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I’m excited to share my favorite slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe. It’s perfect for busy people who love easy Chinese takeout flavors at home. With just 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have tender beef and crisp broccoli in a tasty sauce.
This dish is a big help on busy days. I put everything in the crockpot before work. By dinner, my kitchen smells great. The slow cooker makes tough cuts of beef tender and delicious.
It’s also much cheaper than eating out. Trust me, it’s a winner!
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
I love making this delicious crockpot beef and broccoli recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds sirloin steak or beef chuck roast
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons water
- 12-ounce bag frozen broccoli florets
For the meat, I prefer using sirloin steak, but beef chuck roast works great too. If you want a richer flavor, try beef consomme instead of beef broth. Dark brown sugar can replace regular brown sugar for added depth.
The soy sauce and sesame oil give this dish its signature Asian flavor. Don’t skip them! If you’re watching your sodium, use a low-sodium soy sauce.
I serve this over cooked white rice, but brown rice is a healthier option. The combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory sauce over fluffy rice is simply irresistible!
Instructions
Let’s start making crockpot beef and broccoli. First, I mix beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic in the slow cooker. This makes a tasty base for our dish.
Then, I add sliced beef to the mix and coat it well. The slow cooker is set on low for 5-6 hours. This makes the beef tender and full of flavor.
About 30 minutes before we eat, I mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. I add this to the crockpot to thicken the sauce. Then, I put in frozen broccoli and stir it gently.
Next, I let it cook for another 30 minutes. This makes the sauce thicker and the broccoli just right. When it’s ready, I serve it over warm white rice for a full meal.
My family loves this dish because it’s easy and tastes like takeout, but better!
These slow cooker instructions make a meal that’s tasty and easy. The beef is tender, broccoli stays crunchy, and the sauce brings it all together.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
I love this crockpot beef and broccoli recipe for its simplicity and flavor. To get the best results, I’ve learned a few tricks. First, watch the cooking time closely. Overcooked beef tends to shred, losing that perfect tender texture we’re after. I add the broccoli near the end of cooking to keep it crisp and vibrant.
Meal prep is a breeze with this dish. I often make a big batch and store it for later. For beef and broccoli storage, I use airtight containers. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. If I want to keep it longer, I freeze it for up to 4 months.
When it comes to reheating tips, I find thawing frozen portions overnight in the fridge works best. Once thawed, I use it within 3-4 days. For quick meals, I reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Don’t overcook the beef
- Add broccoli at the end
- Store in airtight containers
- Thaw frozen portions overnight
Here’s a time-saving tip: if you’re using frozen broccoli, there’s no need to thaw it before adding to the crockpot. Just toss it in frozen, and it’ll cook perfectly. This little hack has saved me so much time during busy weeknights!
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
I love trying new things with beef and broccoli. Sometimes, I add colorful bell peppers or crisp snap peas. These changes make the dish exciting without losing its taste.
For a full Chinese meal, I serve it with homemade sides. My top picks are Chow Mein, Chicken Egg Rolls, or Sweet and Sour Chicken. These sides make the meal a hit with everyone.
Instead of white rice, I sometimes use brown rice or cauliflower rice. It’s healthier. Before serving, I add sesame seeds or sliced green onions. These add texture and color, making the dish look and taste great.