If you have been searching for a delicious, fuss-free way to enjoy a comforting Asian-inspired dinner, this Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Tender slices of beef lovingly cooked low and slow in a rich, savory sauce complemented by crisp-tender broccoli make every bite a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe comes from a few simple but essential ingredients, each bringing depth and harmony to the final dish. From the tender beef and vibrant broccoli to the aromatic garlic and ginger, every component plays a key role in creating this mouthwatering meal.
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak or chuck roast: Thinly sliced against the grain for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness after slow cooking.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds rich, savory depth to the sauce, infusing the beef with extra flavor.
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the essential umami punch without overpowering the natural taste of the beef and veggies.
- ⅓ cup brown sugar: Balances the saltiness with a touch of sweetness and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Offers a nutty aroma and enhances the authentic Asian-inspired flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Pungent and fragrant, garlic elevates the overall complexity of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds a lively zing and warmth that pairs perfectly with the beef.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent to give the sauce that glossy, clingy finish.
- 2 tablespoons water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry for thickening the sauce.
- 4 cups broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, crisp element and vibrant green color to balance the richness.
- Cooked white rice: Perfect for serving, soaking up all the flavorful sauce.
- Optional sesame seeds and green onions for garnish: Adds a finishing touch of texture and color.
How to Make Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce and Beef
Begin by whisking together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in your slow cooker. This flavorful mixture is the heart of the dish, marrying savory, sweet, and aromatic notes that make your kitchen smell irresistible. Add the thinly sliced beef and toss until every piece is coated in the sauce. This ensures the flavors penetrate the meat during the slow cooking process.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Beef
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2½ to 3 hours. The slow, gentle heat tenderizes the beef perfectly, making it juicy and easy to pull apart while letting all those lovely flavors meld together. This is where your Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe starts to shine with minimal hands-on time.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce and Add Broccoli
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker along with the broccoli florets. The addition of the broccoli at this stage ensures it stays crisp-tender and vibrant rather than overcooked. Cover and cook on high for another 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken into a luscious glaze that coats every bite.
Step 4: Final Touches and Serving
Give everything a gentle stir to combine the sauce, beef, and broccoli beautifully. Your Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is now ready to be served piping hot over a bed of fluffy white rice. For an extra touch of charm and texture, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you like.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
While this dish is fantastic on its own, bright garnishes really take it to the next level. Toasted sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and nutty finish, while fresh sliced green onions give a mild, peppery bite and pop of green color, making the meal look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Serving this meal alongside simple steamed rice keeps things classic and comforting, but consider pairing it with some light Asian-inspired sides like pickled cucumbers or a crunchy cabbage slaw for textural contrast. It’s a perfect way to round out the dinner with fresh, bright flavors that complement the savory beef.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or want to impress, plate this Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and scallions arranged artfully on top. You can also serve it family-style in a large dish with extra steamed broccoli on the side, letting everyone help themselves to this crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as tasty if not better. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the texture fresh.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, making it an excellent make-ahead option. Portion the beef and broccoli with some sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the texture of both the beef and broccoli.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium heat or in the microwave at 50-70% power to avoid overcooking the beef or making the broccoli mushy. Adding a splash of water or broth when reheating can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak or chuck roast are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use sirloin or round steak. Just be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure it stays tender during slow cooking.
Is it necessary to cook the broccoli in the crockpot?
Not at all! If you prefer your broccoli extra crisp and bright, you can steam or blanch it separately and stir it in at the very end before serving. This prevents it from turning too soft.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or with chicken?
Yes, this Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is very versatile. For a vegetarian version, tofu works wonderfully when added in the last 30 minutes to avoid falling apart. Chicken breast or thighs can also be substituted; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I adjust the sauce to be less salty or sweet?
Feel free to tweak the soy sauce and brown sugar amounts to your liking. Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness and you can add more brown sugar or a bit of honey if you prefer a sweeter glaze.
What rice is best to serve with Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe?
Steamed white jasmine or basmati rice is ideal because of its fluffy texture and delicate flavor that lets the beef and broccoli shine. Brown rice works too if you want a nuttier, fiber-rich alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is a true winner when you want a satisfying, no-fuss meal that feels special but comes together effortlessly. It’s loaded with flavor, perfectly balanced textures, and that kind of warmth only a slow cooker can deliver. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
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 Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli recipe offers a delicious, hands-off way to enjoy tender beef and crisp broccoli in a flavorful, Asian-inspired sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an easy, comforting meal that pairs perfectly with steamed white rice and garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak or chuck roast, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Thickener and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 cups broccoli florets
For Serving
- Cooked white rice
- Optional: sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce and Beef: In your slow cooker, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined. Add the thinly sliced beef and stir to coat every piece thoroughly with the sauce.
- Slow Cook the Beef: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 ½ to 3 hours. During this time, the beef will become tender and absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.
- Mix the Thickening Slurry: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water, stirring until smooth and free of lumps. This slurry will be used to thicken the sauce.
- Add Thickener and Broccoli: Stir the cornstarch mixture into the crockpot, then gently fold in the broccoli florets. Be careful to distribute the broccoli without breaking it up.
- Cook Until Thickened and Tender-Crisp: Cover and continue cooking on high for another 30 minutes. The sauce will thicken to a glossy consistency, and the broccoli will become tender yet retain a crisp bite.
- Serve: Spoon the beef and broccoli over cooked white rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired to add texture and a fresh pop of flavor.
Notes
- To keep broccoli extra bright and crisp, steam it separately and stir it in just before serving.
- Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce by modifying the brown sugar or soy sauce to your taste.
- This recipe works well with chicken or tofu for a tasty variation.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the salt level of the dish.
