Craving your favorite takeout but want a healthier, homemade alternative? This slow cooker broccoli beef is the perfect solution! Tender strips of beef are slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, savory sauce, then tossed with fresh broccoli and served over fluffy jasmine rice. This easy, hands-off recipe is a must-try for busy weeknights!
Ingredients and Preparation Steps
Gather these simple ingredients and let your slow cooker do the work for you!
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 1/2 lbs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch strips
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 lbs broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
First, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in warm water. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil until well combined.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Beef
Place the beef strips into the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over them. Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or on High for 4 hours until the beef is tender and infused with flavor.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons of the slow cooker liquid with cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture back into the slow cooker, then cook on High for 30 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
Step 4: Steam the Broccoli
Meanwhile, steam broccoli in a saucepan with 1 inch of simmering water for 2-6 minutes until just tender but still vibrant.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Finally, add the steamed broccoli to the slow cooker, stirring to coat it in the flavorful sauce. Serve hot over jasmine rice and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
The Best Time to Enjoy Your Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, straight from the slow cooker, when the beef is at its most tender and the sauce is perfectly thick and rich. It’s an ideal dinner for busy weeknights, meal prep lunches, or even a cozy weekend meal. Serve it alongside a warm bowl of Butternut Squash Soup or a refreshing glass of Golden Milk for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! You can substitute sirloin with flank steak, chuck roast, or even stew meat. Just ensure the cooking time is adjusted for the cut.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply swap the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos for a delicious gluten-free version.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas make excellent additions to this dish.
How can I make this spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.
Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
6 hours & 30 minutes
Servings
4
Category
Comfort food
Say goodbye to takeout! This slow cooker beef and broccoli is tender, flavorful, and coated in a rich, savory sauce. Served over fluffy jasmine rice, it’s an easy and satisfying meal the whole family will love!
Ingredient
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 1/2 lbs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch strips
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 lbs broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- First, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in warm water. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil until combined.
- Next, place the beef strips into the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over them. Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or on High for 4 hours until the beef is tender.
- After that, whisk 2 tbsp of the slow cooker liquid with cornstarch in a bowl, then stir it back into the slow cooker. Cook on High for 30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Meanwhile, steam broccoli in a saucepan for 2-6 minutes until tender.
- Finally, add the steamed broccoli to the slow cooker, stirring to coat. Serve over jasmine rice and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 704
- Fat: 29g
- Carbs: 58g
- Protein: 54g
Pro Tips
For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce!
Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef
Want to take your slow cooker beef and broccoli to the next level? Follow these expert tips for the best results:
- Use a marbled cut of beef like chuck or flank steak for extra tenderness.
- Sear the beef before slow cooking to enhance its flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry—this thickens the sauce and gives it a glossy finish.
- Steam the broccoli separately to prevent it from becoming too soft in the slow cooker.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar at the end for a hint of acidity and depth.
- Make it spicy by stirring in red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- For a richer sauce, add a teaspoon of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce.
- Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for the best flavor.
- For a low-carb option, swap jasmine rice for cauliflower rice.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for added crunch and freshness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Have leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your slow cooker broccoli beef while keeping it delicious.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the beef and sauce (without the broccoli) for up to 2 months. Add fresh broccoli when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave method: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overcooking the beef.
Perfect Pairings for Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef
Make your meal even more satisfying with these delicious pairings:
- Miso Salmon – A light, flavorful seafood dish to complement your beef.
- Hot Honey Salmon Bowls – A sweet and spicy option for variety.
- Italian Bread – Perfect for soaking up the savory sauce.
- Cranberry Brie Bites – A tasty starter before your meal.
- Golden Milk – A warm, soothing drink to balance the flavors.
Now that you have everything you need to make the best Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef, it’s time to put your slow cooker to work! Whether you’re making this for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Have you tried this recipe? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below with your feedback, tips, or any twists you added to make it your own.
Don’t forget to snap a picture of your delicious beef and broccoli bowl and share it on social media using #SlowCookerBroccoliBeef. Tag us—we might feature your creation!
Looking for more easy and flavorful meal ideas? Check out our popular recipes like Hot Honey Salmon Bowls or Ground Beef and Rice Skillet. Plus, sign up for our newsletter to get exclusive recipes straight to your inbox.
Happy cooking!