Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is a delicious and convenient dish that brings the rich flavors of a classic Chinese takeout favorite right to your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort. With tender slices of beef, vibrant broccoli florets, and a savory sauce, this dish will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.
I first encountered Beef and Broccoli at a local Chinese restaurant, and it was love at first bite. The combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory-sweet sauce was irresistible. However, making it at home seemed daunting until I discovered this slow cooker version. Now, it’s one of my go-to recipes for when I crave that comforting, flavorful dish without the hassle of stir-frying. The slow cooker does all the work, making it easy to achieve that same restaurant-quality flavor with a hands-off approach.
Ingredients and Their Roles
Main Ingredients:
2 pounds sirloin steak or boneless beef chuck roast, sliced thin: Provides the base protein for the dish. Sirloin steak is lean and tender, while beef chuck roast adds a bit more richness and flavor.
1 cup beef broth: Forms the base of the sauce, adding depth and a savory note.
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce: Contributes saltiness and umami, balancing the sweetness and creating a well-rounded sauce.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory soy sauce and enhance the overall flavor.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: Provides a distinct, nutty flavor that is characteristic of many Asian dishes.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the sauce, enhancing the overall taste.
4 tablespoons cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for the sauce.
4 tablespoons water: Used to create a slurry with the cornstarch, ensuring the sauce thickens properly.
1 bag (12 ounces) frozen broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, crunchy texture and vibrant color to the dish.
Cooked white rice (optional): Serves as a base for the beef and broccoli, soaking up the delicious sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation:
Slice the Beef: Start by slicing 2 pounds of sirloin steak or boneless beef chuck roast into thin strips. This will help the beef cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Mince the Garlic: Mince 3 garlic cloves to release their aromatic oils, which will infuse the sauce with rich flavor.
Assemble the Sauce:
Whisk the Sauce Ingredients: In the insert of a 6-quart crockpot, whisk together 1 cup of beef broth, 1/2 cup of low sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and the minced garlic. This mixture will form the base of your flavorful sauce.
Cook the Beef:
Combine Beef and Sauce: Place the sliced beef into the crockpot with the sauce mixture. Toss to coat the beef evenly with the sauce.
Cover and Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low heat for 5 hours. During this time, the beef will become tender and soak up the delicious flavors of the sauce.
Thicken the Sauce:
Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: When the beef is done cooking, prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking together 4 tablespoons of cornstarch and 4 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. This slurry will help thicken the sauce.
Add the Slurry: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and stir well to mix. The sauce will begin to thicken as it continues to cook.
Add the Broccoli:
Add Frozen Broccoli: Place 1 bag (12 ounces) of frozen broccoli florets over the beef and sauce in the crockpot. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the broccoli is evenly distributed.
Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook for an additional 30 minutes. This will allow the broccoli to cook through and the sauce to thicken further.
Serve:
Prepare Rice (Optional): While the broccoli is cooking, prepare white rice according to the package instructions if you wish to serve the beef and broccoli over rice.
Plate and Enjoy: Once the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened, serve the beef and broccoli over warm white rice. Enjoy the rich flavors and tender textures of this comforting dish.
Variations and Substitutions
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences:
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute the beef with chicken or pork for a different take on this dish. Chicken thighs or pork tenderloin would work well.
- Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for additional color and nutrition.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the beef and broccoli over cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
- Spiciness: Add a kick to the dish by including red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
Conclusion
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings the taste of a favorite takeout meal to your home kitchen. With minimal preparation and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a deliciously savory sauce with little effort. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to come home to a ready-made meal that the whole family will love.
The slow cooker does all the hard work, transforming simple ingredients into a dish that is rich in flavor and satisfying to eat. Whether you stick to the classic beef and broccoli combination or experiment with variations, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your household. Serve it over rice for a complete meal and savor the comforting, delicious results. Enjoy!
CROCKPOT BEEF AND BROCCOLI
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sirloin steak or boneless beef chuck roast sliced thin
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1 bag 12 oz frozen broccoli florets
- Cooked white rice optional, for serving
Instructions
- Slice 2 pounds of sirloin steak or beef chuck roast into thin strips.
- Mince 3 garlic cloves.
- In the insert of a 6-quart crockpot, whisk together 1 cup of beef broth, ½ cup low sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and minced garlic.
- Add the sliced beef to the crockpot, tossing to coat it evenly with the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 hours until the beef is tender.
- Prepare a slurry by whisking together 4 tablespoons cornstarch and 4 tablespoons water.
- Stir the slurry into the crockpot, mixing well to thicken the sauce.
- Add 1 bag (12 oz) frozen broccoli florets to the crockpot, stirring gently to combine.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Prepare white rice according to package instructions if desired.
- Serve the beef and broccoli over the rice, enjoying the rich flavors and tender textures.
