If you’re looking for an effortless, mouthwatering weeknight dinner, this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Tender slices of beef and crisp-tender broccoli are enveloped in a glossy, savory sauce that tastes like a treat from your favorite takeout spot—without all the fuss or expense. The best part? Practically all the work happens right in your slow cooker while you go about your day. Every bite is packed with bold, balanced flavor, and your whole home will be filled with an irresistible aroma by dinnertime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli so special is its short, reliable list of ingredients. Each one brings its own character to the final dish, ensuring depth, color, and comfort in every forkful. It’s proof that you don’t need a pantry full of obscure items—just a few simple staples that shine together!
- Beef: Use flank, sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon for tender, melt-in-your-mouth flavor—just slice it thinly across the grain for best results.
- Beef stock or broth: Deepens the sauce’s richness and keeps the meat juicy in the slow cooker.
- Soy sauce: Adds all that savory umami “oomph” and perfectly seasons every bite—try low sodium if you’re watching salt content.
- Light brown sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness that balances out the salt and brings classic takeout flavors home.
- Garlic: Crushed fresh garlic infuses the sauce with warmth and complexity—don’t skip it!
- Broccoli florets: Adds color, nutrition, and that signature crunch—fresh is ideal, but frozen works if you’re in a hurry.
- Cornstarch: Helps the sauce thicken into that glossy, clings-to-the-beef texture we all crave.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Prep and Load the Beef
Give your 6-quart slow cooker a spritz of non-stick cooking spray, then arrange the thinly sliced beef inside. This is the cornerstone of your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, so don’t rush—lay those slices out for even cooking and the juiciest results.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine your beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and crushed garlic. Whisk vigorously until the sugar fully dissolves and everything’s well mixed. This savory-sweet blend will soak into both the beef and broccoli, ensuring every morsel is delicious.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the beef, making sure every slice gets a little love. Put the lid on your slow cooker and let it work its magic on LOW for 4 hours. That’s all it takes to transform the beef into tender, flavor-packed bites!
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
About four hours in, dip out roughly half a cup of that flavorful broth from the slow cooker. Transfer it to a small bowl and whisk in the cornstarch until smooth—no lumps! Stir this slurry back into the slow cooker. This step creates a luscious, velvety sauce that hugs every piece of meat and broccoli.
Step 5: Add the Broccoli
Now scatter the chopped broccoli florets over the top. Replace the lid and continue cooking on LOW for one more hour. By the end, the broccoli will be vibrant green and perfectly tender with a gentle crunch—no soggy veggies here.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Give everything a gentle stir and serve your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli warm, preferably piled high over fluffy steamed rice or a tangle of noodles. Spoon that beautiful, thickened sauce over the top—it’s pure comfort in a bowl!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions or a dash of toasted sesame seeds brings extra freshness and crunch, instantly elevating the presentation and flavor of your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli.
Side Dishes
This dish is tailor-made for serving with classic sides like steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles. For a lighter plate, pair it with simple cauliflower rice or a crisp Asian-style salad to soak up every last drop of that legendary sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to shake things up, try tucking the beef and broccoli into lettuce cups for a fun hand-held version, or spoon the mixture over baked sweet potatoes for a sweet-and-salty twist. It’s also wonderful in meal prep bento boxes for easy future lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli keeps beautifully! Simply transfer any extras to an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors get even richer as they meld together overnight.
Freezing
If you’d like to save some for a later date, let the beef and broccoli cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Store it flat for easy defrosting. It’ll keep well for up to three months and is perfect for busy nights when you need dinner in a flash.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave, covering loosely, and heat in 30-40 second bursts until warm. For larger amounts, a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat works wonderfully—just add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli florets are a convenient swap. Just toss them in as you would fresh during the final hour of cooking. They’ll come out perfectly tender-crisp.
What’s the best beef cut for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli?
Flank steak, sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon all shine here. The key is slicing the beef thinly across the grain, no matter which cut you choose—this ensures tenderness after slow cooking.
How can I make this dish gluten free?
For a gluten free twist, make sure to use a certified gluten free soy sauce or tamari. All other ingredients are naturally gluten free, so a simple swap keeps the flavors intact.
My sauce didn’t thicken—what went wrong?
Be sure to whisk the cornstarch thoroughly into the hot liquid before adding it back into the slow cooker. If the sauce is still too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few minutes or add a touch more cornstarch slurry until desired consistency is reached.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Certainly! You can easily double all the ingredients and cook in a larger slow cooker. Just be sure not to overfill the pot; leave a little room for the sauce to bubble and the broccoli to steam.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a cozy, flavor-packed meal that practically cooks itself, you have to try Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli. It’s the perfect combo of easy, family-friendly, and downright delicious—with all the perks of homemade comfort food. Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting, and prepare yourself for rave reviews at the table!
Print
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Tender slices of beef are slow-cooked in a savory sauce with garlic and brown sugar, then combined with crisp broccoli florets for a satisfying meal served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 ½ pounds beef (Flank, Sirloin, Ribeye, or Filet Mignon Steak), thinly sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup beef stock or broth
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
Additional:
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the basin of a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray and add the sliced beef.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. Pour the sauce over the beef.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
- Thicken the Sauce: Remove ½ cup of broth from the slow cooker, whisk in cornstarch, then return the mixture to the slow cooker and stir.
- Add Broccoli: Add the broccoli to the slow cooker, cover, and cook for an additional hour.
- Serve: Serve warm over rice or noodles.
Notes
- I recommend using a tender cut of beef such as flank, sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin, sliced thinly for best results.
- Low sodium soy sauce can be substituted.
- Frozen broccoli florets can be used if fresh is unavailable.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Cooking times may vary, so adjust as needed based on your slow cooker.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 362 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1253mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 81mg
