Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

Are you on the lookout for a dish that is both mouthwatering and incredibly easy to make? Look no further than Crockpot Beef and Broccoli! This meal not only brings delicious flavors to your dinner table but also has the magical ability to turn a simple weeknight into a delightful culinary experience. Imagine tender slices of beef swimming in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, all nestled among perfectly cooked broccoli — sounds amazing, right? Fun fact: crockpot recipes gained popularity in the 1970s as families looked for convenient meal solutions, and they remain a favorite for their “set it and forget it” approach! Whether you’re a busy parent or just someone who loves hassle-free dinners, this recipe is your new go-to. It’s perfect for any family gathering or just a cozy evening at home. If you love this dish, be sure to check out our Easy Chicken Stir Fry – another quick and delicious option that your family will adore!

What is Crockpot Beef and Broccoli?

So, what’s the deal with the name “Crockpot Beef and Broccoli”? It does a fantastic job of hitting the nail on the head, don’t you think? It’s all about using a crockpot for convenience and simplicity, plus you can’t go wrong with beef and broccoli! Let’s be honest; who doesn’t love a dish that practically cooks itself? There’s a classic saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and with this recipe, you might just win over everyone at your dinner table! It’s inviting, it’s flavorful, and it’s sure to impress. Why not gather the ingredients and give it a whirl? You won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

Crockpot Beef and Broccoli features three main highlights that stand out: the simplicity of preparation, the cost-saving benefits of making it at home, and the delicious flavors that will make your taste buds dance. The tender beef offers rich, savory goodness while the broccoli adds a nice crunch, all wrapped up in a sauce that’s slightly sweet and perfectly balanced. Plus, making this dish at home saves you a considerable amount of money compared to takeout—more cash for those fun family outings! And if you love Asian-inspired flavors, you’re sure to enjoy this dish just as much as our take on Teriyaki Chicken. So why not give it a try?

How to Make Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

Quick Overview

One of the best parts about Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is how easy it is to prepare. With just a little prep time, you can throw everything into your crockpot and let it do the work for you. The tender beef combined with the vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in a savory sauce, creates a satisfying meal in a matter of hours. And guess what? The whole process takes about 10 minutes to prep before you set it and forget it!

Key Ingredients for Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

• 1 pound beef flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
• 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch mixture)
• Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: Start by slicing your flank steak thinly against the grain. This makes for tender bites when cooked.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until well combined.
3. Combine: Place the sliced beef in the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over it. Stir to coat the beef evenly.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for about 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.
5. Add Broccoli: About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the crockpot, cover, and continue cooking. This will give them just the right texture.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, in a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water, and stir into the sauce 10 minutes before the dish is done cooking.
7. Serve: Serve your delectable beef and broccoli over a bed of cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy!

What to Serve Crockpot Beef and Broccoli With

To complement your Crockpot Beef and Broccoli, consider serving it with fluffy jasmine rice, which absorbs the savory sauce beautifully, or some tender lo mein noodles. For a refreshing touch, add a side of tangy cucumber salad or steamed dumplings. You could also expertly balance the meal with a light red grape or iced tea to complete your dining experience.

Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

Here are some handy tips to ensure you achieve perfection with this dish:

• Cut with Care: Always slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Be Mindful of Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking by sticking to the suggested timing; this will ensure your meat stays juicy.
• Adjust for Flavor: Don’t hesitate to tweak the soy sauce or brown sugar levels depending on your taste preferences.
• Experiment with Veggies: If you’d like, throw in other vegetables such as snap peas or bell peppers for added color and nutrients.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Storing leftover Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is a breeze! If you’ve got extras, simply transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer-term storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You’ll love how this dish just keeps giving!

With easy preparation, tantalizing flavors, and comforting appeal, Crockpot Beef and Broccoli should certainly find its way onto your dinner table soon. Happy cooking!

Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

A delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender beef and vibrant broccoli in a savory sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb beef flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain Thin slices ensure tenderness
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/3 cup soy sauce For a gluten-free version, use tamari
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup brown sugar Adjust based on sweetness preference
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, optional) Use only if you prefer a thicker sauce
• 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch mixture)
• Cooked rice or noodles (for serving) Jasmine rice or lo mein noodles work well

Method

 

Preparation

1. Start by slicing your flank steak thinly against the grain.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until well combined.
3. Place the sliced beef in the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over it. Stir to coat the beef evenly.

Cooking

1. Cover and cook on low for about 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.
2. About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the crockpot and cover.
3. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce 10 minutes before the dish is done cooking.

Serving

1. Serve your beef and broccoli over a bed of cooked rice or noodles.

Notes

For the best flavor, adjust the soy sauce and brown sugar according to your taste. You can also include other vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers.