Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Introduction

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is the ultimate takeout-inspired comfort dish made effortlessly at home. Tender slices of beef soak up a rich, savory-sweet sauce while cooking low and slow, and broccoli is added at the end for a burst of freshness and color. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal waiting for you by dinnertime—with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the Slow Cooker:

• 1.5–2 lbs beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
• 3/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional but adds great flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

To Thicken the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

To Finish:

• 3–4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• Optional toppings: sesame seeds, green onions, cooked rice for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, ginger, and black pepper.
2. Add beef to the slow cooker: Place the sliced beef in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it. Stir to coat evenly.
3. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours, until the beef is tender.
4. Thicken the sauce: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl, then stir it into the slow cooker. Cover and continue cooking.
5. Add broccoli: Steam broccoli separately (or microwave for a few minutes until tender-crisp), then stir it into the slow cooker right before serving.
6. Serve: Spoon beef and broccoli over hot cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

Description

This dish is everything you love about classic Beef and Broccoli—savory, sweet, umami-rich—but made effortlessly in your slow cooker. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, the sauce is glossy and bold, and the broccoli adds just the right amount of freshness. It’s healthy, hearty, and so comforting.

Tips

• Slice the beef thinly and against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli—steam it separately to keep it green and crisp.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness, especially with broth.
• Double the sauce if you like extra for rice or noodles.
• Refrigerates and reheats well, making it great for meal prep.

Variations

• Spicy version: Add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Honey garlic twist: Swap brown sugar for honey and add extra garlic.
• Vegetarian version: Use tofu or mushrooms instead of beef and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Add vegetables: Carrots, snap peas, or baby corn can be added during the last hour of cooking.

Correction

If your sauce turns out too thin:

• Make sure you added the cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• If it’s still thin, remove the lid and let the sauce cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes on HIGH to reduce.

If it’s too salty:

• Use low-sodium soy sauce and beef broth next time.
• Serve with extra rice to balance the flavors.

Enjoy!

Plate up your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, pour on that rich sauce, and dig in! It’s a weeknight dinner win—flavorful, hearty, and effortless. Enjoy every tender, savory bite!