Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it weeknight dinner, my Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli will absolutely win you over. With juicy slices of beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a lusciously savory sauce that comes together in minutes, this dish is the answer to takeout cravings at home. It’s a fuss-free recipe that tastes way better than anything you’d order, and thanks to the slow cooker, everything gets melt-in-your-mouth tender while you go about your day. If a cozy, flavor-packed meal is calling your name, this is the recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s hard to believe that just seven everyday ingredients can produce such a spectacular Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, but that’s the beauty of this dish. Each one matters, so here’s your guide to what goes into the pot and why it matters.

• Beef (Flank, Sirloin, Ribeye, or Filet Mignon): Sliced thinly across the grain, these cuts transform into incredibly tender morsels that soak up all the flavors.
• Beef Stock or Broth: This lays down a rich, savory base for the sauce that infuses the meat with deep flavor as it cooks.
• Soy Sauce: The backbone of the classic stir-fry flavor, bringing both saltiness and a umami kick to the entire dish.
• Light Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the savory notes and helps the beef caramelize just slightly in the sauce.
• Garlic (crushed): Fresh garlic brings aromatic depth and a subtle warmth that makes the sauce so irresistible.
• Broccoli Florets: Added at the end, they deliver that signature pop of green color and crunch, standing up beautifully to the rich sauce.
• Cornstarch: Whisked in to thicken the sauce, making it glossy and perfect for coating every bite.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Prep Your Beef and Slow Cooker

Start by slicing your beef thinly across the grain—trust me, this is the secret to that melt-in-your-mouth texture you expect in restaurant-style Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli. Coat your slow cooker’s basin with non-stick spray, then nestle in all those beautiful ribbons of beef so they’re ready to soak up flavor.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and crushed garlic. Give it a good whisk so the sugar dissolves and everything is nicely combined. This simple sauce is really all you need for classic Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli flavor!

Step 3: Combine and Cook Low and Slow

Pour the sauce you just mixed over the sliced beef in your slow cooker, making sure every piece gets a little sauce love. Pop on the lid and cook on LOW for four hours—go read, work, or just kick back while those flavors meld and the beef gets gorgeously tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

After four hours, it’s time to thicken things up. Scoop out about half a cup of broth from the slow cooker, whisk in the tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth, then stir this mixture back in. This step gives your sauce that authentic, silky texture that makes Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli so craveable.

Step 5: Add the Broccoli

Now’s the moment for that pop of green! Add your broccoli florets straight into the slow cooker, cover it again, and cook for one more hour on LOW. By doing this at the end, you keep the broccoli vibrant and perfectly tender without it turning mushy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the broccoli is just right and the sauce is luscious, it’s time to serve it all up hot! Grab some fluffy rice or steamy noodles, pile on the beef and broccoli, and get ready for dinner bliss. Don’t forget to spoon extra sauce over the top—it’s liquid gold.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Garnishes

To make your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli absolutely pop, finish it with a sprinkle of sliced green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes can add a gentle heat for those who like things spicy, while fresh cilantro will add a bright, fresh counterpoint to the rich sauce.

Side Dishes

The obvious partner for this dish is a steaming bowl of white or brown rice, which soaks up all that beautiful sauce. You could also try it with udon or lo mein noodles for a change of pace, or even a fluffy bed of cauliflower rice if you’re going low-carb. Don’t forget a simple side of steamed edamame or a crisp Asian slaw for extra crunch and color.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual family meal, feel free to serve Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli family-style in a big serving dish so everyone can help themselves. For a dinner party, pile portions into individual bowls and garnish artfully—try a sprinkle of black sesame seeds or a drizzle of sriracha aioli. Leftovers also make an incredible filling for wraps or lettuce cups for a fun lunch twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The sauce and flavors deepen overnight, so it’s fantastic for meal prepping lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

You’ll be happy to know this dish freezes well! Store cooled beef and broccoli (with the sauce) in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label with the date, and you’ll have a ready-to-go meal for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat the Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until hot. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep the sauce nice and smooth. If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of beef broth to loosen things up.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli florets instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works wonderfully—just add it directly from the freezer during the last hour of cooking. It may be a bit softer than fresh, but it’s still delicious and saves time on prep.

What’s the best cut of beef for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli?

Flank, sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin cuts all work beautifully in this recipe. The key is slicing the beef thinly across the grain, ensuring every bite turns out tender and flavorful.

How do I prevent the broccoli from getting mushy?

Add the broccoli only during the last hour of slow cooking, and keep the pieces a bit larger if you prefer extra crunch. This way, it stays vibrant and maintains that satisfying texture without turning limp.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the soy sauce for a certified gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check that your beef broth is gluten-free as well, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version in no time.

Is there a way to make it spicier?

If you like your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli with a kick, add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, or a diced fresh chili into the sauce mixture before cooking. Adjust to taste until it’s just spicy enough for you!

Final Thoughts

Takeout night just found a new rival! With so much flavor, so little effort, and plenty of cozy, saucy goodness to go around, this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli will be the new star of your dinner table. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every delicious forkful with your loved ones.

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