Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Our family discovered this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli during the busiest stretch of summer. Our boys were hosting a cousin from Detroit at our remote lake cottage and they played in the lake during the day and toasted marshmallows around the bonfire every night.

That was one of my best weeks of the year and this easy slow cooker dinner quickly became one of my favorite beef recipes. I will never forget the first time I made this and the look on the kids’ faces when they tasted it.

Read on and as I show you how to make this unforgettable family dinner.

Ingredients

Here is what I use for this recipe and you can adjust nuts or spices based on preference:

• Beef chuck roast: Thinly sliced beef that becomes tender during slow cooking.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds color and light crunch.
• Low sodium beef broth: Savory liquid that builds the base of the sauce.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Salty umami ingredient that gives the sauce deep flavor.
• Brown sugar: Sweetener that balances the salty sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that flavors the beef and sauce.
• Fresh ginger: Warm aromatic ingredient that adds brightness.
• Cornstarch: Thickener that makes the sauce glossy.
• Water: Liquid that turns cornstarch into a smooth slurry.
• Sesame oil: Finishing oil that adds nutty depth.
• Cooked white rice: Serving base that catches the sauce.
• Sesame seeds: Final garnish that adds small nutty texture.

Tools You’ll Need

• Slow cooker: Cooks the beef gently until tender.
• Sharp knife: Slices the beef into thin strips.
• Cutting board: Gives a safe surface for slicing beef.
• Small bowl: Mixes the cornstarch slurry smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Measures sauce ingredients accurately.

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the beef into thin strips

The beef changes from one large roast into uneven thin strips. The pieces look casual and slightly varied so they cook into tender bites.

Tip: Slice across the grain so the beef stays tender after slow cooking and does not feel chewy.

Step 2: Combine beef with sauce

The beef strips are placed into the slow cooker and the sauce is poured over them. The meat changes from dry red strips to glossy coated pieces with sauce sitting between the folds.

Tip: Spread the beef loosely so sauce can reach the uneven edges and coat the pieces better.

Step 3: Cook the beef until tender

The beef softens and darkens as the sauce bubbles around it. The pieces shrink slightly and shift into a more relaxed uneven layer.

Tip: Cook until the beef bends easily with gentle pressure so the final dish tastes soft and rich.

Step 4: Thicken the sauce and add broccoli

The cornstarch slurry turns the sauce shiny and thicker. Broccoli is scattered through the beef so green florets sit between dark saucy strips.

Tip: Add broccoli near the end so it stays bright and keeps a little texture beside the tender beef.

Step 5: Serve over rice

The finished beef and broccoli is spooned over rice. The sauce drips into the rice and sesame seeds sit unevenly on top for a homemade finish.

Tip: Spoon extra sauce over the rice right before serving so every bite tastes rich and balanced.

Pro Tips

• Use chuck roast or flank steak and slice thinly across the grain for the softest beef texture.
• Add the broccoli near the end so it stays green and does not turn too soft in the slow cooker.
• Whisk the cornstarch with water before adding so the sauce thickens without clumps.
• Serve right away over hot rice so the glossy sauce soaks in while the beef stays tender.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep rice separate when possible so it does not absorb all the sauce. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave with a splash of broth if the sauce becomes too thick. Freeze the beef and sauce for up to 2 months and add fresh broccoli after thawing for better texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli soon!

It’s a simple recipe that looks beautiful and tastes incredible and makes every weeknight dinner a little more special.

Don’t forget to share your results or save this recipe for later it’s one worth keeping.

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