Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli: Effortless Comfort in Every Bite

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Looking for a homey dinner that practically cooks itself? This melt-in-your-mouth, slow cooker Beef & Broccoli delivers the savory depth you crave with minimal effort. Toss everything into your trusty crockpot, and let your kitchen fill with tantalizing aromas while you carry on with your day!

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Ingredients

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  • 1½ pounds flank steak or chuck roast, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • ½ cup soy sauce (regular or reduced sodium)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar or honey
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Begin by placing the sliced beef in the bottom of your slow cooker, spreading it out in an even layer. In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), sesame oil, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat. Stir well to meld all those wonderful, salty-sweet flavors.

Pour this sauce mixture over the beef, making sure every piece gets a nice coating of that mouthwatering goodness. Set your slow cooker to low and let the beef simmer away for about 4 hours. In the last 30 minutes or so, whisk together the cornstarch and water, then stir it into the crockpot. This helps thicken the sauce. Add the broccoli florets at this time, so they stay crisp-tender.

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Once the sauce has thickened and the beef is fork-tender, ladle everything over a bowl of steamy rice. Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a handful of sliced green onions if you want that final, fresh flourish.

The magic of this slow cooker Beef & Broccoli lies in its prep-as-you-go flexibility, generous flavor, and cozy appeal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever you crave a takeout-style dish without the wait (or the cost!). If you’re watching your sodium intake, choose a lower-salt soy sauce. Feel free to toss in extra vegetables—carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms—for added color and nutrition. However you customize it, you’ll love that this recipe checks all the boxes for a hearty, hassle-free meal.

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.