Our Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is filled with juicy and delicious beef and tender broccoli florets simmered low and slow in a sweet and savory garlicky sauce. This is one of my family’s go-to busy weeknight recipes that everyone loves.
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Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
This easy slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknight cooking. You simply slice the beef into strips, toss it with a simple sauce, and let it simmer to perfection in the slow cooker. 30 minutes before serving, you’ll add the broccoli and it’s done! The result is flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth beef with vibrant and tender broccoli florets that rival any Chinese takeout.
One of the best things about this recipe is that, unlike the stove top Beef and Broccoli recipe, our slow cooker version allows the beef several hours to create delicious and tender beef strips every single time. But don’t let this easy recipe fool you because it delivers those same scrumptious, savory flavors that you get from a restaurant.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Easy and delicious meal – This is a delicious and super flavorful one-pot meal the whole family will love.
- Takes just a handful of ingredient – If you cook Chinese food often, you’ll already have most of these ingredients on hand.
- Tastes better than Chinese restaurants – Because you can customize the ingredients to your liking, you may never order Chinese take-out again.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
- Sirloin steak – typically sirloin is a lean cut of beef. You’ll want to cut this into thin slices about 4-inch long strips. You want a lean cut of beef.
- Fresh broccoli florets – for a short cut you can buy them pre-chopped packets at the grocery store
- Soy sauce – you can use regular soy sauce or low low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- Beef broth – you can use beef stock for a richer sauce
- Brown sugar – you can use light brown sugar or dark brown sugar
- Oyster sauce – add rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor
- Sesame oil – adds a nutty, and slightly toasted flavor to the sauce
- Garlic – you can use freshly minced garlic or the jarred kind in the produce department
- Cornstarch – thickens the sauce
- Salt and black pepper – add to taste
- Sesame seeds – for garnish
Instructions to Make Beef and Broccoli
Step One: Add Steak to Crockpot
- Add the sliced steak to the bottom of a 7-quart slow cooker. Season the beef with a little salt and pepper. Remember the soy sauce is salty so you won’t need a lot of extra salt.
Step Two: Combine Sauce Ingredients (to Thicken Sauce)
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic.
- Add the cornstarch to the sauce ingredients and mix until it’s fully dissolved and there are no lumps.
Step Three: Slow Cook the Beef Mixture
- Pour the delicious sauce over the steak. Cover and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or cook on high heat for 3.5-5 hours. Make sure to give it a good stir periodically.
Step Four: Add Broccoli
- 30 minutes from the end of cooking, add the broccoli to the slow cooker. Stir occasionally, coating it in the savory sauce. Cook until the broccoli is tender.
- When done, remove beef and broccoli from the slow cooker using tongs and serve with white rice brown rice, or jasmine rice.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions (optional).
Recipe Variations and Add-ins
This easy crockpot beef and broccoli is so easy to make at home. Even if you love traditional beef and broccoli, we’ve got a few new ideas and ways you can change the recipe and it will still be a wonderful recipe.
- Broccoli – Fresh broccoli is preferred because you don’t want it to be mushy. But if you want to use frozen broccoli you can, just make sure you add and cook it just long enough to be warmed through.
- Cut of beef – For best results use beef that has a little marbling in it. This is what renders tender beef. A sliced boneless beef chuck roast is a great choice. You can even use beef stew meat if it’s good quality.
- Other veggies – Feel free to add other fresh veggies such as bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Red pepper flakes – If you like a little kick of heat next time, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce with the other ingredients.
- Fresh ginger – Freshly grated ginger adds a bright and zesty addition to the sauce. Just remember that a little goes a long way.
How to Store Leftovers?
- Refrigerator – Place the leftover beef and broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer – Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date. Beef and Broccoli can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What’s the Difference Between Beef and Broccoli and Mongolian Beef?
Beef and Broccoli and Mongolian beef both call for thinly sliced beef. Beef and broccoli include broccoli florets that are cooked together in a savory sauce. Mongolian Beef is stir-fried with green onions in a sauce that is sweeter, often including hoisin sauce for a slightly caramelized and sticky texture.
What Sauce is Beef and Broccoli Made Of?
It’s a combination of various flavorful ingredients that give the dish its distinctive taste. The sauce typically consists of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and often a thickening agent like cornstarch. This mixture infuses the beef and broccoli with a savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor profile.
How Can I Thicken Beef and Broccoli Sauce?
Before adding the broccoli, if the sauce seems thinner than you’d prefer, you can make an additional cornstarch slurry in a small bowl and slowly add it to the sauce. Whisk it until it has incorporated with the other ingredients.
Can You Use Frozen Broccoli in this Recipe?
I used fresh broccoli and recommend that method over frozen broccoli. The frozen broccoli will add water to the recipe and will change the consistency. If you must use frozen broccoli, I recommend following the cooking instructions on the package and add in the broccoli at the very end, right before serving.
How Long Does Broccoli Take to Soften in the Crockpot?
Fresh broccoli typically takes about 1 to 2 hours on the low setting or 30 minutes to 1 hour on the high setting in a slow cooker to soften. It’s important not to overcook it, so check for tenderness as it cooks, aiming to maintain its bright green color and a slight crunch. Overcooking can lead to mushy and discolored broccoli. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the size of the florets and your specific slow cooker model.
Can You Cook Diced Beef From Frozen in Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can cook diced beef from frozen in a slow cooker. Slow cookers are designed to safely cook frozen meats over a longer period of time, as they gradually thaw and then cook. However, it’s essential to ensure that the internal temperature of the beef reaches a safe level of at least 165°F (74°C). Cooking times will be longer when starting with frozen beef, so plan for an extended cooking period, and consider adding extra liquid or adjusting the recipe accordingly to prevent the dish from drying out during the longer cook time.
What to Serve with the Best Beef and Broccoli?
Typically the best beef and broccoli is served over jasmine rice. You can put the beef and sauce over white rice. You can serve it as is or check out our collection of What to Serve with Beef and Broccoli recipes.
I can’t wait for you to try this great recipe. It’s one of the best recipes I’ve made and I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as my family does.
More Slow Cooker Recipes
- Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
- Crockpot Smokies
- Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
- Crockpot Beef Stew
- Simple Slow Cooker Chili
- Crockpot Meatballs
- Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sirloin steak cut into thin 4-inch long strips
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- ¼ cup oyster sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 head of broccoli cut into florets
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Add steak to the bottom of a 7-quart slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste.2 pounds sirloin steak, salt and pepper
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. Mix well.1 cup soy sauce, 1 cup beef broth, ¼ cup oyster sauce, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 Tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon garlic
- Add in cornstarch and mix until it’s fully dissolved and there are no lumps.3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- Pour mixture over steak. Cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or on high heat for 3.5-5 hours. Stir periodically.
- 30 minutes from the end of the cook time, add the broccoli to the slow cooker. Stir periodically and allow the broccoli to steam until tender.1 head of broccoli
- When done, remove beef and broccoli from the slow cooker using tongs and serve with white rice. Top with sesame seeds if desired.sesame seeds
Notes
Nutrition
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