Irresistible Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker beef and broccoli dish can turn an ordinary weeknight into a culinary adventure.

Tender meat practically melts when cooked low and slow with rich, savory seasonings.

broccoli adds a vibrant green pop of nutrition that complements the hearty protein perfectly.

Home chefs appreciate how minimal effort yields maximum flavor in this simple recipe.

Simple ingredients combine to create a restaurant-quality meal that will impress everyone around the table.

Minimal prep means you can set everything up quickly and let the slow cooker work its magic.

This comfort food classic promises to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

Slow Cooker Beef And Broccoli Made Easy

• Transform Weeknight Dinners: Minimal prep work transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that satisfies serious comfort food cravings.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without constant monitoring or complicated techniques.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory sauce create a universally appealing dish that pleases both kids and adults with its delightful taste profile.
• Stress-Free Meal Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring a foolproof dinner solution.

Ingredients To Prepare Slow Cooker Beef And Broccoli

• Flank Steak: A tender cut of beef that becomes incredibly soft when slow-cooked with rich flavors.

• Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar: Create a sweet and savory base that helps tenderize and caramelize the beef.
• Garlic, Ginger: Provide a warm, aromatic depth of flavor to the entire dish.
• Cornstarch, Water: Act as a thickening agent to help the sauce cling beautifully to the meat and broccoli.

• Broccoli Florets: Add a fresh, bright green color and nutritious crunch to the slow-cooked beef.
• White Rice or Noodles: Serve as a perfect base to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal.

Slow Cooker Beef And Broccoli Step Guide

Step 1: Create Flavorful Marinade

Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch mixture in a mixing bowl. Blend the ingredients thoroughly until they form a smooth, well-combined sauce that will infuse the meat with rich flavors.

Step 2: Prepare Beef Strips

Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin, bite-sized pieces. Cutting against the grain ensures the meat will be tender and easy to chew when cooked.

Step 3: Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer the beef strips into the slow cooker and pour the prepared marinade over the meat. Gently toss the beef to ensure each piece is completely coated with the delicious sauce.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Allow the beef to cook for 5-6 hours, letting the meat become incredibly tender and absorb all the wonderful flavors of the marinade.

Step 5: Add Fresh Broccoli

During the final 30 minutes of cooking, add fresh broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Replace the lid and let the broccoli steam until it turns a vibrant green and becomes slightly tender.

Step 6: Plate and Enjoy

Serve the succulent beef and broccoli over steamed white rice or noodles. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the slow cooker on top to enhance the dish’s flavor profile.

Tips To Perfect Slow Cooker Beef And Broccoli

• Cut flank steak against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and prevent chewy meat texture.
• Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to avoid lumps and create a smooth, silky sauce that perfectly coats the beef.
• Add broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain its vibrant color and crisp-tender texture.
• Reserve some extra sauce for drizzling over rice or noodles to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Maintain consistent low heat to allow beef to become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious marinade flavors.

Variations To Try With Slow Cooker Beef And Broccoli

• Vegetarian Soy Protein Version: Replace beef with firm tofu or seitan, maintaining the same marinade and cooking method for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Korean-Style Adaptation: Add gochujang or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a fiery kick, transforming the dish with authentic Korean flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute soy sauce with tamari and use arrowroot starch instead of cornstarch to create a celiac-friendly recipe.
• Instant Pot Quick Hack: Pressure cook the beef for 15-20 minutes instead of slow cooking, reducing total preparation time while preserving tenderness.

Pairing Ideas For Slow Cooker Beef And Broccoli

• Serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to balance the rich, savory beef with a refreshing crunch.
• Pour a medium-bodied pinot noir or a slightly chilled Asian-style lager that cuts through the dish's umami and enhances its deep, meaty flavors.
• Add roasted garlic edamame or stir-fried baby bok choy to introduce additional texture and green vegetable complexity that echoes the broccoli's freshness.

How To Store Slow Cooker Beef And Broccoli

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled beef and broccoli to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing for longer to maintain quality.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Flank steak is ideal, but you can substitute with chuck roast or sirloin steak. Just ensure the meat is sliced thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

• Is cornstarch necessary in the marinade?

Yes, cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and creates a glossy coating on the beef. It also helps tenderize the meat by breaking down its proteins.

• What if I don't have fresh ginger?

You can use ground ginger as a substitute. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger for every tablespoon of fresh ginger called for in the recipe.

Slow Cooker Beef And Broccoli Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory slow cooker beef and broccoli blends tender meat with crisp green florets in a rich, umami-packed sauce. Rich Asian-inspired flavors meld perfectly, creating a simple yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) beef flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

Vegetables:

• 1 large head fresh broccoli, cut into florets

Serving Options:

• Cooked white rice
• Cooked noodles

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch mixture in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
2. Cut flank steak into thin, diagonal strips against the meat’s natural grain to maximize tenderness.
3. Transfer beef strips directly into the slow cooker, thoroughly coating each piece with the prepared marinade sauce.
4. Set slow cooker to low temperature and allow meat to simmer gently for 5-6 hours, developing rich, deep flavors and creating exceptionally soft protein.
5. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, introduce fresh broccoli florets into the slow cooker, ensuring even distribution throughout the meat mixture.
6. Continue cooking until broccoli transforms into a vibrant green color and reaches a crisp-tender consistency.
7. Plate the savory beef and broccoli mixture over steamed white rice or tender noodles, generously drizzling remaining sauce across the dish for enhanced taste and moisture.

Notes

• Slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness, ensuring each piece is thin and uniform to absorb marinade evenly.
• For gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain rich umami flavor without wheat.
• Reduce cooking time to 4-5 hours if using leaner cuts like sirloin to prevent meat from becoming tough and dry.
• Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions just before serving to elevate presentation and introduce extra texture and freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours (or 6 hours)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg