Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

There’s something magical about coming home to the savory smell of a meal that’s been simmering away in the slow cooker all day. Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is just that kind of meal – tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect over rice or noodles. It’s a comforting, delicious dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality dish, but it’s made with minimal effort. Trust me, you’re going to want to add this one to your rotation!

The beauty of this recipe is how simple it is to throw together. You toss everything in the Crockpot, let it cook, and voilà – dinner is ready to be devoured. The beef becomes so tender it practically melts in your mouth, and the broccoli retains its perfect crunch while soaking up all that flavorful sauce. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this dish is your ticket to a satisfying, no-fuss meal that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

Tender and Flavorful

The slow-cooking process makes the beef unbelievably tender and infused with a savory, sweet sauce. Each bite is packed with flavor, and the broccoli adds just the right amount of freshness and crunch.

Effortless

Once you’ve prepped the ingredients, the slow cooker does all the work. There’s no need for constant attention or complicated steps—just let it cook low and slow while you go about your day.

Quick Cleanup

With only a few ingredients and one cooking vessel, cleanup is a breeze! The Crockpot makes this dish both easy to prepare and easy to clean up after.

Budget-Friendly

Beef doesn’t have to break the bank! This recipe uses affordable cuts of beef (like flank steak or chuck), and you’ll find that it stretches further than you’d expect, especially with the addition of the broccoli.

Versatile

This dish is perfect over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb option. You can even serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or crispy wontons to round out the meal.

Ingredients

For the Beef and Broccoli:

• Beef: Flank steak or chuck roast works best for this dish, as they become incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add a burst of color and crunch to the dish.
• Onion: Thinly sliced onion gives the dish a rich, savory base of flavor.
• Garlic: A few cloves of minced garlic make everything smell heavenly while adding a punch of flavor.

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: The salty base of the sauce, adding that perfect umami flavor.
• Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce and give the sauce depth.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a slight kick and a little zing to the sauce.
• Garlic Powder: For extra flavor and a mild garlic taste.
• Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce at the end of cooking so it coats the beef and broccoli beautifully.
• Beef Broth: To create a rich, savory base for the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a hint of nuttiness that elevates the flavor of the entire dish.

(Note: Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Prepare the Beef

Start by slicing the beef against the grain into thin strips. This ensures it becomes tender and absorbs the flavors of the sauce better.

Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, ginger, beef broth, and sesame oil. Stir until the brown sugar dissolves and everything is well combined.

Assemble in the Crockpot

Place the sliced beef in the Crockpot, then pour the sauce mixture over the beef. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, giving everything a gentle stir to combine.

Slow Cook

Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll want the beef to be tender and fully cooked through, and the sauce to have reduced and thickened slightly.

Add the Broccoli

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the broccoli florets to the Crockpot. Stir them into the beef and sauce, cover, and cook on high for the remaining time. This will allow the broccoli to cook through but retain its bright green color and slight crunch.

Thicken the Sauce

Once the broccoli is tender, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce in the Crockpot to thicken it up. Let it cook for an additional 10 minutes to fully thicken.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Crockpot Beef and Broccoli over hot steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for a finishing touch, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal!

(Note: Full instructions are in the recipe card below.)

How to Serve Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides to make it a full meal:

Over Steamed Rice

Serve this savory beef and broccoli over a bowl of fluffy steamed white or brown rice. The rice soaks up the rich sauce, making every bite even more delicious.

With Noodles

For a slightly different twist, serve the beef and broccoli over egg noodles or rice noodles. The noodles will hold the sauce and complement the beef beautifully.

Cauliflower Rice

Looking for a low-carb option? Cauliflower rice is a great substitute for traditional rice, giving you a lighter version of the dish without compromising on flavor.

With Spring Rolls or Dumplings

Pair the beef and broccoli with crispy spring rolls or dumplings for a complete, Asian-inspired meal.

Additional Tips

Use the Right Cut of Beef

Flank steak or chuck roast works best for this recipe as they become tender and juicy when slow-cooked. Avoid tougher cuts of beef as they may not become as tender.

Add a Kick of Spice

If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a small diced chili pepper to the sauce for a spicy twist.

Make It Ahead

This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it in advance, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat it for a quick meal throughout the week.

Add More Vegetables

Feel free to throw in extra veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas if you want to add some color and extra crunch to the dish.

Double the Batch

This recipe is easy to double if you’re serving a crowd or want to have leftovers. Just make sure your Crockpot is large enough to hold the extra ingredients.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an estimate of the nutrition for one serving of Crockpot Beef and Broccoli (about 1/4 of the recipe):

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 9g
• Protein: 29g
• Sodium: 800mg

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6–7 hours 15 minutes (for low setting) or 3–4 hours 15 minutes (for high setting)

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?

A1: It’s best to use fresh broccoli for this recipe, as frozen broccoli can become mushy when slow-cooked. Fresh broccoli retains its crisp texture better.

Q2: What kind of beef should I use?

A2: Flank steak or chuck roast are the best cuts for slow cooking. They become tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A3: Yes! You can prepare the beef and sauce in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. You can also reheat leftovers for a quick meal later.

Q4: Can I use a different vegetable instead of broccoli?

A4: Absolutely! You can use green beans, bell peppers, or snap peas for a different veggie option. Just be mindful of the cooking time so they don’t overcook.

Q5: Can I make this recipe spicy?

A5: Yes! Add red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

Q6: Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?

A6: Yes, you can use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar as a substitute for brown sugar if you prefer.

Q7: Can I freeze this dish?

A7: Yes, this dish freezes well! Just store the beef and broccoli in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q8: Can I use a different type of oil instead of sesame oil?

A8: If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or vegetable oil. However, sesame oil adds a distinct flavor, so it’s worth using if you can!

Q9: What can I serve with this dish?

A9: This dish goes great with steamed rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. You can also pair it with a side of spring rolls or dumplings.

Q10: Can I add extra garlic to the sauce?

A10: Absolutely! If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more minced garlic or even some garlic powder for an extra boost of flavor.

Conclusion

Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With tender beef, fresh broccoli, and a flavorful sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, the slow cooker makes it practically hands-off, so you can enjoy a comforting, homemade meal without the fuss. Happy cooking!

Print