Beef and Broccoli Crock Pot

This beef and broccoli crock pot recipe is a cozy, hands-off dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or even chilly evenings. Tender slices of beef and crisp-tender broccoli cook slowly in a savory sauce, filling your kitchen with rich, comforting aromas. I usually prep the ingredients while the crock pot warms, which makes assembly quick and easy. Whether served over rice or noodles, this dish brings the warmth of a home-cooked meal without hours at the stove.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’ll love this beef and broccoli crock pot recipe because it’s flavorful, easy, and versatile. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, letting the beef absorb rich sauces while the broccoli stays vibrant and tender. Perfect for meal prep, leftovers reheat beautifully, and it’s family-friendly and budget-conscious. You can adjust the sauce or spices to taste, making it a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s cozy and satisfying. The hands-off approach lets you focus on other tasks while your dinner cooks, giving you a warm, comforting meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Tip: Use flank steak or sirloin for tender, slow-cooked beef.

1 ½ pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
4 cups broccoli florets
½ cup soy sauce
½ cup beef broth
¼ cup brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Optional garnish: sesame seeds, sliced green onions

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness. Chop broccoli into florets, mince garlic, and grate ginger. Gather all ingredients so assembly in the crock pot is quick and efficient.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat oil in a skillet and sear beef slices quickly until browned but not cooked through. Transfer beef to crock pot. Mix soy sauce, broth, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl; pour over beef.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This beef and broccoli crock pot recipe is perfect for busy days because it’s mostly hands-off. You can prep ingredients in the morning, set the slow cooker, and return hours later to a hot, ready-to-eat meal. Leftovers reheat beautifully, and the recipe adapts well to batch cooking or meal prep for the week.

Tips & Tricks

Slice beef thinly against the grain to keep it tender; thick slices can become chewy.
Sear beef briefly to lock in flavor and prevent it from becoming mushy in the crock pot.
Add broccoli toward the end to keep it crisp and bright green.
Use cornstarch slurry gradually to control sauce thickness without over-thickening.

Variations

Meaty version: Add extra beef or substitute with tender pork slices for a richer dish.
Vegetarian option: Use seitan or tofu and vegetable broth in place of beef for a plant-based version.
Ingredient swap: Swap broccoli for bok choy, green beans, or snap peas for variety.
Flavor boost: Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick, or a touch of sesame oil for nuttiness.

Serving Suggestions

Classic dinner: Serve hot over steamed white or brown rice.
Noodle bowl: Pair with cooked soba or rice noodles for a hearty meal.
Family-style: Serve directly from the crock pot at the table for casual meals.
Presentation: Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a colorful, Pinterest-ready dish.

Storage Instructions

Fridge storage: Store in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days; broccoli may soften over time.
Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop or microwave; add a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.
Freezing: Freeze cooked beef separately from broccoli for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Make-ahead tips: Slice beef and prep sauce ingredients in advance to save time; add broccoli only at serving.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
Rest Time: None
Total Time: 4–5 hours

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 320–380 per serving
Protein: 25–30g
Key nutrients: Iron, Vitamin C from broccoli
Values vary based on cut of beef, sauce, and serving size.

FAQs

Yes, prep beef and sauce in advance; add broccoli when ready to cook.

Slice against the grain and avoid overcooking; thin slices are best.

Yes, but add it at the end to prevent sogginess.

Stir in cornstarch slurry gradually until desired thickness is reached.

Store in fridge 3–4 days; reheat gently.

Conclusion

This beef and broccoli crock pot recipe is a cozy, easy-to-make dinner that brings warmth and flavor to your table with minimal effort. Flexible, forgiving, and freezer-friendly, it can be customized with different vegetables, sauces, or spice levels. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family meals, it’s a comforting dish that’s sure to become a regular in your rotation. With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce, this recipe delivers satisfying homemade comfort with every bite.

Beef and Broccoli Crock Pot

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Beef Recipes

Servings

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
4 cups broccoli florets
½ cup soy sauce
½ cup beef broth
¼ cup brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Optional garnish: sesame seeds, sliced green onions

Directions

Preparation
Slice beef thinly against the grain. Chop broccoli into florets, mince garlic, and grate ginger. Gather all ingredients to make assembly in the crock pot quick and easy.
Main Cooking Process
Heat oil in a skillet and sear beef briefly until browned but not fully cooked. Transfer beef to crock pot. Mix soy sauce, broth, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger; pour over beef.
Combining Ingredients
Cover and cook on low 4–5 hours or high 2–3 hours until beef is tender. Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry and stir into the crock pot to thicken sauce.
Finishing & Final Simmer
Add broccoli 20–30 minutes before serving. Stir gently until broccoli is bright green and slightly crisp. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions and serve over rice or noodles.