If you’re searching for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner, look no further than Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli. This classic dish combines tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing.

The best part? It takes just minutes to prepare, and your slow cooker does all the hard work! Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a game-changer for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Here’s why:

Minimal Prep Time: With only 15 minutes of prep work, you can toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do its magic.
Tender, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef: Cooking the beef low and slow ensures it’s perfectly tender and infused with flavor.
Rich, Savory Sauce: The combination of beef broth, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic creates a sauce so good you’ll want to drizzle it over everything.
Customizable: Serve it over white rice, brown rice, or even noodles for a meal that suits your taste.
Nutritious: Packed with protein from the beef and vitamins from the broccoli, this dish strikes a balance between indulgence and health.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:

1 1/2 pounds beef chuck roast (boneless): Slice it into thin strips for even cooking.
1 cup beef consommé or beef broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Keeps the dish flavorful without being overly salty.
1/3 cup dark brown sugar: Balances the savory elements with a hint of sweetness.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and enhances the overall flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced: For a punch of garlicky goodness.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
3 cups frozen broccoli florets (about one 14 oz bag): Add these at the end to keep them crisp-tender.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef consommé, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. This will be the flavorful base of your dish.

2. Add Beef to the Slow Cooker

Lay the thinly sliced beef strips in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef, ensuring all the strips are well-coated.

3. Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for about 6 hours. Keep an eye on it—depending on your slow cooker, it might be ready in as little as 5 hours. You want the beef tender but not so overcooked that it starts to shred.

4. Thicken the Sauce

About an hour before the cooking time is up, scoop out 1/4 cup of the sauce into a small bowl. Whisk it together with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture back into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.

5. Add Broccoli

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the frozen broccoli florets to the slow cooker. This ensures they stay vibrant and slightly crisp rather than turning mushy.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is cooked through, serve your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli over a bed of fluffy white rice (or your preferred base). Grab a fork (or chopsticks!) and dig in!

Tips for Success

Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Adding it in the last 30 minutes ensures it retains its texture and bright green color.
Slice Beef Thinly: Cutting the beef into thin strips helps it cook evenly and absorb more flavor from the sauce.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce is Key: Regular soy sauce can make this dish overly salty, so opt for low-sodium to keep flavors balanced.
Customize Your Base: While white rice is traditional, you can switch things up by serving this dish over brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

FAQs

Can I Use Fresh Broccoli Instead of Frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works just as well as frozen. Simply cut it into small florets and add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

What Cut of Beef is Best for This Recipe?

Beef chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender when cooked slowly. However, you can also use flank steak or sirloin if you prefer leaner cuts.

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes! Substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Can I Freeze This Dish?

Yes! Freeze the cooked beef and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For best results, add fresh or frozen broccoli when reheating rather than freezing it with the dish.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 315 kcal
Carbohydrates: 19 g
Protein: 26 g
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Sodium: 1025 mg
Sugar: 13 g
Fiber: 1 g

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that brings comfort and joy to your dinner table with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress without keeping you tied to the kitchen for hours. So dust off your slow cooker and give this dish a try—you won’t regret it!