CROCK POT BEEF & BROCCOLI ULTIMATE

Imagine tender bites of beef, coated in a savory-sweet sauce, nestled amongst perfectly cooked broccoli florets – all achieved with minimal effort thanks to your trusty slow cooker; this Crock Pot Beef & Broccoli recipe delivers takeout flavors without the takeout price, and I promise you’ll never look back.

Ingredients

For the Beef & Broccoli:

• 1.5 – 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets

For Serving:

• Cooked rice (white or brown)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Green onions, sliced, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started: Sear the Beef (Optional, but Recommended)

1. If you want to add an extra layer of flavor (and I highly recommend it!), sear the beef cubes in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the crock pot. This creates a beautiful crust and locks in those delicious juices. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches.

Combine and Cook:

1. In your crock pot, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and beef broth. Stir well to dissolve the brown sugar.
2. Add the seared (or unseared) beef cubes to the crock pot. Toss to coat them evenly in the sauce.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork.

Thicken the Sauce and Add Broccoli:

1. About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry.
2. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crock pot and stir well.
3. Add the broccoli florets to the crock pot.
4. Cover and cook for the remaining 30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened.

Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the Crock Pot Beef & Broccoli over cooked rice.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
3. Enjoy your delicious, homemade meal!

Making it Your Own: Tips, Tricks, and Variations

Okay, friend, let’s talk about how to REALLY make this Crock Pot Beef & Broccoli sing. This recipe is fantastic as is, but a few tweaks can elevate it to pure perfection.

• Beef It Up (or Down): I use chuck roast because it becomes incredibly tender in the slow cooker, but you can also use sirloin steak or even stew meat. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; leaner cuts will cook faster. If you’re looking for something different, but still crave that comforting slow cooker taste, why not try Salisbury Steak?
• Spice it Up (or Tone it Down): Not a fan of heat? Leave out the red pepper flakes. Craving more spice? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. You control the fire!
• Broccoli Blues Be Gone: Some people find that broccoli can get mushy in the slow cooker. If you’re one of those people, try steaming the broccoli separately and adding it to the crock pot just before serving. This ensures that it stays nice and crisp. You can also substitute other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or even carrots. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable you choose. These types of recipes are also great resources for utilizing those common Household Ingredient Recipes.
• Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar. You can also use honey or maple syrup as a substitute.
• Sauce Perfection: If your sauce is too thick, add a little more beef broth. If it’s too thin, whisk together another tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the crock pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Rice Alternatives: Want something besides rice? Try serving this over quinoa, noodles, or even mashed potatoes!

Slow Cooker Secrets: Maximizing Flavor and Tenderness

Let’s dive into some slow cooker wisdom to guarantee your Crock Pot Beef & Broccoli is a total success.

• Browning is Your Best Friend: I know I mentioned it earlier, but searing the beef really does make a difference. It adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get otherwise. Plus, it creates a beautiful color that makes the dish look even more appetizing.
• Don’t Peek!: Resist the urge to lift the lid while the beef is cooking. Every time you lift the lid, you release heat and moisture, which can prolong the cooking time and affect the tenderness of the beef.
• Low and Slow is the Way to Go: For the most tender beef, cook it on low for a longer period of time. This allows the collagen in the beef to break down, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Know Your Crock Pot: All slow cookers are different. Some run hotter than others. Get to know your crock pot and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Soup And Casserole Recipes are typically crowd pleasers, but a meal like this will be too!

Pairing Perfection: What to Serve with Your Crock Pot Beef & Broccoli

This dish is a meal in itself, but a few simple sides can round out the experience.

• Rice is Right: Plain white rice is a classic choice, but you can also use brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa.
• Salad Sensation: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the beef and broccoli.
• Soup-er Start: A bowl of Cheeseburger Soup would be an interesting, and filling, complement to this dish. You could also try Tomato Soup With Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
• Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: Add some crispy goodness with store-bought or homemade egg rolls or spring rolls.
• Steamed Dumplings: These are a delicious and easy appetizer that pairs perfectly with Asian-inspired flavors.

Storing and Reheating: Making the Most of Your Leftovers

Leftovers are a gift! Here’s how to store and reheat your Crock Pot Beef & Broccoli so you can enjoy it again and again.

• Storage Savvy: Allow the beef and broccoli to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating Roundup: You can reheat the beef and broccoli in the microwave, on the stovetop, or even in the slow cooker. For the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For the stovetop, heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For the slow cooker, heat on low for 1-2 hours, or until heated through.
• Freezing Facts: This dish can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Beyond Beef & Broccoli: More Slow Cooker Inspiration

If you’re loving the convenience and flavor of slow cooker meals, here are a few more recipes you might enjoy:

• Beef And Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles: Craving noodles? This dish combines the classic flavors of beef and broccoli with the satisfying texture of lo mein noodles.
• Garlic Butter Beef Bites: Small but mighty! Perfect as a high protein snack!
• Beef And Noodles: A comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for a chilly day.
• Beef & Broccoli: Looking for a more traditional take on this classic?

With a little planning and your trusty slow cooker, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying meals all week long.
This Crock Pot Beef & Broccoli is a total winner in my book – easy, flavorful, and customizable to your liking. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think!

Crock Pot Beef & Broccoli Ultimate

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Crock Pot Beef & Broccoli recipe delivers takeout flavors without the takeout price, all while being incredibly easy to make. Tender beef and perfectly cooked broccoli are coated in a savory-sweet sauce, thanks to your trusty slow cooker.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian-inspired

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Crock-Pot (slow cooker)
• Large Skillet (optional)
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk
• Spatula or spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 – 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ¼ cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
• ¼ cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• Cooked rice white or brown
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Green onions, sliced, for garnish
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for searing beef, optional
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

 

• If desired, sear the beef cubes in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the crock pot. Sear in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• In your crock pot, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and beef broth. Stir well to dissolve the brown sugar.
• Add the seared (or unseared) beef cubes to the crock pot. Toss to coat them evenly in the sauce.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
• About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry.
• Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crock pot and stir well.
• Add the broccoli florets to the crock pot.
• Cover and cook for the remaining 30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened.
• Serve the Crock Pot Beef & Broccoli over cooked rice.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
• Enjoy!

Notes

For a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar. Honey or maple syrup can be used as a substitute. If the sauce is too thick, add more beef broth. If it’s too thin, whisk together another tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the crock pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Beef chuck roast can be substituted with sirloin steak or stew meat. Adjust cooking time accordingly. For optimal broccoli texture, steam the broccoli separately and add it to the crock pot just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave, stovetop, or slow cooker until heated through.