Tender Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe: Fuss-Free Family Joy

Slow-cooking tender crockpot beef and broccoli delivers a mouthwatering meal that will make dinner feel like a special occasion.

Fragrant spices dance through your kitchen, promising comfort and satisfaction.

Lean cuts of meat blend seamlessly with bright green florets, creating a balanced dish.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, reducing your time in the kitchen.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

Weeknight meals gain a gourmet touch with this foolproof recipe.

What Makes Crockpot Beef and Broccoli So Tasty

• Unlock Slow Cooker Magic: Transform tough beef into a melt-in-your-mouth meal with minimal hands-on preparation, making it perfect for busy home cooks.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, using different protein options, or switching up vegetables to suit family preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Deliver a restaurant-quality dish that satisfies everyone at the table, from kids to adults, with its savory and familiar flavors.
• Minimal Cleanup Hero: Enjoy a delicious one-pot meal that minimizes kitchen mess and saves precious time on dishwashing, making mealtime stress-free.

Ingredients for Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

• Beef: A tender, savory meat that becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft when slow-cooked in the crockpot.

• Beef Consomme: A clear, rich broth that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: A salty, umami condiment that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Brown Sugar: A sweet ingredient that balances the savory elements and helps create a glossy sauce.
• Sesame Oil: A nutty, aromatic oil that provides a distinctive Asian-inspired flavor.

• Minced Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds a robust, earthy flavor to the dish.
• Cornstarch: A natural thickening agent that helps create a smooth, glossy sauce.

• Broccoli Florets: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, texture, and freshness to the beef dish.

• Cooked Rice: A neutral, fluffy base that perfectly complements the saucy beef and broccoli.

How to Slow Cook Beef and Broccoli Perfectly

Step 1: Slice and Place Beef

Carefully slice the beef into thin, even strips. Gently lay the beef pieces into the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even layer that will absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Beef consomme
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic

Pour the sauce evenly over the beef, ensuring every piece gets coated with the rich, savory mixture.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen.

Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours until the beef becomes meltingly tender and infused with incredible flavor.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Grab a small bowl and mix cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid.

Stir until completely smooth and lump-free. Gently stir this mixture back into the slow cooker, allowing the sauce to thicken and become glossy.

Step 5: Add Fresh Broccoli

Toss in fresh broccoli florets, stirring them gently into the beef and sauce. The broccoli will add a beautiful pop of green and nutritious crunch.

Step 6: Final Cooking Burst

Increase the slow cooker to high setting. Cook for an additional 30 minutes, letting the broccoli become perfectly tender-crisp and the sauce reach its ultimate richness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the succulent beef and bright broccoli over steaming hot rice. The combination of tender meat, vibrant vegetables, and glossy sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.

Tips for Flavorful Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

• Cut beef against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing, ensuring each bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
• Adjust soy sauce and brown sugar proportions to create a perfect sweet-savory balance that complements the beef's richness.
• Add broccoli florets during the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain their bright green color and crisp texture.
• If sauce seems too thin, gradually add cornstarch mixture while stirring to achieve the ideal thickness without clumping.
• Prepare beef and sauce the night before and refrigerate, allowing flavors to develop and making morning cooking a breeze.

Variations to Change Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

• Spicy Korean Beef: Replace soy sauce with gochujang for a fiery kick and add red pepper flakes to amplify heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Swap beef consomme with white wine, add rosemary and thyme for an aromatic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Asian Ginger Zinger: Include fresh grated ginger and replace brown sugar with honey for a tangy, bright version with enhanced sweetness.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Alternative: Substitute beef with portobello mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef consomme for a plant-based option.

Suggested Pairings for Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Pair this savory crockpot beef and broccoli with crisp, refreshing accompaniments that balance its rich, umami profile.
• Complementary Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied Pinot Noir with subtle fruit notes that cut through the dish's richness and enhance its deep, meaty flavors.
• Zesty Beverage Companion: Serve with an ice-cold Asian-style lager like Tsingtao or Sapporo, whose light, crisp character perfectly offsets the hearty beef and tangy sauce.
• Texture-Enhancing Side: Add a light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds to introduce a cool, crunchy contrast to the tender, saucy beef and soft broccoli.

How to Store Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the beef and broccoli remain fresh and flavorful.

Transfer cooled beef and broccoli to freezer-safe containers or bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining quality and taste.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.

Pour beef and broccoli into skillet. Add splash of beef broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use chuck roast, sirloin, or flank steak. Just slice it thinly against the grain for the most tender result.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your beef consommé is gluten-free to make it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

• How can I make the beef more tender?

Slice the meat very thin and cook it on low for the full 6-8 hours. This slow cooking method helps break down the meat fibers, making it extra tender.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can slice the beef and mix the sauce the night before, store it in the refrigerator, and start cooking in the morning for an easy dinner.

Crockpot Beef And Broccoli Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot beef and broccoli satisfies comfort food cravings with tender meat and crisp vegetables. Slow-cooked simplicity brings restaurant-quality flavors home, letting busy cooks enjoy a delicious meal without complex preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless beef chuck roast, sliced into thin strips
• Fresh broccoli florets

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef consomme
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1/3 cup (80 grams) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sesame oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Thickening Agents:

• 2 tablespoons (16 grams) cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) cooled sauce from the crock pot after being cooked

Serving:

• Hot cooked rice

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Instructions

1. Slice the beef into thin strips, ensuring even cuts for consistent cooking and tenderness.
2. Create a flavorful braising liquid by whisking together beef consomme, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a separate mixing bowl.
3. Transfer the beef strips into the crockpot and generously pour the prepared sauce over the meat, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Set the crockpot to low temperature and allow the beef to slow-cook for 6-7 hours, which will break down the meat fibers and develop rich flavors.
5. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, dissolve cornstarch in a small amount of cooled cooking liquid to create a smooth thickening agent.
6. Gently stir the cornstarch mixture into the crockpot, which will gradually transform the sauce into a glossy, more concentrated consistency.
7. Add fresh broccoli florets directly into the crockpot, submerging them partially in the hot sauce to maintain their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
8. Increase the crockpot temperature to high and cook for an additional 20-25 minutes, allowing the broccoli to become tender-crisp and absorb the savory sauce.
9. Plate the beef and broccoli over steamed white rice, spooning extra sauce over the top for maximum flavor absorption.

Notes

• Slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
• Use a fatty cut like chuck roast to ensure the meat stays juicy during slow cooking.
• Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium soy sauce and beef consommé to control salt levels.
• If broccoli becomes too soft, add it during the last hour of cooking to maintain its crisp texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 385 kcal
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 1000 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg