Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Simply combine the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it work its magic.
- Flavorful and Tender: Slow cooking ensures the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, infused with a rich, savory sauce.
- Healthier Alternative: Control the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences, making it a wholesome choice compared to takeout.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pairs well with rice, quinoa, or noodles, allowing you to customize your meal.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds beef sirloin, flank steak, or chuck roast, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce and Beef: In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add Ingredients to the Crockpot: Place the sliced beef in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef, ensuring all slices are coated.
- Cook the Beef: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker, mixing well with the sauce. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Add the Broccoli: While the sauce is thickening, steam or microwave the broccoli until crisp-tender. Add the cooked broccoli to the slow cooker, stirring gently to coat with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the beef and broccoli hot over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, plus an additional 20-30 minutes for sauce thickening.
Variations
- Spicier Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Vegetable Medley: Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas for added nutrition and color.
- Low-Sugar Alternative: Replace brown sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, adjusting to taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Once cooled, place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, flank steak, sirloin, or chuck roast work well. Ensure the beef is thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce.
3. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Add it directly to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.
4. Is there a substitute for sesame oil?
While sesame oil adds a distinct flavor, you can substitute it with olive oil or another cooking oil if necessary.
5. Can I prepare this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes, sauté the beef in a large skillet until browned, add the sauce, and simmer until the beef is tender. Add steamed broccoli and cornstarch slurry, cooking until the sauce thickens.
6. How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?
Slow cooking on low heat helps tenderize the beef. Avoid overcooking, as it can lead to a tougher texture.
7. What can I serve with this dish?
It’s commonly served over steamed rice, but noodles or quinoa are great alternatives. A side of steamed vegetables complements the meal well.
8. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms make excellent additions. Add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain their texture.
Print
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes (low) / 3 hours 30 minutes (high
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli recipe delivers tender, flavorful beef in a rich, savory sauce, paired with crisp broccoli. A perfect homemade takeout alternative, this slow cooker dish is simple to prepare and makes a great weeknight dinner. Serve it over rice, noodles, or quinoa for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds beef sirloin, flank steak, or chuck roast (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add to Slow Cooker: Place sliced beef in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it, coating evenly.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Prepare Broccoli: While the sauce thickens, steam or microwave the broccoli until crisp-tender.
- Combine: Add the broccoli to the slow cooker, stirring gently to coat.
- Serve: Enjoy over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha.
- To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
- Vegetable Variations: Bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms make great additions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours (low) / 2-3 hours (high) + 20-30 minutes (thickening)
- Category: Dinner, Slow Cooker Recipes
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-American
