If you’re looking for a comforting, wholesome dinner that practically cooks itself, then this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe is your new best friend. Tender slices of beef infused with a rich, savory sauce pair beautifully with vibrant broccoli florets, creating a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. What I love most is how effortless it is—just set it and forget it, and come home to a warm, satisfying meal that beats any takeout option hands down.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Thin strips of raw red meat with slight white marbling are spread out in an uneven pile on a sheet of white paper towel. The paper towel lies flat on a wooden surface, which contrasts with the deep red color of the meat strips. The texture of the meat looks moist and fresh with varied strip lengths and thicknesses, scattered loosely with some overlapping and some lying separately. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe is surprisingly simple but makes all the difference. Each component adds a unique touch, from the deep flavor of beef consommé to the subtle sweetness of dark brown sugar, and the fresh crispness of broccoli.

1 cup (237 ml) beef consommé or beef broth: Provides a flavorful base that enriches the sauce without overpowering it.
½ cup (118 ml) low sodium soy sauce: Offers that perfect salty, umami kick while keeping sodium levels in check.
⅓ cup (73 g) dark brown sugar: Adds a sweet balance that rounds out the savory flavors beautifully.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: Brings a nutty aroma that’s signature to beef and broccoli dishes.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic elevates the depth of flavor, giving it that homemade touch.
1 pound (454 g) boneless beef chuck roast, sliced into thin strips: Cuts perfectly for quick cooking and tender texture.
2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder: Essential for thickening the sauce to a luscious glaze.
4 tablespoons of liquid from the slow cooker: Used to mix with cornstarch for the best sauce consistency.
Frozen broccoli florets (about 3 cups or as desired): Convenient and keeps the broccoli crisp-tender after slow cooking.
Cooked white rice: The ideal fluffy bed to soak up all the amazing sauce.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Sauce Base

Start by combining the beef consommé, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic right inside your slow cooker insert. Whisking these ingredients together upfront ensures the sauce is perfectly blended, creating that signature savory-sweet flavor that clings to every bite of beef and broccoli.

Step 2: Add and Coat the Beef

Next, gently place your thinly sliced beef chuck roast into the slow cooker. Toss the strips in the sauce until each piece is luxuriously coated. This step is key to infusing the beef with flavor from the very beginning and setting the stage for tender, juicy meat after hours of slow cooking.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef

Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 4 to 6 hours. This slow simmer gently breaks down the connective tissue in the beef, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth tender. Patience here rewards you with unparalleled richness and depth in your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce and Add Broccoli

When the beef is perfectly cooked, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of the cooking liquid taken from the slow cooker. Stir this mixture back into the crockpot and toss in your frozen broccoli florets. Let everything cook on low for an additional 30 minutes. This step thickens the sauce to a silky finish while gently steaming the broccoli, leaving it crisp and bright.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Once your sauce is thick and broccoli vibrant, you’re ready to serve. Scoop the tender beef and broccoli over freshly cooked white rice and prepare for a comforting meal that feels both special and effortless.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe

A round ceramic bowl with a speckled brown and beige rim holds a serving of white rice as the base layer, topped with a thick, glossy dark brown sauce mixed with bright green broccoli florets and small pieces of tender meat, sitting in the center of the rice. The bowl is placed on a soft beige cloth on a white marbled surface, with a gold fork and spoon resting beside it on the cloth. In the top right corner, part of another bowl is visible, filled with plain white rice. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes to your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe can bring an extra dimension of freshness and texture. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and nutty aroma, while thinly sliced green onions lend a bright, peppery note. For a subtle heat, a few red pepper flakes work wonders.

Side Dishes

This dish shines best when paired with simple sides that complement without overpowering. Steamed jasmine or basmati rice are classics that soak up every last drop of the sauce. Alternatively, garlic fried rice or even cauliflower rice provide tasty, low-carb options that keep the meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

To elevate presentation, consider serving the beef and broccoli in a hollowed-out pineapple or over a bed of crispy noodles for added texture. You might also plate it family-style in a beautiful ceramic dish to encourage sharing and conversation around the meal—it’s the perfect centerpiece for any casual dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe into airtight containers to keep it fresh. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay delicious for up to three days. This makes it a great option for easy lunches or quick dinners the next day.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. Frozen beef and broccoli can last up to three months and still retain its flavor and texture after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming and to keep the beef juicy and tender. Avoid high heat to prevent the broccoli from becoming mushy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh broccoli can be used and should be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking, just as with frozen. This will keep it crisp yet tender, perfectly complementing the beef.

What cut of beef works best for this recipe?

Boneless beef chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking. You can also use flank steak or sirloin, but make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Ensure your cornstarch or arrowroot powder hasn’t been cross-contaminated with gluten to keep the dish safe.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the beef and broccoli nicely but still pourable. If it’s too thin after adding the cornstarch mixture, you can cook it a little longer with the slow cooker lid off to evaporate some liquid.

Can I double this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe?

Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients without overcrowding. You may also need to extend the cooking time slightly to ensure even cooking.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe enough for anyone who wants a simple yet impressive meal. It’s truly a dish that delivers on flavor, convenience, and comfort all at once. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it a treasured part of your dinner rotation—because honestly, who doesn’t want a home-cooked favorite ready and waiting at the end of a long day?