Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli – Easy Weeknight Comfort Meal
Hi, I’m Chef Mia — your cozy kitchen friend! When the weather calls for something warm and comforting, my Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner. Tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory-sweet sauce come together effortlessly while you go about your day. This recipe brings restaurant-style flavor to your table with almost no effort — perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Optional: sesame seeds, green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Add sliced beef, broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic to your slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water; stir into the slow cooker.
- Add broccoli and cook on High for 30 more minutes, until sauce thickens and broccoli is bright green.
- Serve warm over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Sharp knife & cutting board
Pro Tips & Substitutions
- Swap flank steak for sirloin or chuck roast for a budget-friendly version.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Add a dash of crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
- Frozen broccoli works — just add it 45 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 410 kcal | 38 g | 21 g | 18 g | 850 mg |
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
This slow cooker version saves you time and dishes — no wok required! The beef turns melt-in-your-mouth tender as it soaks up that umami-rich sauce. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers. Pair it with jasmine rice or noodles for an easy, balanced dinner that feels like takeout but tastes homemade.
Make It Healthier (and Just as Delicious)
To lighten things up, try using leaner cuts of beef or reduce the brown sugar slightly. You can also use low-sodium broth and steamed broccoli added at the end to retain nutrients. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch in the last 15 minutes. This dish adapts beautifully to any diet — from low-carb to family-friendly comfort food.
Cozy Dinner Pairings
Serve this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli with:
- Steamed jasmine rice for a classic pairing.
- Cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb twist.
- Egg rolls or Asian cucumber salad for a complete meal.
And don’t forget to sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for that final, Pinterest-perfect touch!
If this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli made your weeknight easier, save it to your favorite Pinterest board and share the cozy vibes with a friend!
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Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli – Easy Weeknight Comfort Meal
- Total Time: 5 hrs 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tender beef and crisp broccoli slow-cooked in a savory-sweet sauce for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
1½ lbs flank steak, thinly sliced
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
½ cup soy sauce
⅓ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
3 cups broccoli florets
Cooked rice
Sesame seeds, green onions (optional)
Instructions
1. Add beef, broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic to slow cooker.
2. Cook on Low 4–5 hours.
3. Mix cornstarch and water; stir into slow cooker.
4. Add broccoli and cook 30 minutes on High.
5. Serve over rice, garnish with sesame seeds.
Notes
Use tamari for gluten-free.
Add red pepper flakes for spice.
Substitute sirloin for flank steak if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 hrs
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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