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Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli – Easy Crockpot Dinner Idea

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Beef and Broccoli in the Slow Cooker

This cozy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is tender, saucy, and the perfect budget-friendly family meal. Set it, forget it, and come home to pure comfort food.

🕒 Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 5 hr | Total Time: 5 hr 10 min

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

✅ Minimal prep – just slice, mix, and cook
✅ Budget-friendly with simple ingredients
✅ Healthy balance of protein and veggies
✅ Family-approved crockpot dinner idea

🍽️ Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs beef flank steak, thinly sliced (or substitute 1.5 lbs chuck roast, cubed for better tenderness)
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 tbsp cold water (if using cornstarch slurry)
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Beef & Sauce 🥩
    • Thinly slice flank steak against the grain OR cube chuck roast.
    • In the slow cooker, combine beef, soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, garlic, and ginger. Stir to coat.
  2. Cook the Beef ⏲️
    • Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours (flank steak) or 6–8 hours (chuck roast) until tender.
    • For a faster cook, use HIGH for 2–3 hours with flank steak.
  3. Add Broccoli & Thicken Sauce 🥦
    • 30 minutes before cooking ends, stir in broccoli florets.
    • (Optional) Stir in cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water) to thicken the sauce.
  4. Finish & Serve 🍚
    • Cook for the final 30 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp.
    • Serve over rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

💡 Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Beef Choice Matters: Use chuck roast if you want melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
  • Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Add it only at the end for bright green, crisp-tender bites.
  • Make Ahead & Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

📊 Nutrition Info (per plate)

Serving Size Calories Protein Carbs Fat Fiber Sugar
1 plate 420 30g 28g 18g 4g 7g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary based on ingredients used. Always check with a nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Add frozen broccoli in the last 30 minutes of cooking without thawing.

Can I make this without cornstarch?
Absolutely. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still delicious.

What rice works best?
Steamed jasmine or basmati rice soaks up the sauce perfectly.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is the ultimate “set-it-and-forget-it” crockpot recipe for busy nights. With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory-sweet sauce, it’s a family favorite that’s easy, budget-friendly, and always satisfying. 🥢

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