Skip the takeout and make this Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef right at home! Tender slices of beef are slow-cooked in a savory soy-garlic sauce, then paired with crisp-tender broccoli for a meal that’s just as good—if not better—than your favorite restaurant dish.
The beauty of this recipe is how simple it is: just toss everything into your slow cooker, let it simmer to perfection, and finish with fresh broccoli before serving. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a delicious family-friendly dinner that’s quick, easy, and budget-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for depth)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Slice the Beef
- Thinly slice flank steak against the grain. This ensures tender bites after slow cooking.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
Step 3: Add to Slow Cooker
- Place beef slices in the slow cooker. Pour sauce mixture over the top and stir to coat evenly.
Step 4: Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until beef is tender.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
- Thirty minutes before serving, stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
Step 6: Add the Broccoli
- Add broccoli florets to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes. Cover again until broccoli is bright green and tender.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Variation
- Spicy Broccoli Beef: Add 1–2 tbsp sriracha or red pepper flakes.
- Honey Garlic Beef: Replace brown sugar with honey for a sweeter sauce.
- Vegetarian Twist: Use mushrooms or tofu instead of beef.
- Extra Veggies: Add carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers with the broccoli.
Cooking Notes
- Slice beef thinly for the best texture.
- If using frozen broccoli, thaw before adding to avoid excess water.
- Adjust soy sauce for salt preference—low-sodium soy sauce keeps it balanced.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
- Pair with lo mein or stir-fried noodles for a takeout-style dinner.
- Add an egg roll or spring roll on the side for fun.
Tips
- Make extra sauce if you love it extra saucy—just double the broth and soy mixture.
- Always add broccoli near the end so it stays fresh and slightly crisp.
- Use a slow cooker liner for quick cleanup.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5–6 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
- Total Time: ~6 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 14g
- Sodium: 840mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this with chicken instead of beef?
- Yes! Use chicken breast or thighs, reduce cook time to 3–4 hours on low.
Q2: What’s the best beef cut for broccoli beef?
- Flank steak or sirloin are best, but chuck roast works if sliced thin.
Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes! Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove and add fresh broccoli.
Q4: Can I make this recipe without cornstarch?
- Yes, use arrowroot powder or reduce sauce by simmering uncovered until thickened.
Q5: Can I add the broccoli at the beginning?
- It’s not recommended—broccoli will overcook and turn mushy. Always add near the end.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef is a healthier, easier, and just as delicious version of your favorite takeout dish. With tender beef, savory sauce, and crisp broccoli, it’s a family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Once you try this recipe, it’ll become a regular in your slow cooker rotation.