Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is an easy home-style dinner made with tender strips of beef, fresh broccoli, and a rich savory-sweet garlic sauce. Slowly cooking the beef gives it plenty of time to become tender and flavorful, while adding the broccoli near the end keeps it fresh and perfectly cooked. This deesviral recipe is a kitchen favorite for busy weeknights when you want a comforting homemade meal without spending hours at the stove.

Ingredients

For the Beef

2 lbs flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, optional

For the Sauce

1 cup low-sodium beef broth
2/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

For Finishing

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, optional
Cooked white rice, for serving

Preparation Steps

1. Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain. Cutting against the grain helps the meat become more tender during slow cooking. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
2. For extra flavor, heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sear the beef for about 1 minute per side. This step is optional, and the beef can also be added directly to the slow cooker.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until the brown sugar begins to dissolve.
4. Place the sliced beef into the crockpot and pour the prepared sauce evenly over the top. Stir gently so all the beef is coated.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 4–5 hours, or until the beef is tender. Avoid cooking much longer than necessary because very thin strips of beef can become overly soft.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl until completely smooth.
7. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and stir it into the sauce. Cover and continue cooking for about 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to begin thickening.
8. Add the fresh broccoli florets and gently stir them into the beef and sauce. Cover again and cook for another 20–30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. For firmer broccoli, steam it separately for a few minutes and stir it into the beef immediately before serving.
9. Once the sauce is glossy and thick enough to coat the beef, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a small splash of beef broth.
10. Spoon the Crockpot Beef and Broccoli over freshly cooked white rice and finish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately while everything is warm.

Serving Suggestions

Steamed jasmine or long-grain white rice is the classic pairing for this dish because it absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully. You can also serve it with brown rice, noodles, cauliflower rice, or additional steamed vegetables.

For a little extra heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over individual servings. Sliced green onions also make a fresh finishing touch.

Storage

Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until thoroughly heated. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much in the refrigerator.

Tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a rich homemade garlic-soy sauce make this Crockpot Beef and Broccoli a simple, satisfying dinner that the whole family can enjoy.