If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying tender, flavorful beef paired with crisp-tender broccoli without standing over the stove for hours, this Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is going to blow your mind. Imagine the rich, savory sauce slowly infusing every bite of thinly sliced flank steak to perfection while the broccoli adds that fresh crunch you love. This dish brings the restaurant favorite right into your home with effortless ease, making it a go-to weeknight dinner that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to unlocking the full potential of this Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe. Each component plays a key role, from tenderizing the beef to building that luscious sauce and ensuring the broccoli shines with just the right texture and color.
- Flank steak, 1 1/2 pounds: Thinly sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness and easy eating.
- Beef broth, 1 cup: Adds depth and richness to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
- Low-sodium soy sauce, 1/2 cup: Provides that essential umami punch while keeping the saltiness balanced.
- Brown sugar, 1/3 cup: Sweetens and caramelizes the sauce for a delightful contrast to the savory notes.
- Sesame oil, 1 tablespoon: Imparts a subtle nutty aroma that makes this dish smell irresistible.
- Garlic, 3 cloves minced: Fresh minced garlic gives a vibrant, aromatic lift to every bite.
- Cornstarch, 1 tablespoon: Used to thicken the sauce so it clings perfectly to the beef and broccoli.
- Water, 2 tablespoons: Creates the cornstarch slurry to avoid lumps in your sauce.
- Broccoli florets, 4 cups: Adds vibrant green color and a fresh, crisp contrast in texture.
- Cooked white rice (optional): The perfect bed to soak up all that savory sauce.
- Sesame seeds and green onions (optional garnishes): Add crunch, a pop of color, and fresh flavor at the end.
How to Make Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce
Start by combining beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a medium bowl. Whisk these together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is beautifully balanced. This sauce is the heart of the dish, delivering that iconic sweet and savory flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Step 2: Layer the Beef in the Crockpot
Place the thinly sliced flank steak right into the crockpot. By slicing against the grain, you help guarantee a tender chew that melts in your mouth. Pour the sauce over the beef, making sure every piece gets coated by that delicious marinade.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or if you’re short on time, on high for 2 to 3 hours. The long, gentle cooking breaks down the meat fibers, making the beef incredibly tender while allowing all those rich flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the crockpot to thicken the sauce. This step gives the dish that luscious, glossy finish that clings lovingly to each piece of beef and broccoli.
Step 5: Add the Broccoli
Steam or microwave your broccoli florets until just tender, about 10 minutes before serving. Stir the broccoli into the crockpot, letting it soak up the sauce’s incredible flavor without losing its vibrant color or satisfying crunch.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches like sesame seeds and chopped green onions not only heighten the flavor but also add a delightful visual appeal. The nutty crunch of sesame seeds and the fresh, mild zest of green onions make every serving feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish is traditionally served over a fluffy bed of white rice, which soaks up the sauce and rounds out the meal perfectly. However, cauliflower rice or quinoa are excellent alternatives for a wholesome twist that still keeps the focus on the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, try serving your Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe in individual bowls layered with rice, topped with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions, and perhaps a wedge of lime for an added zing. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen after resting, but for the best texture, it’s ideal to add fresh steamed broccoli if reheating later.
Freezing
This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe freezes beautifully. Once cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. For optimal freshness, keep the broccoli separate if possible and add it fresh when you reheat.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and preserve that tender texture and rich flavor you fell in love with.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its texture and flavor, you can substitute skirt steak or sirloin if needed. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Simply swap the low-sodium soy sauce for tamari, a gluten-free alternative that delivers the same savory punch without gluten.
Can I add other vegetables besides broccoli?
Definitely. Snap peas, baby corn, or bell peppers can be great additions. Just add them toward the end of cooking to keep their crunch and vibrancy.
Do I have to use cornstarch to thicken the sauce?
The cornstarch slurry is key for that glossy, clingy sauce texture. If you prefer, arrowroot powder works similarly and is a great alternative, especially for gluten-free diets.
Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?
Yes, you can! Sear the beef in a pan, then simmer in the sauce on low heat until tender. Add broccoli in the last few minutes and thicken with the cornstarch slurry, but the slow cooker really makes this recipe extra effortless.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe truly captures the magic of an iconic dish with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding family or treating yourself to a comforting meal, it’s a winner every time. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy and delicious homemade can be!
Print
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli recipe delivers tender, flavorful flank steak cooked low and slow in a savory soy-based sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it combines the richness of beef broth, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the freshness of steamed broccoli. Serve it over white rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a delicious, Asian-inspired meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Thickening Slurry
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Vegetables and Garnish
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- Cooked white rice for serving (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce and Beef: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until well combined. Place the thinly sliced flank steak into the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture evenly over the meat.
- Slow Cook the Beef: Cover the crockpot and cook on low setting for 4 to 5 hours or on high setting for 2 to 3 hours, until the beef becomes tender and infused with the sauce flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the crockpot to thicken the sauce. Replace the lid and continue cooking for the remaining time.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Approximately 10 minutes before serving, steam or microwave the broccoli florets until they are just tender but still crisp.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the cooked broccoli into the crockpot mixture, allowing it to heat through. Serve the beef and broccoli hot over cooked white rice if desired. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari to avoid gluten.
- If flank steak is unavailable, skirt steak or sirloin can be used as alternatives.
- Be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Broccoli can be steamed ahead of time and added just before serving to streamline the cooking process.
