Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Imagine coming home after a long day to the enticing aroma of slow-cooked beef, soaked in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, paired perfectly with vibrant, tender-crisp broccoli. This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli brings the beloved flavors of your favorite takeout dish straight to your own kitchen, with minimal effort and maximum taste. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a hearty, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this dish is a true lifesaver. Serve it hot over fluffy white rice, and you’ll have a delicious, satisfying meal that rivals any restaurant version. Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak some greens into a comforting dish everyone will love!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds flank steak, sliced into thin strips

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 cups broccoli florets

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons water

• Cooked white rice, for serving

Directions:

1. Place the beef strips in a slow cooker.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic.

3. Pour the sauce over the beef, making sure the strips are well coated.

4. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or until the beef is tender.

5. About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water together and stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.

6. Add the broccoli florets, cover, and cook for an additional 30 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp.

7. Serve hot over cooked white rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 hours 30 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes

Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Beef and broccoli is a timeless favorite that combines savory, tender beef with crisp, fresh broccoli, all coated in a flavorful, rich sauce. Using a slow cooker to prepare this dish transforms a classic stir-fry into a set-it-and-forget-it meal that still delivers incredible flavor and texture. Whether you are a busy parent, a meal-prepping enthusiast, or someone who simply loves hearty, homemade meals, Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is the perfect addition to your recipe collection.

Why Choose the Slow Cooker for Beef and Broccoli?

The slow cooker (or crockpot) is a game changer for anyone looking to create tender, flavorful meals with minimal effort. When it comes to beef dishes, the low and slow cooking method helps break down the tough fibers of the meat, making it mouthwateringly tender.

In the case of beef and broccoli, the slow cooker allows the beef to fully absorb the rich soy-based sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Unlike traditional stir-fry methods, there’s no need to constantly watch over the stove or worry about overcooking the meat. The slow cooker does the hard work for you, maintaining a consistent, gentle heat that keeps the beef moist and juicy.

The Secret to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

While the slow cooker handles most of the heavy lifting, a few tips can make your beef and broccoli truly exceptional:

• Choosing the Right Cut of Beef: Flank steak is the most popular choice because it’s lean and flavorful. When sliced thinly against the grain, it becomes wonderfully tender during slow cooking.

• Balancing the Sauce: The sauce for beef and broccoli usually includes a combination of beef broth, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. These ingredients create a delicious balance of savory, sweet, and slightly nutty flavors that complement the beef and broccoli perfectly.

• Adding Broccoli at the Right Time: To keep the broccoli vibrant and tender-crisp, it’s best to add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If added too early, the broccoli can become mushy and lose its fresh, bright green color.

• Thickening the Sauce: Mixing cornstarch and water into the slow cooker near the end helps thicken the sauce, giving it that signature glossy texture that clings to the beef and broccoli beautifully.

Health Benefits of Beef and Broccoli

Beyond its incredible flavor, Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli offers several nutritional benefits:

Rich in Protein

Beef is a fantastic source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, maintaining healthy skin, and supporting overall growth and development. Protein-rich meals like this one help keep you feeling full and satisfied longer.

Packed with Vitamins and Minerals

Broccoli is a powerhouse vegetable packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and a wealth of antioxidants. Incorporating broccoli into your meal not only adds a refreshing crunch but also boosts your intake of essential nutrients that promote immune health and bone strength.

Balanced Meal

When served over rice, Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli becomes a complete meal, providing a good balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. It’s a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy, balanced diet without sacrificing flavor.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility when it comes to serving:

• Traditional Serving: Serve the beef and broccoli hot over a bed of freshly steamed white rice. The rice soaks up the savory sauce, making every bite satisfying.

• Low-Carb Option: If you’re cutting back on carbs, try serving it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly meal.

• Meal Prep Favorite: Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Portion it into airtight containers with rice for easy, ready-to-go lunches throughout the week.

• Family-Style Meal: For gatherings or family dinners, serve it buffet-style alongside other Asian-inspired dishes like fried rice, egg rolls, or a light cucumber salad.

Tips for Making Ahead and Storing

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is incredibly convenient for busy days, and it’s easy to prepare ahead of time:

• Make-Ahead Sauce: You can prepare the sauce a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just pour it over the beef in the slow cooker.

• Freezing Instructions: While broccoli doesn’t freeze particularly well after cooking, the beef and sauce freeze beautifully. Simply thaw and reheat, then steam fresh broccoli to stir in before serving.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Variations to Try

While the classic version of Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is delicious on its own, you can customize it based on your preferences:

• Spicy Beef and Broccoli: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.

• Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli: Swap out the brown sugar for honey and add extra garlic for a sweeter, more garlicky flavor profile.

• Veggie-Packed Version: Toss in additional vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a more colorful, nutrient-dense meal.

• Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli: Add a splash of teriyaki sauce for a deeper umami flavor and slight sweetness.

Conclusion:

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is more than just a delicious meal it’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish that brings together the best of hearty beef, nutritious broccoli, and a mouthwatering sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or meal prep, this recipe offers a wonderful way to enjoy a homemade version of a restaurant classic with minimal effort.

With its tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and rich, savory flavors, it’s no wonder this dish is a favorite for families and food lovers alike. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or customize it with your own favorite ingredients, one thing is certain: once you try Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen!