Description
Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef: Tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory sauce make this dish a comforting crowd-pleaser. Perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ pounds (680g) flank steak or chuck roast, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 heads (about 4 cups/600g) fresh broccoli, cut into florets
- ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium beef broth
- ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup (60ml) oyster sauce
- 3 tablespoons (45g) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1½ tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon (6g) fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons (16g) cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) cold water
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Beef Start by trimming any excess fat from your beef, then slice it thinly against the grain into ¼-inch strips. Remember that cutting against the grain breaks up the muscle fibers, ensuring tender results. Place the sliced beef in the bottom of your slow cooker, spreading it into an even layer.
- Step 2: Create the Sauce In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). This combination creates that classic savory-sweet profile that makes Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef so irresistible. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The beef will gradually become tender as it simmers in the flavorful sauce. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat easily pulls apart with a fork. Resist the temptation to lift the lid frequently, as this releases heat and extends cooking time.
- Step 4: Add the Broccoli When approximately 30-45 minutes of cooking time remains, add your broccoli florets to the slow cooker, gently stirring to coat them with sauce. Cover and continue cooking until the broccoli reaches your preferred tenderness. For crisp-tender broccoli, 30 minutes is usually perfect; for softer broccoli, allow 45 minutes.
- Step 5: Thicken the Sauce In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and cold water until completely smooth to create a slurry. Remove the slow cooker lid, set the heat to HIGH, and stir in the cornstarch mixture. Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency that beautifully coats the beef and broccoli.
- Step 6: Serve Serve your Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for color, texture, and a fresh flavor contrast. The visual appeal of the dark, glossy sauce against the bright green broccoli and garnishes makes for an impressive presentation.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 1120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg