Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli (Set It and Forget It)

This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a simple dinner made with tender beef, a savory sauce, and fresh broccoli. Everything cooks low and slow in the crock pot, making it an easy option for busy days when you'd rather let dinner cook itself.

We reach for recipes like this when we want something comforting without spending the evening standing at the stove. Serve it over rice or noodles for a family-friendly meal that feels a little like takeout, but uses simple ingredients you can find at most grocery stores.

If you enjoy our Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient BBQ Pulled Pork and Slow Cooker Pot Roast, this is another easy slow cooker meal worth adding to your dinner rotation.

Ingredients

With just a quick trip to the grocery store, you will be ready to make this simple recipe.

See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

• Beef: Flank steak works well here, but stewing beef is often what we use because it's easy to find and becomes tender during the long cooking time.
• Onion and Garlic: Build the base flavor of the sauce.
• Beef Stock: Helps create the cooking liquid and keeps the beef moist.
• Stir-Fry Style Sauce: We use a soy-free stir-fry sauce, but Worcestershire-based alternatives work well too.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the savory ingredients and rounds out the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce near the end of cooking.
• Broccoli Florets: Added at the end so they stay vibrant and don't become overly soft.

To make this recipe easier, grab your measuring cups and spoons, and a 6-quart slow cooker.

Variations

• More Heat: Add red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce.
• Different Vegetables: Sliced carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers work well.
• Lower Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
• Extra Flavor: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

A few minutes of prep in the morning (or even the night before) and dinner is largely taken care of.

Add the sliced beef, diced onion, garlic, beef stock, sauce, and brown sugar to the slow cooker.

Stir gently to combine.

Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, until the beef is tender.

In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with 2 tablespoons cold water to form a slurry.

Stir the slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.

Add the broccoli florets during the final 30 minutes of cooking. Cover and continue cooking until broccoli is tender but still vibrant.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Hint: Slicing the beef against the grain helps keep it tender once cooked.

Recipe Tips

• Don't Add the Broccoli Too Early: The last 30 minutes is usually plenty of time to avoid a mushy texture.
• Use Fresh Broccoli: Frozen broccoli tends to become much softer in the slow cooker.
• Thicken at the End: The cornstarch slurry works best when stirred in near the end of cooking.
• Taste Before Serving: Depending o your sauce, you may want a little extra seasoning.

If you're looking for another easy weeknight dinner, our single-skillet Homemade Hamburger Helper and Philly Cheesesteak Casserole are both family favorites.

More Slow Cooker Recipes

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
• Meal Prep: This recipe reheats well and makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.

Serving Suggestions

• More Slow Cooker Dinners: Chicken Tinga, Beef Stew, Brisket, Shredded Mexican Chicken, Mac and Cheese with Velveeta and Split Pea Soup.

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe FAQs

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