There’s something so comforting about a big, flavorful bowl of beef and broccoli. The tender, saucy beef paired with crisp-tender broccoli over a steaming bed of rice—it’s a takeout favorite for a reason! But what if I told you that you could make this classic dish at home with minimal effort and even better flavor? That’s right, this Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a total game-changer. With just a handful of simple ingredients, your slow cooker does all the work, giving you a rich, savory dish that tastes just like your favorite Chinese takeout—only fresher and healthier!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy – Just slice, mix, and let the slow cooker handle the rest.
Budget-Friendly – Uses simple pantry staples and an affordable cut of beef.
Healthier than Takeout – No mystery ingredients, just wholesome goodness.
Packed with Flavor – A deliciously rich soy-garlic-ginger sauce that soaks into the beef.

So, if you’re looking for an effortless, family-approved dinner, let’s get started on this slow cooker classic!

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

The secret to amazing beef and broccoli is all in the sauce. This sauce is a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory, with just the right amount of umami depth.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:

½ cup low-sodium soy sauce – This adds deep, savory flavor.
2 tablespoons brown sugar – Just enough sweetness to balance the saltiness.
4 garlic cloves, minced – Because garlic makes everything better.
1 teaspoon grated ginger – Adds warmth and that signature takeout taste
2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with ¼ cup water) – This thickens the sauce so it coats the beef perfectly.

Give it all a good whisk until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well combined. This marinade is going to work its magic while the beef cooks, infusing it with all those incredible flavors.

Step 2: Slice the Beef

Now, let’s talk about the beef. Flank steak is the star of this dish because it’s lean, flavorful, and soaks up the sauce beautifully. The key to tender beef is slicing it thinly against the grain. This means cutting perpendicular to the muscle fibers, which helps break them up and makes each bite melt-in-your-mouth tender.

If your beef is difficult to slice, a little trick is to pop it in the freezer for about 15 minutes before cutting. This firms it up just enough to make slicing effortless!

Step 3: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Now for the easiest part—just dump it all in!

Place the sliced beef in the slow cooker.
Pour the marinade over the beef, making sure everything is coated.
Give it a quick stir to evenly distribute the sauce.

At this point, your kitchen is already smelling amazing, and you haven’t even turned on the slow cooker yet!

Step 4: Let It Cook Low and Slow

Now, cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 5-6 hours. This long, slow cooking process allows the beef to become ultra-tender, soaking up every bit of that rich, garlicky sauce.

And that’s it for now! While your slow cooker works its magic, you can sit back, relax, and look forward to a restaurant-worthy meal waiting for you at dinnertime.

Step 5: Add the Broccoli – The Perfect Finishing Touch

Now that your beef has been slow-cooking for hours, filling your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma, it’s time to bring in the broccoli. One of the biggest mistakes people make with beef and broccoli is adding the broccoli too soon. If it cooks for too long, it turns mushy, and nobody wants that!

Instead, add the broccoli 30 minutes before serving. Just toss in the florets, give everything a gentle stir, and cover the slow cooker again. The residual heat will steam the broccoli until it’s bright green and slightly tender while still keeping a little crunch. If you prefer softer broccoli, you can let it cook for up to 45 minutes, but I recommend checking it after 30.

Tip: Want Extra Vibrant Broccoli?

If you love your broccoli with that vibrant green color and a bit of bite, try blanching it first. Simply bring a pot of water to a boil, toss in the broccoli for about 30 seconds, then drain and run it under cold water. This step locks in the bright green color and helps it cook more evenly in the slow cooker.

Step 6: Time to Serve!

The moment has finally arrived—your slow cooker beef and broccoli is officially ready to be devoured. The beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, the sauce is rich and flavorful, and the broccoli adds the perfect touch of freshness.

Now, all that’s left is to decide what to serve it with!

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Best Ways to Serve Beef and Broccoli

White Rice – Classic and simple, it soaks up all that delicious sauce.
Brown Rice – A heartier, nutty alternative for extra fiber.
Jasmine or Basmati Rice – Adds a touch of fragrant aroma to the dish.
Lo Mein Noodles – Toss the beef and broccoli with cooked noodles for a fun twist.
Cauliflower Rice – A great low-carb option that still tastes amazing with the sauce.

To serve, spoon the beef and broccoli over your choice of base, then drizzle extra sauce on top. If you love a little heat, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha for a spicy kick!

Bonus Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Use the Right Cut of Beef – Flank steak works best, but you can also use skirt steak or thinly sliced sirloin. Just make sure to slice against the grain for the most tender texture.
Thicken the Sauce More (If Needed) – If you like a thicker sauce, mix 1 extra tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the slow cooker about 15 minutes before serving.
Make It Gluten-Free – Swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.
Double the Sauce – If you love extra sauce for your rice, double the sauce ingredients!
Add More Veggies – Want more color? Try adding sliced carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas when you add the broccoli.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I know you might have a few questions before diving into this recipe, so let’s go over some common ones!

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes! If you’re using frozen broccoli, add it 15-20 minutes before serving, rather than 30 minutes, since it softens more quickly than fresh broccoli. No need to thaw it first—just toss it straight into the slow cooker.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm it in a skillet over low heat or microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally.

3. Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes! If you’re short on time, you can cook the beef on high for about 3 hours instead of low for 5-6 hours. However, I highly recommend the low and slow method for the most tender, flavorful beef.

4. What if my sauce is too thin?

If the sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook for another 15 minutes to thicken up.

5. What other cuts of beef can I use?

Flank steak is the best choice, but skirt steak, sirloin, or even chuck roast (thinly sliced) can work well. If using chuck roast, just keep in mind that it’s a fattier cut and may take a bit longer to become tender.

6. Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! To make this keto-friendly, swap the brown sugar for a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol, and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.

Conclusion: A Takeout Favorite Made Easy at Home

And there you have it—your very own slow cooker beef and broccoli, made with fresh ingredients and packed with incredible flavor. Who needs takeout when you can make a meal this good with just a few minutes of prep?

This recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dinners because it’s so effortless yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the hard work, giving you the most tender beef and a rich, savory sauce that coats every bite. Plus, you can easily customize it to fit your taste—add more veggies, make it spicier, or double the sauce if you love extra flavor!

If you try this Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, let me know in the comments how it turned out! Did you add any fun twists? I’d love to hear about it. And if you’re looking for more simple and delicious slow cooker meals, stay tuned—I’ve got plenty more coming your way!

Now, go grab your slow cooker and make this amazing dish—you won’t regret it!

EASY SLOW COOKER BEEF AND BROCCOLI

Author: Lucas Recipes
Total Time: 6 hours 10 mins

Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is a simple, flavorful, and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender beef and crisp broccoli come together in a savory, slightly sweet sauce for a takeout-style meal made at home!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef and Sauce:

1.5 pounds beef flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with ¼ cup water)

For the Broccoli:

1 large head of fresh broccoli, cut into florets

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and the cornstarch mixture until well combined.

2️⃣ Slice the Beef: Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain into strips for maximum tenderness.

3️⃣ Combine Ingredients: Place the sliced beef in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over it. Stir to ensure all the beef is evenly coated.

4️⃣ Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or until the beef is tender and infused with flavor.

5️⃣ Add the Broccoli: Stir in fresh broccoli florets 30 minutes before serving. Cover and allow the broccoli to steam until bright green and slightly tender.

6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy: Transfer to plates and serve over white rice or noodles, drizzling extra sauce on top for extra flavor.

Notes

For extra tenderness, you can marinate the beef in the sauce for 30 minutes before placing it in the slow cooker.
Want more sauce? Double the soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and cornstarch mixture.
Prefer a thicker sauce? Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes on the stovetop after cooking to reduce further.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hours

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