Slow Cooker Beef Broccoli

Tender beef slowly infused with a savory soy and ginger sauce becomes comfort food at its best here and crisp broccoli adds fresh crunch for a weeknight dinner you will crave again and again This slow cooker beef and broccoli tastes just like my favorite takeout but is even more satisfying and easy to prepare at home

The first time I made this I was amazed by how little effort was needed for such amazing flavor My kids now ask for it every time I say we are having Chinese food night

Ingredients

• Flank steak or sirloin: Choosing the right cut means you get tender slices that soak up every bit of flavor Buy fresh beef and slice thinly against the grain for best results
• Low sodium soy sauce: Brings the classic savory depth but keeps salt in check Look for good quality brands with clean ingredients
• Brown sugar: Balances out the salt and adds a caramel sweetness Use fresh packed sugar for guaranteed sauce richness
• Sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma and authentic Asian flavor Ideally pick toasted sesame oil for its robust taste
• Garlic and fresh ginger: Fresh aromatics build the backbone of the sauce Choose firm garlic cloves and a plump ginger root for maximum flavor
• Cornstarch and water: The classic thickener combo Use fresh cornstarch for a glossy smooth sauce
• Beef broth: Adds complexity and hearty depth Opt for low sodium and choose a broth without additives
• Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen works Pick firm green florets for best color and crunch
• Optional green onions and sesame seeds: Brighten the finished dish with freshness and gentle bite Pick vibrant green onions and fresh sesame seeds if using

Instructions

Sauce Prep:

Whisk together soy sauce beef broth brown sugar sesame oil garlic and ginger in a medium bowl Make sure the sugar dissolves fully and that ginger is evenly distributed

Layer the Beef:

Lay the sliced beef across the bottom of your slow cooker Arrange in a single layer if possible to ensure even cooking Pour all the prepared sauce over the beef making sure it is coated on all sides

Slow Cook:

Cover your slow cooker and set it to low Cook for four hours Resist the temptation to lift the lid often This gentle slow cooking helps the beef become incredibly tender and develop a rich savory taste

Thicken the Sauce:

In a small bowl stir together cornstarch and water until completely smooth Pour this slurry into the slow cooker Stir gently to combine and distribute the thickener through the sauce

Broccoli Finish:

Add the broccoli florets on top of the beef Cover again and switch the slow cooker to high Cook for fifteen to twenty minutes until the broccoli is vibrant green and tender crisp and the sauce thickens to a glossy finish

Serve and Garnish:

Spoon the beef and broccoli over bowls of steamed rice Top with sliced green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired Serve hot and enjoy the comfort in every bite

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Broccoli is easily my favorite part of this recipe since it drinks up the sauce and keeps its crunch I remember serving this for Chinese New Year and watching everyone go back for seconds because the flavors were just that good

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days Store in a sealed container Reheat gently to keep the broccoli from overcooking If you want to freeze this meal wait to add the broccoli until after thawing to preserve its texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to use chicken breast or thighs if you want a lighter protein For gluten free needs choose tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce If you prefer sweeter sauce try adding a dash of honey along with the brown sugar

Serving Suggestions

Serve over jasmine rice for a restaurant style experience Brown rice or cauliflower rice also complement the flavors Steamed snow peas or bell peppers make for a tasty veggie boost Try adding a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a little heat

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This dish is the kind of meal that brings everyone together around the table for second helpings It will quickly turn into your dependable weeknight favorite

Recipe Q&A

→ How do I keep broccoli crisp in this dish?

Add the broccoli in the last 15–20 minutes of cooking or steam it separately to maintain a vibrant texture.

→ Can another protein be used instead of beef?

Yes, thinly sliced chicken works well and offers a lighter alternative while still soaking up the savory sauce.

→ What sauce ingredients create the rich flavor?

Soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil blend together for depth and balance.

→ How is the sauce thickened?

Cornstarch mixed with water forms a slurry that is stirred in near the end, resulting in a glossy, thick sauce.

→ Is the dish suitable for dairy-free diets?

Yes, there are no dairy ingredients in the main components or sauce, making it naturally dairy-free.