When the clock is ticking and the evening feels like a race, this slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe steps in like a quiet hero. The kind of dinner that doesn’t demand constant attention but still delivers on rich, satisfying flavors that make you pause and savor each bite.
I remember the first time I tried this dish—it was one of those days when I’d forgotten to plan dinner, and the fridge looked pretty bare. I tossed the beef and sauce ingredients into the slow cooker without much hope and went about my day. Later, the aroma filled the kitchen, the kind of savory smell that pulls you in and makes you forget whatever else was on your mind. When it was finally time to eat, the beef was tender enough to almost fall apart, and the broccoli had this fresh snap that balanced the whole dish perfectly. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if the sauce would thicken just right, but it did—though I had to keep an eye on it at the end to avoid it getting too thick. The whole thing felt effortless but tasted like I’d spent hours on it.
It’s one of those recipes that proves slow cooking isn’t just convenient; it can be downright magical.
- Hands-off cooking lets you focus on other parts of your day without sacrificing flavor.
- The sauce is homemade and hits that sweet-savory balance just right, though it’s simple — and that’s kind of the point.
- The broccoli stays bright and crisp, avoiding the mushy texture that sometimes happens in slow cooker meals.
- It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles, but you can mix things up depending on what you have on hand.
If you’re a little wary of slow cooker recipes because of unpredictable textures or sauces, this one’s pretty forgiving. Just don’t rush the final step where the sauce thickens—check it a bit earlier if you’re in a hurry.
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Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A delicious and easy slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe featuring tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory homemade sauce. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 pound beef chuck roast, thinly sliced against the grain
3 cups broccoli florets
1 cup beef broth
1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Place the thinly sliced beef chuck roast into the slow cooker.
In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, grated fresh ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes until combined.
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the slow cooker, stirring gently to coat the beef evenly.
Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
After 3 hours, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for an additional 1 hour, or until the broccoli is tender and the beef is cooked through.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and cook on high for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve the beef and broccoli hot over steamed rice or noodles if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
Using a slow cooker here is a game changer—no need for special equipment, just your trusty crockpot. I usually serve this with simple steamed rice and a drizzle of extra sauce from the pot, but sometimes I add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds if I have them around. For a bit of variation, I’ve played with swapping the broccoli for snap peas or adding sliced mushrooms, though I haven’t tested those as thoroughly. If you want a little more heat, a pinch of extra chili flakes does the trick, but watch out—it can sneak up on you.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use other cuts of beef?
A: Thinly sliced chuck roast works best for tenderness, but you might try flank steak if you’re careful with cooking time.
Q: How long can leftovers keep?
A: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Q: Can this be frozen?
A: It freezes okay but the broccoli might get softer when reheated.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh ginger?
A: Ground ginger works in a pinch, just use less.
Ready to put this slow cooker beef and broccoli on your weeknight menu? It’s straightforward, comforting, and just the kind of meal that feels like a little win after a hectic day. Give it a try, save it for later, or print it out—you’ll be glad to have it when dinner rolls around.