Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe

If you’re like me and adore Chinese takeout but love a home-cooked meal even more, this Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s so easy to put together, requires minimal hands-on time, and the slow cooker does all the magic, turning ordinary beef into melt-in-your-mouth goodness alongside perfectly tender broccoli. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered out!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe balance savory, sweet, and umami flavors so well. When you pick your beef, go for flank steak if you can find it — it slices nicely and cooks beautifully in the slow cooker.

• Flank Steak (or beef chuck): Slice thinly against the grain for tenderness. Chuck works too if you want a more budget-friendly cut but expect longer cooking time.
• Low-Sodium Beef Broth: Adds depth without overpowering. Low sodium helps you control saltiness.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Key to that classic savory flavor with less salt.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the soy sauce.
• Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way—use it to impart that lovely nutty aroma.
• Minced Garlic: For a punch of freshness and depth.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce beautifully once mixed in the last step.
• Broccoli (fresh or frozen): Fresh gives you great texture, but frozen works perfectly and is super convenient.

Variations

One of the things I love best about this Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what’s in your fridge or your family’s preferences. Feel free to customize it and make it your own!

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for a little heat, and it’s fantastic.
• Vegetable Boost: Toss in sliced bell peppers or snap peas along with broccoli for extra color and crunch.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or steamed greens instead of white rice to keep it light.
• Different Protein: Experiment with thinly sliced chicken breast if you want a lighter take, just adjust cooking time accordingly.

How to Make Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Beef

Start by slicing your flank steak thinly against the grain—this helps keep the meat tender after slow cooking. Lay these strips evenly at the base of your crockpot. I like to pat the meat dry slightly beforehand; it helps it soak up the sauce better later on.

Step 2: Whip Up the Sauce and Pour Over Beef

In a medium bowl, whisk together your beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. This combo is a game-changer—it’s where all the flavor starts. Pour this mixture evenly over your beef in the crockpot, making sure everything is coated. Then, cover and set to low for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll want the beef cooked to tender perfection without drying out, so don’t rush this step.

Step 3: Thicken Sauce and Add Broccoli

Once the beef is tender, it’s time for the broccoli. First, carefully remove about 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid (or use water if you prefer). Whisk in the cornstarch—it will thicken the sauce nicely and give you that glossy finish. Stir this mixture back into the crockpot, then add your broccoli. Cook on high for another 20 minutes or so until the broccoli is tender but still has a little crunch.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Scoop this luscious beef and broccoli over steamed rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds if you have them on hand. I often like to add a few fresh chopped scallions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. This meal is always a winner at my table and usually disappears within minutes!

How to Serve Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

I always love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and some freshly chopped green onions. Sometimes, I add a dash of crushed red pepper for a subtle heat that really wakes up the flavors. It’s those little touches that make your meal feel special and restaurant-quality at home.

Side Dishes

My go-to side with this crockpot beef and broccoli is jasmine rice — it soaks up all the delicious sauce perfectly. If I’m feeling a bit healthier, I swap in brown rice or quinoa. Sometimes, steamed dumplings or a light Asian-style cucumber salad join the plate to add freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I’ve served this beef and broccoli over crispy fried rice in a little cast-iron skillet — it’s a fun textural contrast and looks gorgeous on the table. Another time, I wrapped the beef and broccoli in lettuce leaves for a fresh twist on lettuce wraps that my guests couldn’t get enough of.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When doing this, I usually keep the broccoli separate from the beef because it can get soggy over time. This way, both stay as fresh as possible when you reheat.

Freezing

This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe freezes well, but I recommend freezing the beef and sauce separately from the broccoli. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat together, adding steamed or fresh broccoli if you want that just-cooked texture.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce is too thick, a tablespoon or two of water or broth helps loosen it back up. Avoid microwaving if you can since it sometimes makes the broccoli mushy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe takes the guesswork out of making a classic favorite. When I first tried it, I was amazed by how tender the beef turned out without any fuss or standing over the stove. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or anytime you want a comforting, delicious meal with hardly any prep. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does—once you try it, I bet it’ll become a regular in your cooking rotation!

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