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
Scale
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.
