Beef and broccoli crock pot is an easy and flavorful dish that requires minimal effort. With tender beef and fresh broccoli simmered in a savory sauce, this slow-cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a healthy, satisfying meal that can be served over rice or enjoyed on its own. Simple, delicious, and always a hit with the family!
Why We Love This Beef and Broccoli Crock Pot Recipe
This beef and broccoli crockpot recipe is a total winner for anyone looking for a simple yet delicious dinner. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that you can set it and forget it while still ending up with a flavorful, tender meal. Here’s why we love it:
- Effortless Cooking: With the crock pot, there’s no need for constant stirring or monitoring. Just toss everything in, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do all the work.
- Tender Beef: The slow cooking process allows the beef to become incredibly tender, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the sauce. Whether you’re using flank steak, chuck, or sirloin, the results are always melt-in-your-mouth good.
- Healthy and Balanced: Broccoli adds a nutritious touch to this dish, making it not just tasty but also packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s a great way to get a balanced meal without extra effort.
- Customizable: You can adjust the flavor profile to suit your taste. Want a little extra kick? Add some red pepper flakes. Prefer a sweeter sauce? A little honey will do the trick. The versatility is endless.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: With minimal prep time, this recipe is ideal for those days when you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy families or anyone who wants a home-cooked meal without the hassle.
In just a few steps, you’ll have a hearty, satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your family. The slow-cooked beef, combined with perfectly cooked broccoli, creates a comforting dish that feels like a special treat, even on a regular weekday.
Ingredients for Beef and Broccoli Crock Pot
Beef – Flank steak, chuck, or sirloin are the best cuts for this recipe, becoming tender in the slow cooker.
Broccoli – Fresh broccoli is preferred, but frozen can be used if added later in cooking.
Soy sauce – Adds savory flavor; use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
Garlic – Minced garlic adds a fragrant flavor to the dish.
Ginger – Fresh ginger gives a warm, zesty flavor; ground ginger can be used as a substitute.
Beef broth – Adds richness to the sauce; choose low-sodium for less salt.
Cornstarch – Used to thicken the sauce, creating a smooth texture.
Brown sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the savory flavors; adjust for desired sweetness.
Instructions for Beef and Broccoli Crock Pot
Follow these easy steps to make this delicious and tender beef and broccoli crock pot dish. With minimal prep time, you’ll be enjoying a hearty meal in no time!
Prepare the Beef: Cut your beef (flank steak, chuck, or sirloin) into thin strips for even cooking and flavor absorption.
Mix the Sauce: Combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger, beef broth, and brown sugar in a bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Add to the Crock Pot: Place the beef strips in the crock pot and pour the sauce over them. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Thicken the Sauce: Make a slurry with cornstarch and water. Stir it into the crock pot and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on high to thicken the sauce.
Add the Broccoli: Add the broccoli 30 minutes before serving. Stir gently and cook until tender but vibrant.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the beef and broccoli over rice or on its own, enjoying the tender beef and crispy broccoli.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Beef and Broccoli Crock Pot
To ensure your beef and broccoli crock pot recipe turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips and tricks to keep in mind:
Use the Right Cut of Beef
For the most tender results, choose cuts like flank steak, chuck, or sirloin. These cuts hold up well in the slow cooker, becoming tender and juicy without drying out. Flank steak is especially great because it absorbs flavors beautifully and becomes incredibly tender.
Sear the Beef for Extra Flavor (Optional)
While not necessary, searing the beef strips in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the crockpot can enhance the flavor. The caramelization adds depth and richness to the dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but it’s a great way to elevate the flavor!
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli
Broccoli cooks quickly in the slow cooker, so adding it towards the end ensures it stays bright and slightly crisp rather than mushy. Adding it in the last 30 minutes of cooking time will yield the perfect texture.
Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking
Feel free to adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to fit your preferences. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a bit more brown sugar or honey. For a saltier kick, you can increase the soy sauce or even add a splash of oyster sauce for a richer flavor.
Thickening the Sauce
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can always increase the amount of cornstarch or let the sauce simmer uncovered for a bit longer. Just remember to add the cornstarch slurry gradually to avoid making the sauce too thick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over fluffy rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a simple side salad to balance out the richness. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles).
These tips will help you achieve the most flavorful, tender beef and perfectly cooked broccoli every time. It’s all about finding the right balance of flavors and textures, and with these pro tips, your dish will be a crowd-pleaser!
Variations for Beef and Broccoli Crock Pot
One of the best things about this beef and broccoli crock pot recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
Add More Vegetables
You can boost the nutritional value by adding more veggies to the mix. Try adding sliced carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas. These colorful veggies not only add more texture and flavor but also make the dish even more vibrant and wholesome.
Switch Up the Protein
While beef is the classic choice for this dish, you can switch it up with chicken, pork, or tofu for a different take. Chicken breast or thighs work well and can be added in place of the beef. If you’re using tofu, press it to remove excess moisture before adding it to the slow cooker for better texture.
Spicy Beef and Broccoli
If you love a little heat, consider adding some chili flakes, sriracha sauce, or fresh chopped chili peppers. This will bring a spicy kick to the dish, balancing out the sweetness of the brown sugar and the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Swap the Soy Sauce
For a gluten-free or lower-sodium version, swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Both are great alternatives that maintain the savory flavor of the dish without the gluten or extra sodium.
Serving Suggestions for Beef and Broccoli Crock Pot
This beef and broccoli crock pot dish is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Whether you’re preparing a casual dinner or an impressive meal for guests, here are some great ways to serve it:
Over Steamed White or Brown Rice
The classic choice! The tender beef and savory sauce pair beautifully with steamed rice, which absorbs all the delicious juices. For a healthier twist, opt for brown rice to add a bit more fiber and texture to your meal.
With Cauliflower Rice
If you’re looking for a low-carb or keto-friendly option, cauliflower rice is the perfect substitute. It’s light, absorbs the sauce well, and adds a mild flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
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FAQs for Beef and Broccoli Crock Pot
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
While fresh broccoli is always best for texture, you can absolutely use frozen broccoli. However, be aware that frozen broccoli tends to release more water, which can slightly alter the consistency of the sauce. To prevent this, try adding the broccoli toward the end of the cooking time so it doesn’t overcook and become mushy.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, this beef and broccoli crock pot dish is perfect for meal prep. You can make it up to 2-3 days in advance, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat it when you’re ready to eat. The flavors will actually deepen over time, making it even tastier!
How do I thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, and the sauce will thicken beautifully. You can also reduce the sauce by cooking it on high for the last 30 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, while flank steak or sirloin is ideal, you can use other cuts like round steak or chuck roast. Just keep in mind that some cuts may require longer cooking times to become tender. If using a tougher cut, you may need to adjust the cooking time or shred the beef for a different texture.
beef and broccoli crock pot
Ingredients
- Beef flank steak, chuck, or sirloin – 1.5 lbs, cut into thin strips
- Broccoli florets – 4 cups
- Soy sauce – 1/4 cup
- Garlic – 3 cloves minced
- Ginger – 1 tablespoon grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- Beef broth – 1/2 cup
- Cornstarch – 2 tablespoons
- Brown sugar – 2 tablespoons
Instructions
Prepare the Beef
- Start by cutting your beef (flank steak, chuck, or sirloin) into thin strips. This helps the beef cook evenly and absorb all the flavors from the sauce.
Mix the Sauce
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, beef broth, and brown sugar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are fully blended. This sauce will create the base of your dish, adding savory and slightly sweet flavors.
Add to the Crock Pot
- Place the beef strips in the bottom of your crock pot. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef, ensuring it’s all coated. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender and fully cooked.
Thicken the Sauce
- Once the beef is ready, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to make a slurry. Stir it into the crock pot and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on high to thicken the sauce. This will give the dish a silky, rich texture.
Add the Broccoli
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the crock pot. Stir gently, ensuring the broccoli is coated with the sauce. Cover and let it cook until tender but still vibrant.
Serve and Enjoy
- Once everything is cooked to perfection, serve your beef and broccoli over rice or enjoy it on its own. The savory, tender beef, paired with the crispy, tender broccoli, will make this meal a hit every time!