Crock Pot Beef & Broccoli Ultimate
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.
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.