why make this recipe
This slow cooker beef and broccoli gives warm comfort with very little work. It is hands-off, fills a family, and uses few ingredients. If you want faster dinner ideas for other nights, check simple 15-minute meals.
introduction
This recipe makes tender beef and soft broccoli in a savory sauce. You set it in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a warm, ready meal. For another easy beef and rice idea try Cheesy Queso Ground Beef and Rice for a different weeknight dinner.
how to make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli – Easy Weeknight Comfort Meal
Use thin slices of flank steak so the meat cooks fast and stays tender. Cook the beef in the sauce first, then thicken and add broccoli at the end so it stays bright and crisp-tender. For more ideas using broccoli in simple meals see Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Ingredients :
- 1½ lbs flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- Cooked rice
- Sesame seeds, green onions (optional)
Directions :
- Add beef, broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic to slow cooker.
- Cook on Low 4–5 hours.
- Mix cornstarch and water; stir into slow cooker.
- Add broccoli and cook 30 minutes on High.
- Serve over rice, garnish with sesame seeds.
how to serve Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli – Easy Weeknight Comfort Meal
Serve the beef and broccoli over steamed white or brown rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onion. You can also serve it with a light soup like Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup on the side for a heartier meal.
how to store Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli – Easy Weeknight Comfort Meal
Cool leftovers to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave until hot.
tips to make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli – Easy Weeknight Comfort Meal
- Slice the flank steak very thin across the grain for tender bites.
- Pat the beef dry before adding to the slow cooker so the sauce develops flavor.
- Add broccoli at the end to keep it bright and slightly crisp.
- For quick weeknight sides and ideas, see simple one-pot snacks.
- If the sauce is too thin after cooking, mix a little more cornstarch with water and stir in, then heat until it thickens.
variation (if any)
- Use sirloin or skirt steak instead of flank.
- Add sliced bell peppers or carrots with the broccoli for more color.
- Make it spicy with a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes.
- Swap soy sauce for low-sodium tamari for a gluten-free option.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Add frozen broccoli in step 4, but cook an extra 5–10 minutes if needed. It may be softer than fresh.
Q: Can I make this in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?
A: Yes. Brown the beef first, then cook on high pressure for about 12 minutes and do a quick release. Add cornstarch and broccoli and use the sauté function to thicken and finish.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead and reheat?
A: Yes. Make the dish, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat on the stove over medium heat and add a splash of broth if the sauce is too thick. Stored properly, it keeps 3–4 days in the fridge.
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- Add beef, broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic into the slow cooker.
- Cook on Low for 4 to 5 hours.
- Mix cornstarch and water; stir into the slow cooker.
- Add broccoli and cook on High for 30 minutes.
- Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds.