Easy Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli

by

🍲 Easy Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli

📖 Description

This Easy Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli is a healthier, homemade take on the classic takeout dish. Tender strips of beef are slowly cooked in a savory-sweet garlic soy sauce until melt-in-your-mouth perfection, then finished with fresh broccoli for crunch and color. It’s the ultimate fuss-free, family-friendly dinner served over rice or noodles!

🥩 Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs beef chuck roast or flank steak, thinly sliced

  • 1 cup beef broth

  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • ⅓ cup brown sugar (or honey)

  • 2 tbsp sesame oil (or olive oil)

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)

  • ¼ cup cornstarch + ¼ cup water (for slurry)

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets

  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

🍳 Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.

  2. Assemble in slow cooker: Place sliced beef into the slow cooker. Pour sauce mixture over the beef and stir.

  3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until beef is tender.

  4. Thicken sauce: Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker. Cook for another 20–30 minutes until the sauce thickens.

  5. Add broccoli: Stir in broccoli florets during the last 30 minutes of cooking (or steam separately and add just before serving for bright color and crunch).

  6. Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

📝 Notes

  • For a stronger flavor, marinate beef in the sauce overnight before cooking.

  • Frozen broccoli can be used, but add it in the final 10–15 minutes to avoid sogginess.

  • Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing brown sugar.

  • If you want spice, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

💡 Tips

  • Slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.

  • Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.

  • Double the sauce if you love extra gravy for rice.

  • To make it low-carb, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

👨‍👩‍👧 Servings

  • Serves 4–6 people

🔢 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx. with rice excluded)

  • Calories: 320

  • Protein: 27g

  • Fat: 13g

  • Carbohydrates: 25g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 9g

  • Sodium: 980mg

🌟 Health Benefits

  • Beef: Rich in protein, iron, and B-vitamins for energy and muscle health.

  • Broccoli: High in vitamin C, K, and antioxidants that support immunity and bone health.

  • Homemade sauce: Lower in preservatives and customizable compared to takeout.

❓ Q&A

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A: Absolutely—boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts work well. Adjust cooking time to prevent drying out.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make this without a slow cooker?
A: Yes—cook beef in a pot on the stove for about 45–60 minutes on low heat, then follow the same steps.

Leave a Comment