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If you are craving a comforting, flavorful dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but requires minimal effort, then the Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender, slow-cooked beef bathed in a savory and slightly sweet sauce, perfectly complemented by vibrant green broccoli florets. It’s a classic take on a much-loved Chinese-American favorite, adapted for the slow cooker so you can come home to an irresistible aroma and a meal ready to dive into.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the secret to this Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe. Each element plays an important role: from the savory beef broth and soul-satisfying soy sauce to the touch of sweetness from brown sugar and the fresh bite of garlic. Together, these ingredients create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures you won’t soon forget.
- 2 pounds sirloin steak or boneless beef chuck roast (sliced thin): Thin slicing ensures quick, even cooking and melts the beef into tender perfection.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds rich, meaty depth to the sauce, making every bite flavorful.
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce: Provides the essential umami and saltiness without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Balances the savory notes with a touch of caramel sweetness.
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a subtle nutty aroma that makes the dish extra special.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic sharpens the savory flavors with a punch of aromatic zest.
- 4 Tablespoons cornstarch: Key to thickening the sauce into a luscious glaze.
- 4 Tablespoons water: Used to dissolve cornstarch for smooth, even thickening.
- 1 bag (12 ounces) frozen broccoli florets: Adds vibrant color and a fresh crunch that contrasts beautifully with tender beef.
- Cooked white rice (to serve with, if desired): The perfect, fluffy base to soak up that rich sauce.
How to Make Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce and Beef
Start by placing the insert of your 6-quart crock pot on the counter. Whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until the sugar dissolves and everything is evenly combined. Then add your thinly sliced beef to this flavorful mixture, tossing it gently to make sure every piece gets some sauce love. This is where the magic begins as the beef will slowly soak up all these wonderful flavors during the long cooking time.
Step 2: Slow Cook on Low
Cover your crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low heat for 5 hours. This slow, gentle cooking process is the key to tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef that has absorbed all the savory goodness from the sauce.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Once the 5 hours are up, carefully whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Pour this into the crock pot with the beef, stirring to ensure the mixture combines evenly with the cooking juices. This step is essential for thickening your sauce to that perfectly sticky, glossy consistency that clings to every tender slice of meat.
Step 4: Add Broccoli and Finish Cooking
Next, sprinkle the frozen broccoli florets over the beef and sauce. Gently stir to mix the broccoli without breaking it up too much. Replace the lid and cook for another 30 minutes on low. This lets the broccoli cook just enough to remain crisp-tender, while the sauce finishes thickening, resulting in a balanced, colorful dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Dish out your Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe over warm, fluffy white rice to catch every drop of that delicious sauce. This meal is ready to enjoy immediately, bringing a heartwarming, crave-worthy dinner straight to your table.
How to Serve Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions on top just before serving. These simple garnishes add a lovely crunch and a burst of fresh color that brighten the plate beautifully.
Side Dishes
While the dish is delicious on its own over rice, you can round out your meal with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or even brown rice for a nuttier flavor. A light cucumber salad or pickled vegetables can also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory main.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe in colorful bowls or even lettuce cups for a low-carb twist. Drizzling a little extra sesame oil or a splash of soy sauce on top right before eating adds another layer of flavor and makes the dish feel extra special when sharing with friends or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Your Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe will stay delicious for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or reheated dinners later in the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, this dish freezes well in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, and be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture of both beef and broccoli.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the beef and broccoli gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up and keep it saucy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works beautifully in this recipe. Just add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking as you would with frozen, so it stays crisp-tender rather than turning mushy.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
Sirloin steak or boneless beef chuck roast are ideal because they have good marbling and tenderness when cooked slowly. Thin slicing helps it cook evenly and quickly in the crock pot.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch?
Yes, the cornstarch slurry is what thickens the sauce into that velvety, clingy consistency that makes this dish so memorable. Without it, the sauce would remain watery.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just substitute low sodium soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your cornstarch is pure and gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili garlic sauce when mixing the sauce ingredients in step one. This will add a pleasant heat that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about coming home to a warm, comforting meal that feels effortlessly delicious—and the Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe delivers that every time. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the perfect harmony of tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and savory sauce that will quickly become one of your favorite slow cooker meals.
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Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
A delicious and easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli recipe featuring tender slices of beef slow-cooked in a savory soy-based sauce with tender broccoli florets. Perfectly paired with steamed white rice, this recipe offers a comforting and flavorful meal that’s effortless to prepare.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 2 pounds sirloin steak or boneless beef chuck roast, sliced thin
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Thickening & Vegetables
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1 bag (12 ounces) frozen broccoli florets
To Serve
- Cooked white rice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce and beef: In the insert of a 6-quart crock pot (slow cooker), whisk together the beef broth, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until well combined. Add the thinly sliced beef to the sauce and toss to coat all the pieces evenly.
- Slow cook the beef: Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low heat for 5 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Make the cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry that will thicken the sauce.
- Thicken the sauce and add broccoli: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crock pot and stir to combine with the beef and sauce. Add the frozen broccoli florets on top, gently stirring to mix the broccoli evenly. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low to cook the broccoli and thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the beef and broccoli mixture over warm cooked white rice, if desired. Enjoy your comforting crock pot meal!
Notes
- Use sirloin steak for more tender meat, or chuck roast for more flavor.
- Make sure to slice the beef thinly for quicker cooking and better texture.
- Low sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Adding the cornstarch slurry toward the end ensures the sauce thickens properly without lumping.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Cooked white rice is optional but traditional; you can substitute with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
