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This slow cooker beef and broccoli takes just minutes to throw together, but tastes like you've been working on it for hours.
As we enter winter, I begin pulling out my slow cooker more often for recipes - from Indian butter chicken to mashed sweet potatoes.
I really don't know why as you can use a slow cooker year-round, but for some reason it just makes sense during this time of year.
About three years ago, I remember pinning a beef and broccoli recipe from the Recipe Critic that looked like it took about two minutes to prep and then you let the crockpot do the rest. But I just never made it... that was until recently.
My prediction of how long it took to whip together was pretty much spot on! For the days you really don't feel like working hard to make a decent meal, this beef and broccoli recipe is perfect.
Just keep in mind however, unlike most slow cooker recipes, you can't just cook for 8 hours, otherwise the beef will just completely break down. Trust me I learned by doing it once. One of my recipe fails! So learn from my mistakes!
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Recipe Ingredients
- Beef chuck - flank steak also works for this recipe.
- Beef bone broth - low-sodium is best.
- Soy sauce - where the salty flavor comes from.
- Dark brown sugar - honey can also work to add some sweetness.
- Hoisin sauce - almost like an Asian BBQ sauce.
- Sesame oil - adds a nutty flavor.
- Sriracha - adds a nice kick of heat.
- Green onions, garlic, ginger - added flavor to the dish.
- Broccoli - I like fresh but you can use frozen broccoli as well.
- Cornstarch - helps thicken the sauce.
- Sesame seeds - added crunch.
- Jasmine rice - basmati also works.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large crockpot, add the steak, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, green onions, garlic, and ginger.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- 30 minutes before serving, whisk cornstarch and water until dissolved in a small bowl and add to slow cooker. Stir in broccoli and cover and cook for another 20 minutes to allow sauce to thicken and broccoli to cook. Meanwhile, cook 1 cup jasmine rice according to instructions.
- Taste and season with salt if desired and add more beef broth if you need to thin the sauce. Serve with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.
How to Ensure Tender Beef?
Tender beef makes all the difference with this beef and broccoli recipe. Some tips include
- Freeze beef for 30 minutes to make it easier to slice
- Use your sharpest knife to cut thin slices against the grain
- DO NOT cook the beef longer than 4 hours in the slow cooker
Stovetop Option
While this recipe is super easy in a crockpot, you can also cook on the stovetop.
- Combine ingredients for the sauce in a bowl and set aside. This time add the cornstarch and water to it.
- Heat large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp oil. Add broccoli and sauté for 3-4 minutes or until bright green. Remove from the pan.
- Increase heat to high and add 2 tbsp oil. Add beef in a single layer and sauté 2 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Add the sauce, reduce heat to medium and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Add broccoli and stir to combine. Serve immediately.
Make-Ahead Option
This beef and broccoli recipe reheats well, making it perfect for lunches. Just allow to cool before placing in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
Thaw in the fridge overnight if it is frozen. Reheat when ready to eat.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Be consistent with slicing the beef thinly so it cooks evenly and isn't tough.
- If you like some heat, add more sriracha or use crushed red pepper flakes.
- Fresh broccoli is best for this recipe, but you can use frozen in a pinch.
Other Slow Cooker Recipes
- Crispy Pork Carnitas
- Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole
- General Tso's Chicken
- Short Rib Ragu
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
If you’ve tried this slow cooker beef and broccoli or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs beef chuck, thinly sliced and chopped into 2 inch pieces
- 1 cup beef bone broth
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 4 green onions, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 4 tbsp cold water
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 1 cup uncooked Jasmine rice
Instructions
- In a large crockpot, add the steak, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, green onions, garlic, and ginger. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. 30 minutes before serving, whisk cornstarch and water until dissolved in a small bowl and add to slow cooker. Stir in broccoli and cover and cook for another 20 minutes to allow sauce to thicken and broccoli to cook.
- Meanwhile, cook 1 cup jasmine rice according to instructions.
- Taste and season with salt if desired and add more beef broth if you need to thin the sauce. Serve with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- Be consistent with slicing the beef thinly so it cooks evenly and isn't tough.
- If you like some heat, add more sriracha or use crushed red pepper flakes.
- Fresh broccoli is best for this recipe, but you can use frozen in a pinch.
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