Recipes

Slow Cooker Beef Broccoli

Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli 🥩🥦

Introduction

If you’ve ever craved that warm, savory, takeout-style beef and broccoli after a long day — this is your recipe.
This Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli brings tender slices of beef, crisp broccoli, and a glossy, flavorful sauce together with hardly any effort.

It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell like your favorite Chinese restaurant, but without any of the fuss. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, let time work its magic, and serve it over rice for a hearty, family-friendly dinner everyone will love. 💛

Ingredient Overview

  • 1½ lbs beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced – Tender and flavorful, perfect for slow cooking.

  • 4 cups broccoli florets – Add near the end for vibrant color and crunch.

  • ¾ cup low-sodium soy sauce – The savory base of the sauce.

  • ½ cup beef broth – Enhances richness and depth.

  • ¼ cup brown sugar – Balances the salty soy sauce with gentle sweetness.

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses bold, aromatic flavor.

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil – Adds a hint of nutty depth.

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry) – Thickens the sauce to restaurant-style perfection.

  • Cooked rice, for serving.

  • (Optional: sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish.)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Slice beef into thin strips (against the grain) for maximum tenderness.

Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil until smooth.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Place beef strips into the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the top and stir gently to coat.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours, until the beef is tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, whisk together cornstarch and water, then stir it into the sauce.
Add broccoli florets, cover again, and cook until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot over steamed rice, and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

20 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes — add it in the last 20 minutes to avoid overcooking.

2. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Chicken thighs or breasts work great with the same sauce.

3. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

4. Can I cook on high the whole time?
Yes, about 2½ to 3 hours on HIGH.

5. Can I add more vegetables?
Carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers go wonderfully.

6. Can I use another cut of beef?
Yes — chuck roast or skirt steak work too.

7. Can I skip the sugar?
You can, but it balances the saltiness. Try honey as a natural substitute.

8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a 6–7 quart slow cooker.

9. Can I make it spicy?
Add crushed red pepper or sriracha to the sauce.

10. Can I use fresh ginger?
Yes — 1 tsp grated ginger brightens the flavor.

11. Can I cook it overnight?
Not recommended — it only needs about 5 hours on low.

12. Can I use teriyaki sauce instead?
Yes, but reduce the sugar by half.

13. Can I use chicken broth?
Yes — it’s a fine substitute for beef broth.

14. Can I thicken without cornstarch?
Use arrowroot powder or let it simmer uncovered.

15. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes — store in the fridge and reheat on low before serving.

16. Can I serve this without rice?
Try noodles or cauliflower rice.

17. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, up to 2 months.

18. Can I use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes — cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release.

19. How do I keep the broccoli green?
Add it at the end and don’t overcook.

20. Can I use dark soy sauce?
Yes, but mix half regular and half dark for balance.

20 Helpful Tips

1. Slice beef thin — it cooks tenderly.
2. Use low-sodium soy sauce to avoid oversalting.
3. Add broccoli near the end for freshness.
4. Whisk cornstarch slurry separately to avoid lumps.
5. Use sesame oil sparingly — it’s potent.
6. Add chili flakes for a little heat.
7. Let sauce sit a few minutes before serving — it thickens.
8. Don’t overcook broccoli — it’ll turn mushy.
9. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
10. Slice beef against the grain for tenderness.
11. Use fresh garlic instead of powder for full flavor.
12. For richer sauce, stir in 1 tbsp oyster sauce.
13. Add a dash of rice vinegar for brightness.
14. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
15. Serve with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
16. Add shredded carrots for color.
17. Double the sauce if you like extra to spoon over rice.
18. Freeze leftovers flat in bags for quick reheating.
19. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
20. Sprinkle green onions right before serving for color and freshness.

10 Storage & Reheating Tips

  1. Cool completely before storing.

  2. Refrigerate up to 4 days in airtight containers.

  3. Freeze up to 2 months.

  4. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

  5. Reheat on stovetop over low heat until warm.

  6. Add splash of broth if sauce thickens too much.

  7. Avoid microwaving too long — beef may toughen.

  8. Store broccoli separately for best texture.

  9. Serve leftovers over fresh rice or noodles.

  10. Add sesame oil after reheating for a fresh aroma.

20 Recipe Secrets

  1. Marinate beef overnight in sauce for extra flavor.

  2. Add 1 tbsp oyster sauce for umami depth.

  3. Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best aroma.

  4. Sear beef briefly before slow cooking for extra flavor.

  5. Add a touch of honey for glossy finish.

  6. Stir in cornstarch slurry only near the end.

  7. Don’t lift lid often — it slows cooking.

  8. Simmer 10 minutes uncovered if sauce is too thin.

  9. Add sesame seeds for authentic touch.

  10. Top with chopped green onions.

  11. Use flank steak for tender texture.

  12. Mix soy sauce with a bit of hoisin for depth.

  13. Add a pinch of sugar even if you reduce salt.

  14. Let sauce rest before serving for glossy texture.

  15. Add chili oil for a spicy twist.

  16. Garnish with steamed broccoli for color.

  17. Use a bit of cornstarch early to pre-thicken if needed.

  18. Avoid overcooking — beef should shred easily, not fall apart.

  19. Add rice vinegar or lime juice for brightness.

  20. Make extra sauce — it’s too good not to drizzle over everything!

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli is a true dinnertime favorite — tender, saucy, and packed with rich, comforting flavor.
It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone think you ordered takeout, but only you know the secret: it cooked itself while you went about your day.

Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, sprinkle sesame seeds on top, and enjoy that first bite of sweet, savory perfection. 🍚🥦❤️