Mouthwatering Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli is a simple and delicious meal that brings together tender slices of beef and fresh broccoli in a rich, flavorful sauce. The magic happens slowly in the crock pot, making the beef incredibly soft and juicy while letting the sauce soak into every bite. This dish is a perfect mix of savory and a little sweet, with just the right amount of garlic and ginger to make it taste amazing without much effort.
I love making this in my slow cooker because it lets me set it up in the morning and come back to a hot, ready-to-eat dinner without standing over the stove. The beef turns out so tender that it almost melts in your mouth, and the broccoli stays bright and crisp if you add it towards the end. When I want to speed things up, I sometimes steam the broccoli separately so it stays perfectly green and fresh.
My favorite way to enjoy this beef and broccoli is over a bed of fluffy white rice, so the sauce gets soaked up just right. It’s such a comforting dinner after a busy day, and I’m always surprised at how little work it takes to get something so tasty on the table. Plus, it’s one of those meals that everyone seems to love, whether you’re cooking for family or friends. This crock pot version makes a classic takeout favorite even better because it’s homemade and ready whenever you want it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Flank Steak: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender without falling apart. If you can’t find flank steak, skirt steak or sirloin thinly sliced also work well.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is best for that bright color and crunch. You could swap for frozen florets if needed; just add them a bit earlier to cook through.
Soy Sauce: I use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. Tamari is a great gluten-free option, or coconut aminos if avoiding soy.
Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance savory flavors. Honey or maple syrup can be used instead for a natural sweetener.
Sesame Oil, Garlic & Ginger: These give the dish an authentic flavor. Fresh ginger shines best, but ground ginger works if you save ½ teaspoon for about 1 tablespoon fresh.
How Do I Keep the Broccoli Crisp in the Crock Pot?
Broccoli can get soft and mushy if cooked too long in the slow cooker. Here’s how to keep it nice and crisp:
- Add broccoli florets only in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Keep the crock pot covered while cooking to retain steam and color.
- Avoid stirring too much once broccoli is added to prevent breaking up the florets.
- If you want even firmer broccoli, steam it separately and add it right before serving.
These tips help keep the broccoli bright green and just tender enough to complement the tender beef perfectly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot or slow cooker – perfect for cooking the beef low and slow without extra effort.
- Sharp knife – to slice the beef thinly against the grain for tender bites.
- Cutting board – a sturdy place to slice beef and chop broccoli.
- Mixing bowl – great for whisking together the sauce ingredients before adding to the crock pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your sauce flavors just right.
- Small bowl – to mix the cornstarch slurry that thickens the sauce at the end.
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula – to stir and mix without scratching your crock pot.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap flank steak for thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs for a lighter alternative that cooks just as well.
- Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas with the broccoli for extra crunch and color.
- Stir in crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat in your beef and broccoli.
- Use hoisin sauce along with soy sauce for a sweeter, richer sauce with a classic touch.
Mouthwatering Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef and Sauce:
- 2 pounds beef flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
For The Vegetables and Thickening:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
For Serving and Garnish:
- 3 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes for prep, plus 5 to 6 hours cooking time on low (or 2 to 3 hours on high) in the crock pot. Add an extra 30 minutes towards the end for the broccoli and sauce thickening. Perfect for a hands-off meal that’s ready when you are!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Your Sauce and Beef:
Combine the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in your crock pot. Stir well. Add the thinly sliced flank steak, and toss so every piece is coated with the savory sauce.
2. Slow Cook the Beef:
Cover and cook the beef on low for 5-6 hours, or if you’re short on time, use high for 2-3 hours. The beef will become tender and soak up all the delicious flavors.
3. Add Broccoli and Thicken the Sauce:
About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, add the fresh broccoli florets to the crock pot. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Pour the slurry into the crock pot and stir gently. Cover and cook for the final 30 minutes so the sauce thickens and the broccoli turns tender yet crisp.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your flavorful beef and broccoli over fluffy cooked rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions to add a fresh, nutty finish. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Add it about 20-25 minutes before the cooking time ends since frozen broccoli tends to cook faster. This helps prevent it from becoming too soft or mushy.
Can I Substitute Another Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced sirloin or skirt steak works well too. Just be sure to cut against the grain for tenderness and adjust cooking time if needed to avoid overcooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm the beef and broccoli on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce feels too thick.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Swap the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep the flavors authentic without gluten. Make sure your beef broth and any other ingredients are gluten-free as well.