This Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli is a winner for busy nights. Tender beef and crisp broccoli simmer in a sweet and savory sauce that’s oh-so-simple to make. Yum!
I love how it cooks itself while I catch up on my favorite show! Just toss everything in and let it do its magic. Go on, serve it with rice or noodles for a cozy meal! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Sirloin: These cuts are ideal because they become tender during slow cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using chicken breast instead. Alternatively, shredded pork also works great!
Beef Broth: This adds depth to the flavor. If you’re low on beef broth, chicken or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for a slightly different taste.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce helps control salt levels. If you’re gluten-free, go for tamari or coconut aminos instead.
Brown Sugar: It gives a subtle sweetness. You can replace it with honey or maple syrup if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is perfect for texture, but if it’s not available, frozen broccoli can be a quick alternative. Just add it closer to the end of cooking time.
How to Get the Best Flavor from Your Beef?
To achieve tender beef, slicing it against the grain is key. This breaks up the muscle fibers and makes it easier to chew after cooking. Plus, marinating the beef for a short time in soy sauce can enhance its flavor before adding it to the crock pot.
- Prepare beef by slicing thinly against the grain.
- Mix marinade and let beef soak for at least 15-30 minutes for extra flavor.
Slow cooking is the heart of this recipe, so resist the urge to lift the lid too often; it can interfere with the cooking process. Trust the crock pot to build flavor over time! Enjoy your deliciously tender beef!
How to Make Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Broccoli and Serving:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and then simmers in your crock pot for 5 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. Plus, there’s an additional 20-30 minutes after adding the broccoli. Total time is around 6 hours if you’re cooking on low. It’s perfect for all-day cooking while you’re busy with other things!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by placing the thinly sliced beef in the bottom of your crock pot. This helps to lock in the moisture and flavor as it cooks.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. This mix is what makes the dish so tasty!
3. Combine:
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the crock pot. Make sure all the beef is coated well to absorb all those delicious flavors.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours—or on high for 2 to 3 hours—until the beef is tender and has absorbed all those flavors.
5. Add the Broccoli:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, add the fresh broccoli florets to the crock pot. They’ll steam perfectly and add a nice crunch to the dish.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water until smooth. Stir this mixture back into the crock pot to thicken the sauce. Cover and cook for another 20-30 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
7. Serve It Up:
Once everything is cooked and looking delicious, scoop the beef and broccoli over a bed of your choice of cooked rice. The sauce will soak into the rice, making every bite magical!
8. Garnish:
For the final touch, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for a lovely crunch and presentation. Enjoy your Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
While fresh beef is best for even cooking, you can use frozen beef if necessary. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before slicing and adding it to the crock pot for safe cooking.
Can I Substitute the Broccoli with Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! If you prefer other veggies, snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots would work well. Just add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them crisp and vibrant.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply swap out the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and make sure the beef broth is also gluten-free. You won’t lose any of the delicious flavors!
