Easy Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef Recipe: Tender & Flavorful Magic

Tender beef and vibrant broccoli meld together in this hearty slow cooker broccoli beef stew that promises comfort in every bite.

Rich, savory flavors develop slowly throughout the day, creating a mouthwatering meal that requires minimal effort.

The aroma will fill your kitchen with an irresistible warmth that beckons everyone to the dinner table.

Busy home cooks adore this simple yet satisfying dish that delivers restaurant-quality results with just a few ingredients.

Lean beef strips absorb a delectable sauce while broccoli maintains its bright green crispness during the cooking process.

Each spoonful offers a perfect balance of protein and vegetables that will leave you feeling nourished and content.

This recipe transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something truly special, inviting you to savor every delicious moment.

Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef: Effortless Weeknight Favorite

• Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic with minimal hands-on cooking, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Easily adjust spice levels and ingredients to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for picky eaters.
• Enjoy a complete meal with tender beef and nutritious broccoli cooked together, reducing dishes and cleanup time while delivering maximum flavor.
• Delights both kids and adults with its savory, slightly sweet sauce and protein-packed ingredients that everyone will love.

Must-Have Ingredients for Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef

• Beef Steak: A tender cut of meat that becomes soft and flavorful when slow-cooked.
• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds freshness and crunch to the dish.
• Beef Broth: A rich liquid that helps tenderize the meat and create a delicious sauce.

• Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Sesame Oil: These ingredients combine to create a sweet and savory sauce with depth of flavor.
• Garlic, Chili Flakes: Provide a warm, spicy kick and aromatic base to the sauce.
• Cornstarch, Cold Water: Work together to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy, smooth texture.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Slow Cooking Tools for Tender Beef Every Time

• Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking the beef and creating the tender, flavorful dish.
• Microwave-Safe Container: Perfect for steaming broccoli quickly and easily.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for mixing cornstarch and water to thicken the sauce.
• Whisk: Great for blending cornstarch mixture smoothly.
• Lid: Needed for the microwave container and slow cooker.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.

Steps to a Hearty, Flavorful Broccoli Beef Dinner

Step 1: Kick Off The Flavor Explosion

Grab your slow cooker and give it a light coating of cooking spray or oil.

Drop in the steak strips.

Pour in beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of chili flakes.

These ingredients will create a mouth-watering base that transforms ordinary beef into something spectacular.

Secure the lid and let the magic happen – cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours until the meat becomes tender and juicy.

Step 2: Create Silky Smooth Sauce

When you’re close to serving time, remove the lid.

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until completely smooth and lump-free.

Gently pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir.

Replace the lid and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.

Watch as the sauce transforms into a glossy, rich coating that clings perfectly to the meat.

Step 3: Steam The Green Goodness

Just before plating, prep the broccoli.

Place florets in a microwave-safe container with a tiny bit of water.

Cover slightly askew to allow steam to escape.

Zap in the microwave for 3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.

Drain quickly and fold into the beef mixture.

Step 4: Plate And Devour

Scoop the saucy beef and broccoli into bowls.

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of tender meat, vibrant vegetables, and incredible sauce.

Pro Tips for Beef That’s Saucy and Tender

• Use cooking spray or a paper towel with oil to evenly coat the slow cooker's interior, preventing sticking and making cleanup easier.
• Choose flank steak or sirloin for tenderness, cutting against the grain to ensure soft, melt-in-your-mouth beef slices.
• Dissolve cornstarch completely in cold water to avoid lumps, ensuring a smooth and glossy sauce consistency.
• Steam broccoli briefly to maintain vibrant green color and crisp texture, preventing overcooking and mushiness.
• Add fresh ginger or a splash of rice vinegar for an extra layer of depth and complexity in the dish.

Ways to Switch Up Your Broccoli Beef Recipe

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace beef with firm tofu or seitan, maintaining the same marinade and cooking method for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to reduce carbohydrate intake.
• Spicy Kick Version: Increase chili flakes or add sriracha sauce for extra heat, and incorporate sliced jalapeños during the last hour of cooking for a more intense flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free, and verify all ingredients are gluten-free to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Creative Plating for Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef

• Family Dinner Night: Pair this tender broccoli beef with fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal everyone will love.
• Restaurant-Style Plating: Arrange the beef and broccoli over steamed rice, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a professional, Instagram-worthy presentation that looks like a gourmet dish.
• Quick Weeknight Sides: Complement the meal with simple steamed edamame or a crisp Asian-inspired coleslaw to add extra texture and balance the rich, savory flavors of the broccoli beef.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers with rice for easy lunch options that reheat beautifully and taste just as delicious the next day.

Saving and Reheating Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled beef and broccoli to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm beef and broccoli in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated thoroughly, about 4-5 minutes.

FAQs

• How tender will the beef be?

The slow cooking method breaks down tough muscle fibers, making the beef incredibly soft and melt-in-your-mouth tender, perfect for those who enjoy a delicate meat texture.

• Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use chuck roast, flank steak, or sirloin tip. These cuts work well in slow cookers and become tender when cooked low and slow with the sauce.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not entirely. The soy sauce contains gluten, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Slow cooker broccoli beef brings tender meat and crisp vegetables together in a savory Asian-inspired dish. Home cooks can enjoy restaurant-quality flavors with minimal preparation and delicious results.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 1/2 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced and chopped into 2-inch pieces

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup beef broth
• 2/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons cold water

Vegetable:

• 4 cups broccoli florets

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Instructions

1. Prepare the meat mixture by greasing the slow cooker interior. Combine thinly sliced steak with beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and chili flakes. Ensure ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Set slow cooker to high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours, allowing meat to become tender and absorb flavors.
3. Create sauce thickener by whisking cornstarch with cold water until completely smooth. Twenty minutes before serving, pour mixture into slow cooker and stir thoroughly.
4. Cover and continue cooking for additional 20-25 minutes, allowing sauce to reach desired consistency.
5. Steam broccoli by placing in microwave-safe container with minimal water. Cover partially and heat on high for 3 minutes until bright green and slightly crisp.
6. Drain broccoli and gently fold into slow cooker, ensuring even coating with savory sauce.
7. Transfer to serving dish, ensuring each portion receives equal amounts of meat and vegetables. Garnish with optional sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
8. Serve immediately while warm, allowing diners to enjoy the rich, tender beef and perfectly steamed broccoli.

Notes

• Tenderize beef by choosing cuts like flank or sirloin steak with good marbling for maximum flavor and softness.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and less salt, which helps maintain the dish’s rich taste without compromising health.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili flakes – start with a pinch for mild warmth or increase for spice lovers who enjoy bold flavors.
• Meal prep friendly option: Cook entire recipe ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and deepen overnight.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg