If you’ve ever craved that perfectly tender, flavor-packed takeout favorite, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe. It transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, hearty dish where succulent beef mingles with crisp-tender broccoli all soaked in a savory, lightly sweet sauce. Best of all, it’s made effortlessly in the slow cooker, allowing you to come home to a deliciously warm meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. This recipe is a total game changer for weeknight dinners or anytime you want that cozy Asian-inspired goodness with zero stress.

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s truly wonderful about this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is how the ingredient list keeps things straightforward yet packs big flavors. Each component plays an essential role: the beef brings richness and meaty goodness, the broccoli adds freshness and crunch, and the sauce ties it all together with its perfect balance of salty, sweet, and aromatic notes.

Beef flank steak, thinly sliced: Lean and flavorful, slicing thinly against the grain ensures tenderness in the final dish.
Broccoli florets: Adds a vibrant green pop and a crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the beef.
Soy sauce (low sodium): This salty umami powerhouse forms the base of the sauce, keeping things balanced.
Brown sugar: Provides a gentle sweetness that perfectly offsets the soy sauce’s saltiness.
Beef broth: Adds depth and savory notes to enrich the cooking liquid.
Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic introduces warmth and aromatic complexity.
Ginger, grated: Brings a subtle spicy brightness that lifts the entire dish.
Cornstarch (optional): Used to thicken the sauce to a glossy finish if desired.
Cooked rice: The perfect fluffy bed for soaking up every drop of that delicious sauce.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for a nutty crunch and an inviting garnish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Sauce Mixture

Start by slicing the beef flank steak thinly against the grain; this technique is key for tenderness. If you prefer a more melt-in-your-mouth texture, beef chuck cut into cubes is a great swap. In your slow cooker, combine the beef with soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Give it a good stir to make sure every piece of beef gets lovingly coated in this aromatic and savory sauce.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Beef

Cover your slow cooker and let all those lovely flavors meld together by cooking on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. Flank steak needs less time to stay tender, while chuck benefits from a longer cook. This slow process tenderizes the beef while infusing it with that quintessential Asian-inspired sauce everyone adores.

Step 3: Add the Broccoli and Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

About 30 minutes before cooking ends, gently stir in the broccoli florets. This timing keeps them bright green and crisp-tender instead of mushy. If you like a thicker sauce, now is the perfect moment to whisk together a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch and cold water) and pour it into the slow cooker, stirring to combine. It will create a lovely glossy coating on everything.

Step 4: Finish Cooking

Pop the lid back on and let the broccoli cook gently until tender-crisp and the sauce thickens slightly. This last burst of warmth brings the dish together perfectly, resulting in beef and broccoli that’s tender, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.

Step 5: Serve Your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Spoon the succulent beef and broccoli over steaming, fluffy rice, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for that extra touch of texture and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy that combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and flavorful sauce at its absolute best.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Garnishes

Enhancing your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli with garnishes elevates the experience. Toasted sesame seeds offer delightful crunch and nuttiness, while a scattering of chopped green onions adds a fresh, lively note. For a subtle heat, a few thin slices of fresh chili pepper or a drizzle of chili oil can bring exciting depth without overpowering the dish.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simply cooked white or jasmine rice to soak up the sauce, or even brown rice for a whole grain option. You could also serve it alongside stir-fried noodles, steamed dumplings, or a crisp Asian cucumber salad to keep the meal balanced and enticingly fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, consider serving your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli in lettuce cups for a light, hand-held meal bursting with flavor. Alternatively, layering it over cauliflower rice offers a low-carb option. You might also plate it with roasted sesame sweet potatoes or alongside steamed bok choy for a colorful, nutrient-packed presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Keeping the sauce and broccoli moist ensures every bite stays tender and delicious. It’s perfect for reheating quick lunches or dinners after busy days.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Store it in freezer-safe containers and leave the rice separate for best texture when reheating. Be mindful that broccoli may become softer after freezing, so it can be a little more tender, which some folks actually enjoy.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking the beef. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to revive the sauce’s consistency and keep the beef moist. Stir occasionally and heat until warmed through but not boiling for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! Chuck roast cut into cubes works beautifully for slow cooking since it becomes tender and juicy after long cooking times. If using flank steak, slice thinly against the grain and reduce cook time to prevent toughness.

Do I have to add broccoli during cooking?

While broccoli is traditional, you can add other vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms near the end of cooking. Just adjust timing to keep them crisp-tender rather than mushy.

Is there a way to make the sauce spicier?

Yes! Adding a teaspoon of chili paste or some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce before cooking will give your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli a wonderful spicy kick without overwhelming the savory-sweet balance.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prep the beef and sauce mixture the night before and refrigerate it. When ready to cook, just add to the slow cooker and follow the cooking steps. Adding broccoli last remains best for texture.

What’s the best rice to serve with this dish?

Jasmine rice is an excellent match because of its fragrant aroma and sticky texture that soaks up the sauce perfectly. You can also use basmati, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a fuss-free, hearty, and flavorful meal, this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is your new best friend. It takes the classic combination we all adore and transforms it into an easy, set-it-and-forget-it dinner that’s bursting with comforting flavors and irresistible textures. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again for family, friends, or simply those nights when you want a little slow-cooked magic on your plate.

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 18 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe offers a convenient and flavorful way to enjoy a classic American-Asian dish at home with minimal effort. Tender beef simmered in a savory soy-ginger sauce is perfectly complemented by fresh broccoli florets cooked to crisp-tender perfection. The slow cooker allows flavors to meld beautifully and is ideal for a hands-off meal. Served over steamed rice and garnished with nutty sesame seeds, this dish balances sweet, salty, and aromatic notes for a comforting and satisfying dinner.

Instructions

Combine Beef and Sauce in Slow Cooker: Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain, or if using beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes. Place the beef in the slow cooker insert. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well to evenly coat the beef with the sauce ingredients.
Cook the Beef: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours if using flank steak. For beef chuck, cook on LOW for 6-8 hours until tender. The goal is to gently cook the beef until cooked through and tender.
Add Broccoli and Thicken Sauce (Optional): About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker and stir gently to mix them with the sauce. For a thicker sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker liquid.
Finish Cooking: Cover again and continue cooking for the last 30 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened if cornstarch was added.
Serve: Spoon the beef and broccoli over cooked rice. Garnish generously with sesame seeds and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Slicing beef against the grain is crucial for tenderness, especially with flank steak.
Using beef chuck instead of flank steak is recommended for better slow cooking results and more tender meat.
Add broccoli late in the cooking process to avoid mushiness.
Low sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness in the dish.
Cornstarch slurry is optional but recommended if you prefer a thicker sauce.
Frozen broccoli can be used and added directly without thawing.
Serve with steamed white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-8 hours (depending on beef cut and heat setting)
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion