Looking for an easy, comforting meal that requires minimal effort but packs a ton of flavor? Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is the answer! This delicious dish combines tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and a savory, sweet sauce that’s perfect over rice or noodles. The best part? You throw everything in the crockpot, set it, and let the slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day. Trust me, the aroma that will fill your kitchen as it cooks is mouthwatering, and once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

Hands-Free Cooking: Throw everything in the slow cooker, and let it do all the magic. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal!
Tender Beef: Slow cooking the beef ensures it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, absorbing all those savory flavors from the sauce.
Perfectly Steamed Broccoli: The broccoli stays bright, crisp, and perfectly cooked, adding just the right balance of flavor and texture.
Family-Friendly: This dish is a total crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Great for Meal Prep: It’s easy to make in bulk and tastes even better as leftovers, so you can enjoy it all week long.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy, flavorful dish:

For the Beef and Broccoli:

Beef (Flank Steak or Sirloin): Tender cuts of beef are perfect for this dish as they cook beautifully in the crockpot, becoming super juicy and flavorful.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli is the star of this dish, offering a satisfying crunch and vibrant color.

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce: The base of the sauce, providing a rich, umami flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
Beef Broth: Adds depth to the sauce and helps to tenderize the beef as it cooks.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings bold, aromatic flavor to the dish.
Ginger: Fresh ginger gives the sauce a warm, slightly spicy kick that elevates the overall taste.
Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce at the end, making it glossy and perfect for coating the beef and broccoli.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive into this easy recipe? Here’s how to make Crockpot Beef and Broccoli:

Prepare the Beef: Slice your beef into thin strips against the grain. This ensures the meat is tender and absorbs the sauce more effectively.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar until well combined. This mixture is going to infuse your beef and broccoli with amazing flavor.
Set Up the Crockpot: Add the sliced beef to your crockpot, then pour the sauce over the beef. Stir to make sure the beef is well-coated in the sauce.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender and fully cooked.
Add the Broccoli: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the broccoli florets to the crockpot. Stir them into the beef and sauce so they can steam and cook to perfection.
Thicken the Sauce: If you like a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Add this to the crockpot and stir. Let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened, it’s time to serve! Spoon the beef and broccoli over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy this flavorful, comforting dish.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Carbs: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Net Carbs: 15g
Fat: 20g
Protein: 30g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours (on low) or 2-3 hours (on high)
Total Time: 4-5 hours (on low) or 2-3 hours (on high)

How to Serve Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal and complement the dish:

Rice: Serve the beef and broccoli over steamed white or brown rice for a classic combo that’s simple and satisfying.
Noodles: Toss it with some cooked noodles (like lo mein or udon) for an Asian-inspired dish that’s perfect for noodle lovers.
Cauliflower Rice: If you’re looking for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice makes a great substitute for regular rice.
Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad for a light, crunchy side that balances the richness of the beef and broccoli.

Additional Tips

Customize the Beef: If you’re not a fan of flank steak or sirloin, you can swap it out for another cut like round steak or chuck roast. Just make sure to slice it thinly for tenderness.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for more texture and flavor.
Use Frozen Broccoli: If you’re short on fresh broccoli, frozen broccoli florets work well, too. Just add them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Thicken the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch or use a slurry (cornstarch + water) at the end of cooking.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A1: Yes! You can use chicken breast or thighs instead of beef. The cooking time may be a little shorter, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Definitely! This is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare everything the night before, refrigerate it, and cook it the next day.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop until warmed through.

Q4: Can I freeze this?
A4: Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat in a pot on the stove.

Q5: Can I use a different vegetable?
A5: Of course! You can swap the broccoli for green beans, snow peas, or even mushrooms for a different take on the dish.

Q6: Can I make this spicy?
A6: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili paste to the sauce to spice things up!

Q7: Can I use a different sauce?
A7: Yes, feel free to experiment with different sauces like hoisin sauce or teriyaki sauce for a slightly different flavor profile.

Q8: Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
A8: Absolutely! Fresh ginger will give the dish a bright, zesty flavor. Just grate about a tablespoon of fresh ginger and add it to the sauce.

Q9: How can I make this more savory?
A9: To increase the umami, you can add a splash of fish sauce or a bit more soy sauce to the sauce. It’ll enhance the savory flavor.

Q10: Can I use a different type of broth?
A10: You can use chicken broth instead of beef broth if you prefer, but it will slightly change the flavor. Beef broth tends to give it a richer taste.

Conclusion

Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is the ultimate easy, comforting dish that takes minimal effort and delivers big-time flavor. With tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and a savory-sweet sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option for the week ahead, this slow-cooked dish has you covered. Throw everything in the crockpot, let it cook, and enjoy the delicious results. You’re going to love it!