Name: Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: Beef and Sauce:; 1½ lbs beef chuck roast, boneless, sliced into thin strips; 1 cup beef consommé or beef broth; ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ⅓ cup dark brown sugar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; Thickening and Broccoli:; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 3 cups frozen broccoli florets (about one 14 oz bag)

▼ Jump to Recipe·🖷 Print

When it comes to comfort food that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe is a standout. With tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef and crisp broccoli coated in a rich, savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

The best part? It takes just minutes to prep and then your slow cooker does all the work! Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal-prepping enthusiast, or someone who simply loves hearty, homemade meals, this recipe is for you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do its magic.
Rich and Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, dark brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic creates a savory-sweet sauce that’s absolutely irresistible.
Perfect Texture: The beef becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking, while the broccoli retains its crunch when added at the end.
Versatile: Serve it over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even noodles for a complete meal.

Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious dish at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this flavorful Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli:

1 1/2 pounds beef chuck roast (boneless): Slice it into thin strips for even cooking.
1 cup beef consommé or beef broth: Adds depth to the sauce.
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Keeps the sodium in check without compromising flavor.
1/3 cup dark brown sugar: Balances out the savory soy sauce with a hint of sweetness.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and richness.
3 cloves garlic (minced): For that classic savory kick.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce.
Frozen broccoli florets (about 3 cups): A convenient way to add veggies to your meal (a 14 oz bag works perfectly).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef consommé, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. This flavorful mixture will serve as the base for your dish.

2. Add Beef to the Slow Cooker

Lay the thinly sliced beef strips in your slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.

3. Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for about 6 hours. Keep an eye on it around the 5-hour mark; you don’t want the beef to overcook and start shredding.

4. Thicken the Sauce

About an hour before the cooking time is up, scoop out 1/4 cup of the sauce from the slow cooker. Whisk it together with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture back into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.

5. Add the Broccoli

During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the frozen broccoli florets to the slow cooker. This ensures they stay tender-crisp and don’t turn mushy.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is cooked to perfection, serve the beef and broccoli over a bed of white rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired. Dig in and enjoy!

Tips for Success

Don’t Overcook the Beef: While slow cookers are forgiving, cooking the beef too long can cause it to lose its texture. Check for doneness around the 5-hour mark.
Use Fresh Broccoli if Preferred: If you prefer fresh broccoli over frozen, steam it separately and stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Customize Your Sauce: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?

Yes! While beef chuck roast works wonderfully due to its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use flank steak or skirt steak.

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! Swap out the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to make this dish gluten-free.

What Can I Serve with Beef and Broccoli?

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option), or noodles like lo mein or rice noodles.

Can I Cook This on High Heat Instead?

If you’re short on time, you can cook this recipe on high heat for about 3-4 hours instead of low heat for 6 hours. Just be sure to monitor the tenderness of the beef.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop for best results.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (approximately):

Calories: 315 kcal
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fat: 16g
Sodium: 1025mg
Sugar: 13g

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly delicious. With minimal effort and a handful of simple ingredients, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe is sure to impress.

So dust off your slow cooker, grab your ingredients, and get ready to savor every bite of this hearty and flavorful dish. Trust us—once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular meal rotation!