This Mouthwatering Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli is the perfect mix of tender beef and fresh broccoli, all cooked low and slow in a flavorful sauce. The beef turns out so soft it practically melts in your mouth, while the broccoli stays bright and crisp, making it a great way to enjoy a classic takeout favorite right at home.
I love making this recipe on busy days because you just throw everything into the crock pot and let it do the work. The smell that fills the kitchen while it’s cooking is enough to make anyone’s mouth water! It’s also a great way to sneak in some veggies without any fuss.
My favorite way to serve this is over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up all the sauce. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for a little extra crunch. It’s one of those meals that’s easy, comforting, and something everyone at the table usually asks for seconds of.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank or sirloin steak works best for this recipe because they stay tender when slow-cooked. Slice the beef thinly against the grain to avoid toughness. If you want a leaner option, try using top round steak.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets give you the best flavor and texture. Frozen broccoli can be used but add it closer to the end to avoid it getting mushy.
Sauces: Soy sauce and oyster sauce create that classic Chinese takeout flavor. Low sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness, which is great if you want to adjust seasoning later. If you’re avoiding shellfish, substitute oyster sauce with mushroom sauce or more soy sauce.
Thickener: Cornstarch mixed with water is key to thickening the sauce at the end. You can also use arrowroot powder as a gluten-free alternative.
How Do You Keep the Broccoli Crisp Without Overcooking It in the Crock Pot?
Broccoli cooks much faster than beef in a slow cooker, so it’s best to add it near the end to keep its bright color and some crunch.
- Add broccoli about 30 minutes before the cooking time is up.
- Gently stir the broccoli into the sauce, then cover and cook until tender but not mushy.
- If you prefer extra crunch, you can steam or blanch broccoli separately and toss it with the beef just before serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot or slow cooker – this is the heart of the recipe and makes cooking hands-off and easy.
- Sharp knife – for slicing the beef thinly against the grain, which keeps it tender.
- Cutting board – a good surface to safely slice your beef and chop broccoli.
- Medium bowl – to mix the sauce ingredients together before adding to the crock pot.
- Small bowl – to mix cornstarch and water for thickening the sauce at the end.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – for stirring ingredients gently in the crock pot without scratching it.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chicken instead of beef for a lighter version that still soaks up the sauce well.
- Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas with the broccoli for extra color and crunch.
- Swap oyster sauce for hoisin sauce if you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat if you like spicy dishes.
Mouthwatering Crock Pot Beef And Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1.5 lbs flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup oyster sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Vegetables and Thickening:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
To Serve:
- Cooked white rice
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe requires about 10 minutes for preparation and about 4-6 hours on low (or 2-3 hours on high) cooking time in the crock pot. The broccoli and sauce thickening step takes an additional 30 minutes. Overall, plan for around 5 to 6 hours total for the best results.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Sauce and Prep the Beef:
In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth. Thinly slice the beef against the grain, then place the beef in the crock pot. Pour the sauce over the beef and stir slightly to coat.
2. Slow Cook the Beef:
Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. You want the beef to become tender and flavorful.
3. Add Broccoli and Thicken the Sauce:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, add the broccoli florets to the crock pot and stir gently. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then stir this into the crock pot to help thicken the sauce. Cover and cook for another 20-30 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the sauce is nicely thickened.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Spoon the tender beef and broccoli over cooked white rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like, and enjoy your delicious, comforting meal!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but add it closer to the end of cooking—about 15-20 minutes before serving—to prevent it from becoming too soft or mushy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Substitute the Beef for Another Protein?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts or thighs work well with this sauce and slow cooker method. Just adjust cooking time accordingly—chicken usually needs less time than beef.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce, and make sure your oyster sauce is gluten-free or substitute with mushroom sauce for a similar flavor.
