Introduction
There’s something comforting about the classic pairing of beef and broccoli. When cooked in the slow cooker, this dish becomes a weeknight lifesaver—tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a rich, savory sauce all come together with minimal effort. This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a no-fuss dinner that tastes like takeout but is made right at home, healthier and simpler.
Perfect over a bed of steamed rice, this crockpot recipe transforms basic ingredients into a flavorful, family-friendly meal that’s both satisfying and stress-free.
Ingredients
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1 1/2 pounds beef flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
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3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or lightly blanched if frozen)
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1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
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1/3 cup beef broth
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1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
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2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional for extra flavor)
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Cooked rice, for serving
Directions
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Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar or honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. -
Add Beef to Slow Cooker
Place the sliced beef into the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over it. Stir gently to coat all the pieces. -
Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or until beef is tender. -
Add the Broccoli
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broccoli florets. If using frozen broccoli, blanch first for best texture. -
Thicken the Sauce
Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry. Stir into the crockpot and let it cook for another 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens. -
Serve
Spoon the beef and broccoli over freshly cooked rice, letting the sauce soak into the grains for maximum flavor.
Tips & Variations
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Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
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Make it lighter: Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
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Add more veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms pair beautifully with the sauce.
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Meal prep friendly: Store leftovers in airtight containers for 3–4 days in the fridge.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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A healthier, homemade alternative to takeout.
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Minimal prep—just slice, dump, and let the slow cooker work its magic.
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Balanced with protein, vegetables, and carbs when served with rice.
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Family-approved, with rich flavor that appeals to kids and adults alike.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is one of those timeless crockpot recipes that makes weeknight cooking effortless. With its tender beef, fresh broccoli, and perfectly balanced savory-sweet sauce, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.
Serve it warm over rice and enjoy the kind of comfort food that feels both hearty and nourishing.