Savory Crock Pot Beef Broccoli is basically my secret weapon. You know those wild, busy days when you feel like dinner is just never gonna happen? That’s when my slow cooker steps in to save the day. This one-pot meal is so easy, it almost feels like cheating. And hey, if you love easy dinners this much, you should check out my other go-tos, like the easy crockpot creamy broccoli cheddar chicken for a cheesy twist, or my collection of delicious tasty healthy crockpot meals for busy weeknights if you really want options.
Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
Alright, let’s get to it. This recipe is really just dump and go – no fussing around. I used to try those fancy stovetop stir-fries, but honestly, the beef always ended up chewy or the broccoli went soggy. Not with this one! The beef gets ridiculously tender, and the sauce—well, it’s the kind you want to spoon over everything. My neighbor Connie actually thought I grabbed takeout the first time I served this. (I didn’t tell her my secret. Sorry, Connie.)
You’ll just need a crock pot, a few pantry basics, plus beef and broccoli. I swear, even my picky nephew asks for seconds. So yes, you can make a five-star restaurant dish from your own kitchen—on a Tuesday.
“This is the only way I’ll eat broccoli now. The beef just falls apart, melts in my mouth. My kids clean their plates every time!” — Sarah, actual human who tried this twice in one week
Recipe Ingredients
Let’s talk about what you need. Here’s a straight-up, no-nonsense list:
- About 2 pounds flank steak or sirloin, sliced thin (buy it pre-sliced if you’re feeling lazy, no judgment)
- 1 cup beef broth (the stuff from a carton is fine)
- Half a cup of low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (I go a little heaping, more flavor never hurts)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (I’ve used the jarred kind too, honestly)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (the bagged kind from the produce section is a massive time saver)
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- 3 tablespoons water (for that final thickening step)
- White rice, optional but very recommended
Grab these, and you’re basically set to get rolling.
How to Make Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
First off, slice your beef real thin. That’s the trick to getting it melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Toss the beef right into the crock pot. Now, whisk together your soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. Pour this magic mixture right over your meat. Give it a half-hearted stir—no need to get ambitious.
Lid goes on. Set it to LOW and walk away for five hours. You earned it. About 30 minutes before serving, open it up and toss in your broccoli. Mix the corn starch with water and add that, too. This thickens things up almost immediately.
Let it finish cooking (the broccoli still crisp, not mushy—trust me), then serve over (way too much) white rice. Enjoy that takeout flavor but way cozier.
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Tips
Not to brag, but I’ve made this so many times, I’ve got all the shortcuts.
Don’t skimp on slicing beef thin. Even the cheapest cut gets tender if sliced this way.
Fresh broccoli is just, well, fresher. But hey, if you only have frozen, throw it in straight from the bag with 45 minutes on the timer.
If you want more sauce for soaking your rice, just double the sauce ingredients. Nobody has ever been mad about extra sauce.
I forgot the garlic once. Don’t be me, double-check that garlic.
And, just a nudge, make sure you don’t add the broccoli too early—it gets sad and limp.
Oh, and if beef’s your favorite, give this category of beef recipes a peek—there’s so much to try next time you need dinner inspiration.
Variation Ideas
Who says you gotta play by the rules? Sometimes I mix it up just because. Try beef stew meat if that’s all you can find, or toss in extra veggies like red bell pepper, snap peas, even carrots.
Feeling spicy? Dash in some sriracha or chili flakes when you add the sauce. If gluten’s an issue, grab tamari instead of soy sauce. Even pork can step up in place of beef if you want to get wild.
For a switch-up from rice, noodles or even cauliflower rice are way better than you’d think. Lots of options, no wrong answers. And, speaking of alternatives, if you like this, you might also love my tasty ground beef and broccoli stir fry recipe for a stovetop option.
Serving Suggestions
Here’s what I usually do, and it always gets rave reviews:
- scoop it over fluffy white rice or brown rice
- add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you want to look fancy
- serve with a quick side like delicious broccoli cauliflower salad you’ll love making or steamed edamame
- feeling bold? drizzle on a little extra soy sauce
Trust me, your kitchen will smell incredible.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yep! Throw it in for about 45 minutes at the end. Don’t overdo it, or it gets mushy.
Do I have to brown the beef first?
Nope, skip it. The slow cooker handles it all.
How do I store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container and keep in the fridge up to three days. Reheats like a dream.
Can I double the recipe?
Totally, just use a big enough slow cooker or do two batches. You’ll want leftovers anyway.
Can this be made gluten-free?
Switch out soy sauce for tamari—problem solved.
One Bite and You’re Hooked
So there you have it—my take on Savory Crock Pot Beef Broccoli that seriously wows. The beef just melts, the sauce clings to every bite, and did I mention how easy it is? You can even find tricks from other folks, like over at Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli or check the tips at Crockpot Beef and Broccoli – I Heart Naptime. Whether it’s your first go at slow cooking or you’re just bored of the same old thing, this slow cooker meal is a keeper. Go on—give it a try, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe.
Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- Place the beef in the crock pot.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic.
- Pour the mixture over the beef and give it a light stir.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for 5 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the fresh broccoli.
- Mix corn starch with water and add to the crock pot for thickening.
- Let it finish cooking until broccoli is crisp, not mushy.
- Serve over white rice.
- Enjoy the meal with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
