Go Back

Crockpot Beef and Broccoli - A Comforting, Hands-Off Weeknight Favorite

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Beef: 2 pounds flank steak, sirloin, or chuck roast, thinly sliced against the grain
  • Broccoli: 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh is best; frozen works with a quick tweak)
  • Low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • Beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • Brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
  • Sesame oil
  • Rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • Garlic (4–5 cloves, minced)
  • Fresh ginger (1–2 tablespoons, grated) or 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Cornstarch (for thickening)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
  • Neutral oil (optional, for quick sear)

Method
 

  1. Slice the beef: Trim excess fat and thinly slice against the grain. Thinner slices cook faster and turn out more tender.
  2. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk 3/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1 cup beef broth, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 4–5 minced garlic cloves, 1–2 tablespoons grated ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  3. (Optional) Quick sear: For deeper flavor, heat a little oil in a skillet and quickly sear the beef in batches, 1–2 minutes per side. Don’t cook through—just brown the edges.
  4. Load the crockpot: Add the sliced beef to the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the top and stir to coat.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 3–4 hours or on High for 1.5–2 hours, until the beef is tender.
  6. Thicken the sauce: Whisk 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold water. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker. Switch to High and cook for 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Add broccoli: Stir in 4 cups broccoli florets. Cover and cook on High for 15–25 minutes, until crisp-tender. For frozen broccoli, thaw first and cook just 10–15 minutes to avoid mushiness.
  8. Taste and adjust: Add a splash of soy sauce for salt, a dash of vinegar for brightness, or a pinch more sugar if you want a sweeter finish.
  9. Serve: Spoon over warm rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.