When I first made this Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli dish, I couldn’t believe how effortless it was to put together. I’d always thought takeout-style meals required fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, but this recipe changed my mind.
The beef turned out perfectly tender, and the sauce had that sweet-savory balance I love. Adding the broccoli at just the right time ensured it stayed vibrant and slightly crunchy. I served it over steaming jasmine rice, and my family couldn’t get enough.
Honestly, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. It’s now a staple in my meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry family, trust me, this slow cooker recipe is a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Here’s why this recipe will win you over. It’s not just about great taste—it’s also about how simple and versatile it is!
1. Super Easy to Prepare
This recipe is as straightforward as can be. Prep your ingredients, toss them into the slow cooker, and then walk away. No constant monitoring or fancy techniques are needed. Come back in a few hours to a fully cooked meal!
2. Healthier Than Takeout
Unlike takeout, you’re in control here. Adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs, whether going low sodium, using leaner beef cuts, or adding extra veggies. You get all the flavor but without the guilt!
3. Budget-Friendly Dinner
Skip expensive takeout and make this cost-effective version at home. With just beef, broccoli, and pantry staples, you can feed your family a delicious meal that doesn’t break the bank.
4. Customizable Flavors
Want it sweeter, spicier, or tangier? You can tweak the sauce to your liking. Throw in some ginger, a splash of rice vinegar, or even red pepper flakes to make it your own.
5. Perfect for Busy Days
This slow cooker recipe is a lifesaver on hectic days. Prep it in the morning, and come back later to dinner ready to serve. It’s that simple!
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 1 cup warm water
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1½ pounds beef sirloin, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 pounds broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Variations
Make this recipe your own with the following ideas!
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so no changes are needed here.
- Sugar-Free: Replace the brown sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit for a low-carb option.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Add More Veggies: Include carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for added nutrients and texture.
- Spicy Twist: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow Cooker – Cooks the beef to tender perfection.
- Knife and Cutting Board – Helps prep ingredients efficiently.
- Mixing Bowl – For combining the sauce ingredients.
- Steamer Basket (optional) – Ideal for steaming broccoli.
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli?
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by dissolving the beef bouillon cube in warm water. Mix in the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and sesame oil. This forms the rich, flavorful base of your dish. 🥣
Step 2: Add Beef to the Slow Cooker
Place the beef strips in your slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the beef, ensuring it’s well-coated. Cover with the lid and set the cooker to low heat. The beef will slowly cook until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. 🥩
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Toward the end of the cooking time, whisk cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of the cooking liquid until smooth. Stir this back into the slow cooker and switch to high heat for 30 minutes. The sauce will thicken beautifully. 🍶
Step 4: Steam the Broccoli
While the sauce is thickening, steam your broccoli florets until they’re vibrant and crisp-tender. Stir the broccoli into the slow cooker, letting it soak up the sauce’s flavors. 🥦
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the beef and broccoli over a bed of cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with sesame seeds for a touch of elegance and enjoy your homemade takeout treat! 🍛
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and broccoli make all the difference in flavor. Pre-packed options can work but try fresh for the best results.
- Cut Beef Consistently: Slice the beef into uniform strips to ensure it cooks evenly. Freezing it for 20 minutes beforehand makes slicing easier.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli just until crisp-tender, as it will soften further when mixed into the sauce.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce isn’t thickening enough, you can simmer it on the stove until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Experiment with Spices: Want to elevate the flavors? Add a pinch of ground ginger or star anise to the sauce for extra depth.
How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli?
For a picture-perfect presentation, serve the beef and broccoli over freshly steamed jasmine rice in shallow bowls. Sprinkle on sesame seeds for garnish and a hint of crunch. Pair it with a side of spring rolls or miso soup for a full Asian-inspired dinner. Adding freshly chopped green onions on top is another great way to bring color and freshness to the dish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional stats per serving of this dish.
- Calories: 704
- Protein: 54g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fat: 29g
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish is perfect for meal prep and makes excellent leftovers.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Gently reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through. If you’d like to freeze it, cool the dish completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It’ll stay good for up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
This Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just meal prepping for the week, this dish is a flavorful and foolproof option!