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Easy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe (Better Than Takeout)

crockpot beef and broccoli - featured image

This Easy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli recipe is a love letter to the flavors of takeout, made simple with a slow cooker. Tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory-sweet sauce come together with minimal effort for a weeknight dinner that’s better than delivery.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
  • 2–3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • Cooked white or brown rice (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Slice the beef: Place flank steak or sirloin in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm up. Slice thinly against the grain into 1/4-inch strips.
  2. Whisk the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until brown sugar is mostly dissolved.
  3. Add beef and sauce to crockpot: Place sliced beef in the crockpot. Pour sauce over the top and toss with tongs to coat. Do not add broccoli yet.
  4. Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
  5. Make the cornstarch slurry: About 30 minutes before serving, whisk cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
  6. Add the broccoli: Open crockpot and add broccoli florets. Stir into sauce and beef. Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
  7. Add the slurry: Pour cornstarch slurry into crockpot and stir gently. Cook uncovered for 5-10 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  8. Serve: Spoon beef and broccoli over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, slice beef against the grain and add broccoli only in the last 30 minutes to avoid mushiness. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. Let sauce thicken uncovered after adding slurry. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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