This crock pot beef and broccoli is made with tender beef, a simple sauce that is made with soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, a few seasonings, broccoli florets, and is slow-cooked to tender perfection.
I might have mentioned this before, but in addition to southwestern and southern food, I’m a big fan of Asian food. I love pretty much anything that you can find in any takeout spot or Japanese restaurant. And while I love going out to eat as much as the next lady, I don’t always want to do that. So since I can cook pretty well, I decided I’d give my favorite Asian recipes a try. This beef and broccoli was one of the first ones I attempted, and I’ve been making it for years ever since. This recipe is full of authentic Asian flavors but I make it in a slow cooker, making it much easier to cook. It’s an American take on a classic takeout dish!
Beef and Broccoli
This easy recipe starts with thinly-sliced flank steak. I combine it with classic beef and broccoli flavors like broccoli, onions, soy sauce, ginger, and red pepper flakes, and I cook it in the slow cooker for several hours until the meat is tender. Then, I serve it with rice. That’s all there is to it! The beef is always so tender and juicy, and the flavors are just as classic and delicious as any beef and broccoli that you’d order in any restaurant. It’s a great weeknight dinner or fun addition to any potluck.
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- It’s easy to make, is the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, and the slow cooker will do all the work for you.
- It’s delicious and so full of flavor, and it is slow-cooked in a savory sauce, the flavors are perfectly balanced and the beef is tender and juicy.
- It is a great option for anyone who wants a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that tastes incredible.
Beef and Broccoli Ingredients
You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe, and you can find them all quickly and easily at your local grocery store. It only takes a quick trip, and you’ll have everything you need!
- Flank steak
- Cornstarch
- Onion
- Soy sauce or low sodium soy sauce
- Water
- Light brown sugar
- Sesame oil
- Cloves garlic
- Ground ginger
- Red pepper flakes
- Broccoli florets
- Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds
How to Make Beef and Broccoli
Making this recipe is as easy as it gets. You just put everything in the crock pot and let it do all the work. Easy peasy.
Step 1: Prep
Lightly spray a 6 to 8-quart crock pot with nonstick cooking spray. Then, add the meat to a bowl or a large baggie and coat with cornstarch.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
Step 3: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Place the meat and onions in the crock pot. Then, pour the sauce over the beef and onions.
Step 4: Cook
Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 5 to 6 hours until the meat is tender.
Step 5: Add Broccoli
In the last hour of cooking, add the broccoli, stir, and cook until done. Top with green onions and sesame seeds, and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- To easily coat the beef in cornstarch, add it to a resealable baggie and shake to coat.
- Be sure you coat the inside of your slow cooker completely with nonstick cooking spray so the sauce doesn’t burn.
- BE SURE to slice your flank steak against the grain or it will be tough.
Variations
- You can make a delicious Asian pot roast variation by using chuck roast.
- For a mild version, omit the red pepper flakes.
- For even more flavor and heat, try adding red chiles.
What to Serve with Beef and Broccoli
Serve this beef and broccoli over rice, noodle, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve bread, garlic bread, or egg rolls alongside it.
Recipe FAQ
Flank steak is the best choice for beef and broccoli. It’s marbled with fat for rich flavor, and when cut against the grain, it’s a super tender cut of beef. Skirt steak can be used as well.
Yes, you can absolutely make beef and broccoli in advance. Make it up to a day ahead of time, then, simply place it in the slow cooker on low and let it cook until heated through.
Beef and broccoli sauce can be made in a variety of ways, but in general, the base is always a ginger soy sauce flavor.
You can store this beef and broccoli in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Beef and broccoli freezes very well and will last for up to 3 months when stored properly.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerate this recipe in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
To reheat, place the in a saucepan and cook on medium-low until heated through. You can also place it in a slow cooker and cook on low until heated through.
Try This Delicious Beef and Broccoli Recipe Today
This beef and broccoli recipe is super easy to make and loaded with classic Asian flavors. With such an easy process and delicious flavor, this is one recipe you need to try. Give this recipe a whirl, and I guarantee you’ll fall in love with it. It’s one of those recipes that hooks you with the first bite.
More Delicious Crock Pot Recipes You’ll Enjoy
This delicious Crock Pot Queso with Italian Sausage is the perfect dip for gameday, potlucks, or family gatherings. It’s a delicious twist on the classic queso with the addition of flavorful Italian sausage.
Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak, sliced thin against the grain
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup onions, diced
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
- Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds
Instructions
- Lightly spray a 6-8 quart crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add meat to a bowl or a large sealable gallon baggie.
- Sprinkle with cornstarch and stir or shake to coat.
- Place in the crock pot, and add diced onions.
- In a medium bowl, add soy sauce, water, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes.Stir to combine and pour over the beef and onions. Stir.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours, or until the meat is tender.
- In the last hour of cooking, add broccoli, stir to combine, cover and continue to cook until done.
- Top with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
- Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
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