Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe

There’s something magical about walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the smell of beef simmering in garlicky soy sauce. This slow cooker beef and broccoli is cozy, fuss-free, and packed with the same sweet-salty flavors you crave from takeout. The best part? Dinner cooks while you go about your day.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

You know those nights when you just want dinner to cook itself? This recipe is exactly that. Toss everything into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. Hours later, you’ll have fork-tender beef and bright green broccoli coated in a glossy sauce that clings to every bite. It’s comfort food with a lighter, homemade touch. No greasy cartons, no waiting for deliveryjust simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker. If you love cozy dump-and-go meals, you’ll also want to try our Easy Crockpot Chili on your next chilly evening.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy slow cooker beef and broccoli:

• 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes (or flank steak, sliced thin against the grain)
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry if thickening sauce)
• Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish

Tip: Chuck roast gives you the most tender results when slow cooked. If you only have flank steak, cook on the shorter side to avoid chewiness.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Step 1 – Mix the Sauce

Whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar in your slow cooker insert. This becomes the base that flavors the beef while it cooks low and slow.

Step 2 – Add Beef and Cook

Nestle the beef cubes into the sauce. Stir gently so every piece gets coated. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours if using chuck roast, or on high for 2 to 3 hours if using flank steak. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing.

Step 3 – Add Broccoli and Thicken

About 30 minutes before serving, toss in the broccoli florets. For a thicker, glossy sauce, whisk the cornstarch with water and stir it into the pot at this stage. Let everything simmer until the broccoli is tender-crisp.

Step 4 – Serve and Garnish

Spoon the beef and broccoli over hot rice or noodles. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for a pop of flavor and freshness. For an extra comforting dinner, serve it alongside a bowl of Tuscan Chickpea Soup.

Tips, Variations, and Fixes

• Use beef chuck roast for the most melt-in-your-mouth texture. Flank steak can work but cooks faster.
• Add extra veggies like carrots, snow peas, or water chestnuts for color and crunch.
• For a spicy kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
• Want it low-carb? Swap brown sugar for a keto-friendly sweetener and serve over cauliflower rice.
• If the sauce is too thin, make sure you whisk the cornstarch slurry into cold water before adding. Too salty? Dilute with a splash of broth.

Serving Suggestions

This beef and broccoli loves a fluffy bowl of jasmine rice, but don’t stop there. Try it spooned over lo mein noodles or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Add sides like cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or even a cheesy bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup to make it a full comfort dinner spread. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions ties everything together beautifully.

Storage and Meal Prep

This recipe makes fantastic leftovers. Store any cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. You can also freeze in meal prep containers for up to 3 months just know the broccoli will soften a bit once thawed. Perfect for grab-and-heat work lunches.

FAQ about Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Final Thoughts

Slow cooker beef and broccoli is the kind of dinner that makes weeknights easier and cozier. With just a handful of ingredients and a few hours in the pot, you’ll have a savory, satisfying meal that tastes like your favorite takeout. Try it this week, then save and share it for those nights when only comfort food will do. Don’t forget to leave a comment or pin it for later!

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