Description
A simple and flavorful slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe using just a few ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights. The beef is tender and the broccoli crisp-tender, making a comforting and easy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Optional: toasted sesame oil, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Thinly slice the flank steak or sirloin against the grain. For easier slicing, freeze the meat for 20-30 minutes beforehand.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced beef with soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and beef broth to create the marinade and cooking sauce.
- Pour the beef and sauce mixture into the slow cooker and spread evenly. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2.5-3 hours until beef is tender.
- Halfway through cooking, gently stir the mixture to blend flavors.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets on top of the beef. Cover and cook until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir gently.
- Switch the slow cooker to high and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions.
Notes
Freeze beef for 20-30 minutes before slicing for easier, thinner cuts. Add broccoli late in cooking to keep it crisp-tender. Use low sodium soy sauce and broth to control saltiness. Thicken sauce at the end with cornstarch slurry to avoid gummy texture. Leftovers reheat well on stove with a splash of water or broth. Avoid freezing leftovers to prevent mushy broccoli and sauce separation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 620
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 4.5
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
Keywords: slow cooker beef and broccoli, easy dinner, 5-ingredient recipe, weeknight meal, beef recipe, broccoli recipe, slow cooker dinner