of rice vinegar or a bit more garlic and ginger for depth of flavor.

Easy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty beef and broccoli sings with savory comfort, promising a simple dinner solution straight from the slow cooker. Tender meat mingles with crisp broccoli, delivering a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced

Vegetables:

• 4 cups (500 grams) fresh broccoli florets
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Green onions for garnish

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Trim and slice beef into thin, tender strips, ensuring even cuts for consistent cooking.
2. Whisk together a savory blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create a rich marinade.
3. Transfer beef strips into the crockpot and generously coat with the prepared marinade, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
4. Set crockpot to low temperature and slow cook for 4-5 hours, or alternatively use high setting for 2-3 hours until meat becomes exceptionally tender.
5. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, gently introduce fresh broccoli florets into the crockpot, allowing them to absorb the surrounding flavors without becoming mushy.
6. Create a quick cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water, then carefully stir into the sauce to achieve a glossy, thickened consistency.
7. Enhance the dish’s aroma by drizzling with fragrant sesame oil and sprinkling finely chopped green onions for a vibrant garnish.
8. Serve the succulent beef and broccoli over steamed rice or tender noodles, ensuring each portion is generously coated with the glossy sauce.

Notes

• Tenderize meat by choosing flank steak or chuck roast with good marbling for maximum flavor and softness.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• For gluten-free option, replace regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and use cornstarch alternative like arrowroot powder.
• Prevent mushy broccoli by adding florets in the last 30 minutes of cooking, ensuring they remain crisp and bright green.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (on high) or 5 hours (on low)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg