Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
This easy slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe delivers tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a rich, savory sauce—perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a healthier, budget-friendly take on the takeout classic that’s sure to please the whole family.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 2 lbs flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads, or use frozen)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Thinly slice the beef against the grain into 1/4-inch strips. (Tip: Freeze beef for 15-20 minutes for easier slicing.)
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil (if using), and black pepper.
- Place sliced beef in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and stir gently to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or high for 2.5-3 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the slurry into the slow cooker.
- Add broccoli florets, stir to coat, and re-cover. Cook for the final 30 minutes on high until broccoli is bright green and just tender.
- If sauce needs thickening, leave the lid off for the last 5-10 minutes.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or quinoa. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness. Add broccoli only in the last 30 minutes to avoid mushiness. For gluten-free, use tamari and gluten-free oyster sauce. Adjust sauce to taste with water, sugar, or vinegar. Leftovers keep well and flavors deepen overnight. For extra veggies, add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups per serving
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 950
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 32
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