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Easy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli: Best Cozy Dinner Recipe

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This Easy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is a warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying meal that’s better than takeout. The beef turns buttery soft, the broccoli stays bright and crunchy, and the sauce is perfectly balanced with salty, sweet, and ginger warmth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 2½ pounds beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ cup cold water
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 3–4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Cooked white rice (for serving)
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes, splash of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce

Instructions

  1. Sear the beef (optional but highly recommended): Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat beef pieces dry, season lightly with salt and pepper, and sear in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  2. Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Combine and cook: Pour the sauce over the beef in the slow cooker and stir to coat. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
  4. Add the broccoli: About 30 minutes before serving, add broccoli florets to the slow cooker, stirring gently. Cover and cook on HIGH for 20-30 minutes until tender but still bright green.
  5. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour into the slow cooker and stir gently. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes until sauce thickens. If needed, repeat with additional cornstarch and water.
  6. Final touches: Taste and adjust seasoning. Add red pepper flakes or rice vinegar if desired. Sprinkle with sliced green onions just before serving.
  7. Serve: Spoon beef and broccoli over steamed white rice. Drizzle extra sauce on top and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip searing the beef for best flavor. Add broccoli in the last 30 minutes to keep it vibrant. For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot beef and broccoli, slow cooker beef and broccoli, easy beef and broccoli, cozy dinner recipe, beef and broccoli recipe