Description
A simple and satisfying slow cooker recipe featuring tender beef and crisp-tender broccoli in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and hands-off cooking.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds flank steak or chuck roast, sliced thinly against the grain
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 300g)
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (80ml)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth (120ml)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Cold water (for mixing cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
- Slice beef thinly against the grain. Freezing the meat for 20 minutes beforehand makes slicing easier.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and minced garlic until sugar dissolves.
- Optional: Sear the beef slices in a hot skillet with a drizzle of oil until browned on each side (5-7 minutes).
- Place beef in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it. Stir gently to coat the meat.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until beef is tender.
- About 15 minutes before serving, add broccoli florets on top of the beef. Cover and cook until broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender.
- Remove about 1/2 cup of cooking liquid and mix with cornstarch to create a slurry.
- Stir slurry back into the slow cooker and cook on high for another 5-10 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Stir everything to coat beef and broccoli evenly. Serve over steamed rice or noodles. Optionally garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
Notes
Add broccoli only in the last 15 minutes to keep it crisp-tender. Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth to control saltiness. Cornstarch slurry should be added at the end to avoid gummy sauce. Optional searing adds flavor but is not necessary. Double the sauce if you prefer it saucier. For heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha. Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free version. Freeze beef and sauce without broccoli for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
Keywords: slow cooker beef and broccoli, easy dinner, 5-ingredient recipe, crockpot beef, beef broccoli sauce, weeknight meal, hands-off cooking