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With just seven ingredients and minutes of prep time, this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is going to be a new family favorite!
Crockpot Beef & Broccoli
You know how I feel about slow cooker recipes. They are such a time saver, especially ones like this beef & broccoli that only takes minutes of prep time and is approved by the entire family.
We eat more chicken than beef in our house but my slow cooker beef ramen has gotten such rave reviews (both from my whole family and readers), that I wanted to incorporate some more beef recipes.
The slow cooker is the ideal method for cooking beef beef because you end up with such tender meat. It pairs perfectly with that delicious sauce and broccoli. You won’t believe how easy it is!
Why you’ll love this Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli Recipe
Delicious meal – Paired simply with rice, the melt in your mouth tender beef and broccoli sauce is a complete and healthy meal.
Easy recipe – WIth only a few simple ingredients, this one is perfect for busy weeknights. Prep it in the morning & your evening will go smoothly.
Cheaper than takeout – You won’t be tempted to order carryout when you can make one of your favorite take-out dishes any night of the week.
Tools you’ll need
Ingredients
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this recipe, why you need them, and possible substitutions. Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card with measurements.
- Beef – Just about any cut of beef will work (flank, sirloin, ribeye, filet mignon…I’ll detail more below), as long as you cut it into thin slices.
- Beef Stock – Beef stock or broth. If you’d like to use low sodium, that will work.
- Soy Sauce – Low sodium soy sauce can be used, if you prefer. If you don’t have any, or are gluten free, liquid aminos or coconut aminos can be used.
- Brown Sugar – Light brown sugar balances the soy sauce.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves are best, but if you have minced garlic in oil, that’ll work as well. If you’re really in a pinch, use garlic powder.
- Broccoli – Fresh broccoli florets. You can use frozen broccoli but it may add extra water.
- Cornstarch – You’ll make a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
How to make Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli
This section shows you how to make this recipe, with process photos showing the steps to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- STEP ONE: Spray a 6 quart slow cooker with non-stick spray and add the thinly cut beef to the bottom.
- STEP TWO: In a small bowl, make the sauce by whisking together the sauce ingredients and pouring it over the beef.
- STEP THREE: Cover & cook on LOW for 4 hours.
- STEP FOUR: After 4 hours, make the slurry by removing 1/2 cup of sauce from the slow cooker, pour it into a small bowl, and whisk in the cornstarch. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and stir to distribute. Add in the broccoli florets, replace the cover, and finish cooking for an additional hour.
Spoon over rice or noodles for serving.
Every slow cooker runs differently. Times given are a general recommendation and should be tested in your own slow cooker and adjusted as needed.
What to serve with Beef & Broccoli
Since you already have the protein and veggie, you just need a carb to finish off the dish. A bed of white rice is perfect but other options include brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice.
If you’d prefer noodles, lo mein or chow mein are good choices.
To finish it off, top it with some sesame seeds or sliced green onions.
Choose your cut of beef 🥩
It’s best to use a tender cut of beef. The most commonly used cuts of beef for this dish are:
- Flank Steak: This is a lean and flavorful cut. It’s often used in Chinese stir-fry dishes like Beef and Broccoli. To keep it tender, be sure to slice it thinly against the grain.
- Sirloin Steak: Sirloin is another good choice. It’s tender and has a nice balance of flavor and tenderness. Like flank steak, it’s essential to slice it thinly.
- Ribeye Steak: Ribeye is a well-marbled, flavorful cut. While it’s typically used for grilling, it can work in this dish if sliced thinly.
- Filet Mignon (Tenderloin): Filet mignon is the most tender cut of beef, but it’s relatively lean. It’s a great option if you prefer very tender beef and don’t mind a milder flavor. Keep in mind that it’s pricier.
When using any of these cuts, remember to slice the beef thinly (across the grain) to ensure it remains tender after slow cooking.
If you’re looking for an even more budget-friendly option, you can also use thinly sliced top round or bottom round steak, but keep in mind that these cuts are a bit less tender and may require additional care in marinating to improve their texture.
How to reheat and store leftover beef & broccoli
How to store leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze beef and broccoli?
Yes, store cooked leftovers in a freezer safe container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to reheat
If you have a small portion, you can reheat beef and broccoli in the microwave.
If you’re heating a larger portion, you can use the slow cooker or in a saucepan on the stovetop.
You might need to add a bit of water or beef broth to maintain the desired sauciness.
FAQs
While it’s best to use thawed beef for even cooking, you can use frozen beef if necessary. However, allow for additional cooking time and ensure the beef reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 145°F.
Yes, you can customize the vegetable selection. Snow peas, bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas are great alternatives. Just be mindful of cooking times, as firmer vegetables may require more time in the slow cooker.
Certainly, you can personalize the sauce. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, ginger for a zing, or a touch of sesame oil for depth of flavor. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
Searing the beef is optional in this slow cooker recipe. While it can add some extra flavor, it’s not necessary. The beef will still turn out tender and flavorful from slow cooking in the sauce.
Yes, you can double the ingredients for a larger crowd, but you may need a larger slow cooker. Be sure not to overcrowd the slow cooker, as it could affect the cooking process. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the beef and broccoli are cooked to your liking.
I only tested with beef but you can certainly experiment with other proteins like chicken or tofu. Adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure your choice of protein is fully cooked.
Need more slow cooker Asian-inspired recipes? Try these:
Click here for my entire collection of slow cooker recipes.
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds beef Flank, Sirloin, Ribeye or Filet Mignon Steak
- 1 cup beef stock or broth
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic crushed
- 3 cups broccoli florets chopped
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Spray the basin of a 6 quart slow cooker with non-stick spray and add in the sliced beef.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar and garlic. Pour the sauce over the beef.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
- Remove about ½ cup of broth from the slow cooker and whisk in the cornstarch. Return the mixture to the slow cooker and stir.
- Add the broccoli to the slow cooker, cover, and cook an additional hour.
- Serve warm over rice or noodles.
Notes
- I recommend using a tender cut of beef such as flank, sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin. Whichever you choose, slice thinly across the grain for the best texture.
- Low sodium soy sauce can be used.
- Frozen broccoli florets can be used in place of fresh.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Thanks Melissa, I was just thinking of going to my fav Chinese take-out for an oirder of beef & broccoli. When this popped up in my mail, I decided ro pick up a thin rtibeye and do it your way. 🙂
I love that, let me know how it goes 🙂
Loved the slow cooker beef with broccoli. Really enjoy your recipes. Many thanks. Your recipes are delicious, easy and practical. Stay persnickety! Rob
I will! Thanks, Rob 🙂
Great, flavorful recipe. Fast preparation. This is the second time that I have made this recipe in the last 2 weeks.
Used reduced sodium soy sauce.
I LOVE your recipes!!!!!
Thank you Kathy! ♥️