This Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli is a simple dinner that makes your taste buds happy! Tender beef and fresh broccoli are cooked together in a tasty sauce that’s savory and sweet.
You just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do the work. I love enjoying it over rice, but honestly, you can eat it straight from the pot—no judgment here! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak or sirloin works best, but you could use skirt steak or even chuck roast if you’d like. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets give the best texture and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli can also work. Just add it towards the end of the cooking time to prevent it from getting mushy.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is great to control saltiness. If you’re gluten-free, look for tamari or coconut aminos as a tasty substitute.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and balances the soy sauce. If you prefer less sugar, try honey or maple syrup instead. You can reduce the amount as needed to match your taste.
Sesame Oil: This oil contributes a lovely nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, a mild oil like vegetable or canola will work, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
How Do I Get the Beef to Be Perfectly Tender?
The key to tender beef is to cook it on low heat for an extended period. Slow cooking allows the meat to break down and become soft. Make sure to slice the beef against the grain to avoid toughness.
- For best results, opt for low cooking over a longer time—4 to 6 hours on LOW is perfect.
- Add the broccoli about 30 minutes before serving. This way, it remains bright green and crisp.
If you want the sauce a bit thicker, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and add it towards the end. This method helps eliminate lumps and results in a smooth sauce.
How to Make Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1 ½ pounds beef flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup beef broth or water
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
For the Broccoli:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
For Thickening the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For Serving:
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Optional: sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time, then you let it cook for either 4 to 6 hours on LOW or 2 to 3 hours on HIGH. It’s a great option when you want to set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crock Pot:
Lightly spray the inside of your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray or use a liner to make cleanup easier.
2. Add the Beef:
Place the thinly sliced beef in the bottom of the crock pot. Make sure to spread it out a bit so the meat cooks evenly.
3. Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until everything is mixed well.
4. Combine the Beef and Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in your crock pot. Stir gently to make sure all the meat is coated in that yummy sauce.
5. Cook the Beef:
Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. The beef should be tender when it’s done cooking.
6. Prepare the Broccoli:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the fresh broccoli florets on top of the beef. This keeps the broccoli nice and crisp!
7. Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Pour this mixture over the beef and broccoli, stirring gently to combine everything.
8. Final Cooking:
Cover the crock pot again and cook on HIGH for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the beef and broccoli over warm cooked rice. If you like, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra touch!
Enjoy your easy and flavorful crock pot beef and broccoli dinner!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
While fresh beef is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen beef! Just ensure that it’s completely thawed before slicing and cooking to prevent uneven cooking. You can thaw beef in the fridge overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for a quicker option.
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute. For a lighter flavor, just use water with a little extra soy sauce to maintain richness.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover beef and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added color and nutrition. Just remember to add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking!
