Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Nothing makes me happier than discovering an easy dinner that my family devours without complaint and this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli never fails me. With just a few minutes of prep in the morning I come home to a kitchen filled with the savory aroma of beef simmering in a flavorful sauce and perfectly tender vegetables all ready to serve over a fluffy bowl of rice. I love that I can use simple ingredients and let the slow cooker work its magic while I focus on everything else the day brings. My family always goes back for seconds and there are rarely leftovers by the end of the night.

This recipe was my lifesaver one hectic week when I had a full schedule and hungry kids waiting I tossed it together before school drop off and dinner was effortless and satisfying

Ingredients

• Boneless beef chuck roast strips: good marbling makes the beef ultra tender choose fresh bright red meat
• Beef broth: forms the base of the sauce look for low sodium so you can control saltiness
• Low sodium soy sauce: adds umami richness without overwhelming salt opt for quality brands for deep flavor
• Dark brown sugar: brings sweetness and color choose fresh grains without clumps for easy blending
• Sesame oil: adds nutty complexity a little goes a long way and can really elevate the final dish
• Minced garlic: fresh cloves preferred for bold aroma and bite
• Cornstarch: thickens the sauce for that signature glossy finish make sure it is lump free
• Frozen broccoli florets: convenient and hold texture well choose bright green florets without ice crystals

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce:

Whisk beef broth soy sauce dark brown sugar sesame oil and minced garlic together in a mixing bowl making sure the sugar fully dissolves and garlic is evenly dispersed

Layer Beef and Sauce in Slow Cooker:

Spread the beef chuck roast strips in the base of your slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over stirring gently to coat every piece with the marinade

Set and Slow Cook:

Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for five to six hours until the beef is tender and easily comes apart with a fork

Thicken the Sauce:

About one hour before serving scoop out a quarter cup of the cooking liquid and whisk it in a separate bowl with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry then stir this back into the slow cooker so the sauce thickens after another hour

Add Broccoli:

Scatter frozen broccoli florets across the top during the last thirty minutes of cooking gently pressing them into the sauce so they soften and heat through without getting mushy

Serve and Enjoy:

Spoon the rich beef and broccoli mixture over cooked white rice using a slotted spoon for extra saucy bites

I can never resist sneaking a bite when I open the lid and one of my fondest memories was watching my kids proudly serve up seconds to their grandparents over a family movie night This simple dish always brings us together

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days The flavors get even better as they sit Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen up the sauce You can also freeze the beef and broccoli mixture in portioned containers for up to two months Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

No beef chuck on hand Try flank steak or stew meat for slightly leaner results Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten free option and swap brown sugar for honey if you are looking for a natural sweetener For extra depth toss in a splash of oyster sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper

Serving Suggestions

Serve steaming hot over jasmine rice brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a low carb twist Garnish with sesame seeds green onion or a squeeze of fresh lime juice For a fuller meal pair with a light cucumber salad or crisp Asian slaw

Cultural Notes

Beef and broccoli is inspired by classic Chinese American takeout but with the ease of home cooking Slow cookers bring the same rich flavors without the last minute stir fry rush This version uses simple supermarket ingredients to create the signature sweet and savory sauce

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap frozen broccoli for fresh in peak season Add snow peas or carrots for a springtime update Stir in kale or spinach right at the end for extra greens Once I tried tossing in a mix of summer veggies from the farmers market and it was a huge hit with the kids every addition seemed to soak up the sauce perfectly

Success Stories

Every time I share this recipe with friends they rave about how easy it is and ask for the details One neighbor now preps it every Sunday night to have a stress free Monday dinner ready to go

Freezer Meal Conversion

This dish is a freezer dream Just combine all the uncooked ingredients except the broccoli and cornstarch in a zip top bag freeze flat then dump straight into the slow cooker on a busy morning Add broccoli and cornstarch slurry in at the usual times for a fuss free meal

I once forgot the cornstarch and we were left with a thin sauce but now I make that step non negotiable

FAQs about Recipes

→ Can frozen broccoli be used instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli is convenient and cooks quickly. Add it in the last 30 minutes for best texture.

→ What cut of beef works best?

Boneless beef chuck roast is ideal as it becomes tender when slow cooked. Other stew beef cuts also work well.

→ How can I make the sauce thicker?

Mix cornstarch with a small amount of the sauce and stir it back in about an hour before finishing for a thicker consistency.

→ Is white rice required for serving?

No, you can serve with steamed rice, brown rice, or even noodles as preferred.

→ Can the dish be prepped ahead?

Absolutely! Prep all ingredients the night before and refrigerate. Start the slow cooker in the morning for easy meal planning.