Easy Tender Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe for Perfect Brown Sauce Dinner
A simple and forgiving slow cooker recipe featuring tender beef and crisp broccoli in a rich, savory brown sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes to 8 hours 25 minutes (low) or 3 hours 25 minutes to 4 hours 25 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, washed and trimmed
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth, preferably homemade or low-sodium
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced thin
Instructions
- Partially freeze the flank steak for about 20 minutes to make slicing easier. Cut thin strips against the grain, about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until sugar dissolves and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Place the sliced beef into the slow cooker over the garlic and ginger. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the beef. Stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the fresh broccoli florets to the crockpot. Stir gently and cover again.
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the crockpot and stir well. Cover and cook on high for another 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Drizzle sesame oil over the dish and sprinkle sliced green onions on top. Stir gently and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
Partially freezing the beef makes slicing easier and helps keep it tender. Add broccoli in the last 30 minutes to keep it crisp-tender. If sauce is too thin after thickening, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch slurry and cook a few more minutes. Sautéing garlic and ginger before adding enhances flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: beef and broccoli, crockpot recipe, slow cooker dinner, brown sauce, easy weeknight meal, tender beef, healthy dinner