If you have been searching for a comforting, flavorful, and hands-off dinner, look no further than this Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe. Tender slices of beef simmer all day in a rich, savory sauce that perfectly balances the sweetness of brown sugar and the umami of soy sauce, while fresh broccoli adds a vibrant pop of color and crunch at the end. It’s a homemade take on a beloved Chinese-American classic that comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker, making weeknight meals something to truly look forward to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is simple but crucial to building those deep, mouthwatering flavors and satisfying textures. Each element plays a key role from the tender beef to the luscious sauce and crisp broccoli.
- 2 pounds sirloin steak or boneless beef chuck roast (sliced thin): Thin slices ensure the beef becomes tender and soaks up all the sauce during the slow cooking.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds a rich, savory base that elevates the sauce perfectly.
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce: Brings in classic salty umami flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the savory soy sauce.
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil: Imparts a toasty, nutty aroma that’s signature in Asian-inspired cooking.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic gives the sauce a fragrant depth of flavor.
- 4 Tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to a luscious, glossy finish.
- 4 Tablespoons water: Mixed with the cornstarch to create a slurry for smooth thickening.
- 1 bag (12 ounces) frozen broccoli florets: Convenient and nutritious, broccoli provides bright color and a satisfying crunch.
- Cooked white rice (to serve with if desired): The perfect neutral base for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
How to Make Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Make the Sauce and Prep the Beef
Start by whisking together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic right in the insert of your 6-quart crock pot. This combination is the heart of the flavor in this Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe. Then lay the thinly sliced beef into the liquid, tossing gently to ensure every piece is coated with this savory-sweet mixture.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Beef
Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook everything on low heat for about 5 hours. This slow cooking method is how the beef becomes incredibly tender while soaking up all that saucy goodness. The long, gentle simmer is essential to get those deep flavors.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
When the beef is perfectly cooked, mix the cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this mixture into the crock pot and stir well. This step transforms the broth into a thick, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to each tender piece of beef.
Step 4: Add the Broccoli
Top the beef and sauce with the frozen broccoli florets, gently stirring to combine. Replace the lid and cook for an additional 30 minutes. This gives the broccoli just enough time to cook through while maintaining a bit of crunch, and it allows the sauce to thicken to perfection.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli hot over a bed of fluffy white rice, letting the sauce soak into every bite. Trust me, this is comfort food made effortless—every forkful is bursting with flavor and texture that feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day.
How to Serve Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
To turn this dish into an eye-catching meal, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty crunch and a visual pop. Thinly sliced green onions also add a fresh, vibrant bite and a splash of bright green color that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
While white rice is the classic accompaniment, you can also serve this Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe with steamed jasmine rice or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. A simple cucumber salad on the side can bring a cool, crisp contrast to the rich and savory main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef and broccoli in lettuce wraps for a low-carb handheld meal. Alternatively, layer the mixture over noodles or in a bowl with extra steamed veggies like carrots or snap peas to create a colorful, all-in-one dinner bowl that’s bursting with texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish stays fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in suitable airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. To maintain the best taste and texture, freeze the beef and sauce separately from the broccoli if possible, then combine when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much after chilling, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to loosen it back to a delicious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin steak or chuck roast is recommended for tenderness and flavor, you can also use flank steak or even brisket thinly sliced. Just be mindful of cooking times to ensure the beef remains tender and doesn’t dry out.
What if I don’t have sesame oil on hand?
Sesame oil adds a distinctive nuttiness, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with a mild vegetable oil and add a teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds at the end for some of that flavor. The dish will still be delicious.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli works wonderfully too. Add the fresh broccoli in the last 30 minutes of cooking as instructed, just like the frozen variety. This keeps it crisp-tender and vibrant green.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep the Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How spicy is this dish, and can I add heat?
This recipe is mild and savory, perfect for all palates. If you like a little kick, you can add red pepper flakes or a splash of chili garlic sauce either during cooking or as a garnish for some extra heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about coming home to a crock pot full of tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and a sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. The Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe makes a classic favorite easy, approachable, and totally satisfying. So go ahead, give it a try—you might just make this your new go-to weeknight meal that everyone asks for again and again.
Print
Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make slow-cooker meal combining tender beef slices with a savory, slightly sweet sauce and perfectly cooked broccoli. It’s a comforting and convenient dish ideal for busy weeknights, served best over steamed white rice.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 2 pounds sirloin steak or boneless beef chuck roast, sliced thin
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Thickening Mixture
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons water
Vegetables and Serving
- 1 bag (12 ounces) frozen broccoli florets
- Cooked white rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce and beef: In the insert of a 6 quart crock pot (slow cooker), whisk together the beef broth, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until combined. Add the thinly sliced beef to the pot and toss to coat the meat evenly with the sauce. Cover with the lid.
- Slow cook the beef: Cook on low heat for 5 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Make the thickening slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the crock pot and stir well to combine with the beef and sauce.
- Add the broccoli and thicken the sauce: Place the frozen broccoli florets over the beef and sauce. Gently stir to mix the broccoli without breaking it apart. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes on low heat, which will cook the broccoli and thicken the sauce to a glossy consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the beef and broccoli mixture over warm cooked white rice if desired. Enjoy your flavorful homemade slow cooker meal!
Notes
- You can substitute sirloin steak with boneless chuck roast depending on availability or preference.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce mixture before cooking.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Preparing the rice ahead of time makes serving faster once the beef and broccoli are ready.
- Do not thaw the broccoli before adding to the crock pot; cooking from frozen helps achieve the right texture.
