Mouthwatering Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli is a simple, delicious dish that combines tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a flavorful sauce all cooked low and slow to perfection. The beef turns beautifully soft, soaking up all the tasty seasonings, while the broccoli adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s a perfect meal for busy days when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.
I love making this Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli because it’s almost effortless. You just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do all the work. The smell that fills the house while it’s cooking always makes me extra hungry! A little tip I’ve learned is to add the broccoli towards the end of cooking so it doesn’t get too mushy—you still want that fresh bite that balances the soft beef.
This dish is great served over rice or noodles, which soak up the tasty sauce perfectly. Whenever I make it, it feels like a little celebration of cozy, homemade comfort food. It’s one of those dinners that everyone at the table enjoys, and I find myself coming back to this recipe time and again when I want a meal that’s both satisfying and easy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I like using flank steak or sirloin because they stay tender when sliced thinly. If you can’t find these, skirt steak or even a good stew beef works well. Just slice against the grain to keep it soft.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch, but frozen florets are a convenient substitute. I add it late to keep that bright color and texture—no mushy broccoli here!
Sauce Components: Soy sauce and oyster sauce create that classic flavor. For soy sauce, low-sodium is best to control saltiness. Don’t worry if you don’t have oyster sauce—it adds depth but you can skip it or use hoisin sauce as a substitute.
Thickener: Cornstarch slurry is key for thickening the sauce just right. If you need a gluten-free option, arrowroot powder works similarly.
How Do You Keep Broccoli Crisp in a Slow Cooker?
Broccoli can become mushy if cooked too long in a crock pot. Here’s how to keep it fresh and crisp:
- Add broccoli florets during the last 25-30 minutes of cooking.
- Place the broccoli on top, then cover the pot without stirring to avoid overcooking.
- Use fresh florets if possible; frozen might get a bit softer but still tasty.
- If you want extra crunch, steam the broccoli separately and add it right before serving.
This simple timing trick keeps your beef tender and broccoli nicely crisp for great texture balance.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot or slow cooker – This is the star of the show, letting the beef cook slowly and stay tender without much effort.
- Sharp knife – It makes slicing the beef thin easier and safer, which helps the meat cook evenly.
- Cutting board – Provides a stable space to slice your beef and chop broccoli neatly.
- Mixing bowl – Perfect for whisking together the sauce ingredients before adding them to the crock pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons – You’ll need these for accurate sauce ingredients and cornstarch slurry measurements.
- Small bowl or cup – For mixing the cornstarch and water into a smooth slurry to thicken the sauce at the end.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef for chicken breast or thighs for a lighter protein option that still absorbs sauces well.
- Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas with the broccoli for more crunch and color.
- Use honey instead of brown sugar for a floral sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving for added nutty flavor and texture.
Mouthwatering Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
For the Vegetables and Thickening:
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Serving and Garnish:
- Cooked white rice
- Chopped green onions or parsley
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes for prep and slicing. Then, plan to cook the beef on low in your crock pot for about 4 to 6 hours until tender. Add the broccoli and thicken the sauce in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Overall, expect around 4.5 to 6.5 hours from start to finish, mostly hands-off time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce and Prep the Beef:
In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and oyster sauce. Slice the beef thinly against the grain for best tenderness. Place the beef slices into the crock pot and pour the sauce mixture over it. Stir gently to coat the beef evenly.
2. Slow Cook the Beef:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. The beef will become tender and soaked with the flavorful sauce during this time.
3. Add Broccoli and Thicken Sauce:
About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets on top of the beef inside the crock pot. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a smooth slurry. Stir this slurry gently into the crock pot to thicken the sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until broccoli is tender but still crisp, and the sauce has thickened.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Dish out the beef and broccoli mixture over bowls of warm cooked white rice. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh, tasty finish. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well! Just add it at the same time as fresh broccoli about 30 minutes before the end of cooking. It might be slightly softer but will still taste great.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
Can I Substitute the Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs or breasts can be used—just adjust the cooking time to about 3-4 hours on low to avoid drying out. Pork tenderloin is another tasty option.
How Do I Keep the Broccoli from Getting Mushy?
Add the broccoli for the last 25-30 minutes of cooking and avoid stirring too much. This timing keeps it tender-crisp rather than mushy.
