Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Beef and Broccoli Crock Pot Recipe is a great meal idea that is healthy and delicious and the slow cooker does all the work. You can enjoy a delicious meal as soon as you get home packed with tender beef and flavorful broccoli.

Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe (1)

Beef and Broccoli Crock Pot Recipe:

If you love beef and broccoli take out, this recipe is a must try. You will save a ton of money and it is so simple to make.

The beef has the best flavor and the broccoli is amazing. This recipe works for the entire family and is sure to be a hit.

Serve it over rice and you have a such an easy meal for your family to enjoy. The beef and broccoli come out so tender cooking in the crock pot all day.

Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe (2)

Do you have to brown stew meat before putting it in the crock pot?

It is not necessary to brown the meat before adding to the crock pot. I like easy recipes especially ones that I can toss everything in the crock pot. So no need to dirty up another dish to brown the meat, just toss it in the crock pot.

Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe (3)

Ingredients:

  • Round Steak
  • Beef Broth
  • Low Sodium Soy Sauce
  • Minced Garlic
  • Brown Sugar
  • Sesame Oil
  • Cornstarch
  • Fresh Broccoli Florets
  • Sesame Seeds for topping but that is optional

How to cook Beef and Broccoli in Crockpot:

  • Prepare Broth Mixture – Place the steak in a slow cooker. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar and sesame oil.
  • Pour mixture in crockpot – Pour this mixture on top of the steak in the crock pot.
Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe (4)
  • Cook Beef in Crock Pot – Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3 hours until the beef is tender. Cooking time will vary.
  • Prepare Cornstarch Mixture – Whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker.
  • Add in Broccoli – Then stir in the broccoli and cook on low for about 30 minutes or until sauce is thickened and broccoli is cooked through.
  • Serve and Enjoy – Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately over rice.
Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe (5)

How to Thicken Sauce?

We love that this meal can all be prepared in the crock pot. But sometimes, we like a thicker sauce.

  • To thicken the sauce, we use cornstarch and water. Mix the two ingredients in a separate bowl and then pour into the crock pot. Allow this mixture to cook with the other ingredients for about 30 minutes will thicken the sauce.

When to addBroccolito Slow Cooker?

When to add broccoli to the slow cooker will depend on if you use frozen broccoli or fresh broccoli. We used fresh broccoli florets in this recipe, so we tossed them in when there was about 30 minutes left to cook the meal.

If you are using frozen broccoli, you will want to add the broccoli at the very last minute. This allows the broccoli to stay fresh and crisp. If cooked to long the broccoli will turn to mush.

Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe (6)

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Tips:

  • Prepare ahead of time – If you know you are going to have a busy morning, prepare this meal the night before, and then just toss in the crock pot in the morning.
  • Freezer Friendly – This is also a great meal for meal prepping. Combine the ingredients and place in a freezer safe container or zip lock bag and place in the freezer. Then when you are to prepare, place in the crock pot frozen.

Variation Ideas:

  • Use different Beef – We usually round steak, but you can also use stew meat. But you can also use sirloin steak or chuck roast. You can also use flank steak.
  • Soy Sauce – If you wanting to keep the carbs low, use coconut aminos. You can also add in oyster sauce.
  • Stir Fry – For a second meal idea, stir fry the ingredients to reheat. You can also mix in the rice and other vegetables.
  • Instant Pot – You can make this recipe in the Instant Pot for a quick meal idea.
  • Green Onions – Top with green onions and sesame seeds to add in some flavor.
  • Red Pepper Flakes – Add in red pepper flakes for some extra heat in the sauce.

Can you Frozen Broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. We used fresh broccoli in this recipe, but you can use frozen. Make sure to add it in at the very last minute so it doesn’t turn to mush.

Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe (7)

How long does it take for broccoli to cook in a crock pot on high?

If you were to just steam broccoli in the crockpot it would take about 45 minutes cooked on high. If you cook the broccoli in the sauce that has already been heated, it would take about 30 minutes.

What to serve with Crockpot Beef and Broccoli?

  • White Rice
  • Brown Rice
  • Cauliflower Rice
  • Egg Rolls
  • Egg Drop Soup
Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe (8)

How to Store and Reheat Beef and Broccoli:

  • Meal Prep – This meal is perfect for leftovers. It reheats perfectly for lunch or dinner.
  • Storing – Place the leftovers beef and broccoli in the air tight container. Place in the refrigerator or freezer. If placed in the freezer it will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat – You can reheat in the microwave or in a skillet. We like reheating in a skillet so it heat thoroughly.

This is the Best Beef and Broccoli Crock Pot recipe!

It truly can work for everyone and that is what makes this recipe so great. You can also try using frozen broccoli but our family prefers fresh broccoli.

Even my kids that are not fans of broccoli gobbled this up when served with yummy beef broth soy sauce flavor. They don’t ask for take out anymore since I started making this recipe.

Print this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe below:

Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe (9)

Review

Pin Print

Easy Crock pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe

5 from 111 votes

Beef and Broccoli Crock Pot Recipe is a great meal that is tasty and easy. Forget take out when you can enjoy tender beef and broccoli in the slow cooker.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings 6

Cuisine Chinese

Course Main Course

Calories 369

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds round steak (cut into bite size pieces)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Sesame oil
  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 Tablespoons cold water
  • 1 Broccoli Crown (cut into bite size pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  • Place the steak in a slow cooker. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar and sesame oil. Pour this mixture on top of the steak in the crock pot.

  • Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3 hours until the beef is tender.

  • Whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small mixing bowl. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker.

  • Then stir in the broccoli and cook on low for about 30 minutes or until sauce is thickened and broccoli is cooked through.

  • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately over rice.

Recipe Notes

*Refrigerate the leftovers in an air tight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 369kcal, Carbohydrates 23g, Protein 40g, Fat 13g, Saturated Fat 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat 3g, Monounsaturated Fat 5g, Cholesterol 95mg, Sodium 1038mg, Potassium 977mg, Fiber 3g, Sugar 14g, Vitamin A 632IU, Vitamin C 91mg, Calcium 112mg, Iron 5mg

Pin This Now to Remember It Later

Pin Recipe

Try these other crock pot beef recipes:

  • Easy Crock Pot Beef Tips Recipe
  • 4 Ingredient Crock Pot Beef Teriyaki Recipe
  • Crock pot Beef Curry Recipe
  • Crock Pot Shredded Beef Recipe
Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe (10)

Try these other recipes

Easy Slow Cooker

Crock Pot Pork Loin Recipe

Easy Cake

Crock Pot Cherry Dump Cake

Easy Slow Cooker

Crockpot Beef Tips

Easy Slow Cooker

Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Easy Slow Cooker

Crockpot Butter Chicken

Easy Slow Cooker

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Easy Slow Cooker

Crockpot Dr. Pepper Ribs

Cooking Tips for Beginners

Leftover Pasta Recipes

About the Author

Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe (19)

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

About Carrie Page
Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What sauce is beef and broccoli made of? ›

For the Sauce:

3/4 Cup Beef or Chicken Broth. 1/4 Cup Hoisin Sauce. 1/4 Cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos. 1 Tablespoon Rice Vinegar.

Can you put raw beef in crock pot? ›

Typically, beef or pork can turn out dry or not as tender if they aren't browned first. However, this applies more to roasts or whole cuts of meat. While you can certainly brown it partially on the stove first, that defeats the purpose of cooking ground beef in the crock pot!

How do I thicken my beef and broccoli sauce? ›

The cornstarch in the Beef and Broccoli Sauce will thicken as it simmers with the broccoli. If you still would like a thicker sauce, then just keep simmering until it reaches desired consistency. Your sauce will become thicker the longer it is simmers.

What is difference between crockpot and slow cooker? ›

However, Crockpots generally have ceramic or porcelain pots, while most slow cookers have a metal pot. As with a lot of cooking appliances, the biggest difference comes from the distribution of heat.

Can you overcook beef stew in a slow cooker? ›

Can you overcook beef stew in a slow cooker? Yes, you can overcook the beef. You're looking for fork-tender meat, not dry and tough. You can always use the machine's warming setting if needed to avoid overcooking the meat.

What is the brown sauce in Chinese food called? ›

Oyster sauce is commonly used in Chinese food and adds a savory, salty, umami flavor. Both can be found in most grocery stores. If you like, you can add grated or minced ginger or garlic. Serve your homemade brown sauce with a beef, chicken, or pork stir-fry or chow mein dish.

What is Chinese beef and broccoli sauce made of? ›

The sauce is a combination of beef stock, light and dark soy sauce, Chinese rice wine (you can swap for sherry if you haven't got rice wine), sesame oil, sugar, white pepper and black pepper. Fry up slices of very thinly sliced flank/skirt steak. Remove from the pan, then fry up plenty of tenderstem broccoli.

How to tenderize beef for beef and broccoli? ›

📺 Watch how to make it
  1. Place the steak strips in a bowl.
  2. Sprinkle over 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda and rub it into the meat with your hands.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  4. Rinse the beef in cold water to remove the bicarb.
  5. Pat dry with paper towels and use as per your recipe.
Jul 11, 2023

What not to cook in a slow cooker? ›

10 Foods You Should Never Make in a Slow Cooker
  1. Raw Meat.
  2. Seafood.
  3. Pasta.
  4. Rice.
  5. Delicate Vegetables.
  6. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts.
  7. Dairy.
  8. Wine and Other Liquor.
Jan 19, 2024

Should liquid cover meat in Crockpot? ›

When cooking meat or poultry, the water or liquid level should cover the ingredients to ensure effective heat transfer throughout the crock. Some manufacturers of slow cookers recommend adding liquid to fill the stoneware 1/2 to 3/4 full.

What vegetables should not be added to a slow cooker? ›

Vegetables such as peas, asparagus and peppers can become a flavorless, mushy mess in a slow cooker. Stick to heartier root vegetables like potatoes, onions, leeks and yams, or wait to add the tender vegetables until the last 30 minutes or so of cooking time.

What is the best cut of beef for beef and broccoli? ›

Don't worry, the ingredients for this dish are pretty basic, which make this the perfect easy weeknight meal! Flank steak– Flank Steak is perfect for beef and broccoli because it is lean and tender. Use a sharp knife to cut the steak into thin strips going agains the grain.

Is cornstarch or flour better for gravy? ›

Browning adds more flavor to the gravy and gets rid of the raw flour taste. You're basically making a roux. We find that a flour-based gravy holds up better and reheats better later, which is why we tend to prefer using flour over cornstarch to make gravy unless we have a guest who is eating gluten-free.

What happens if you don't brown stew meat? ›

It will look grey and unappetising but will taste fine and be safe to eat. It's not gonna really affect the taste per say. But browning the meat 1st, creates a crust on the meat that will inturn seal in flavors of the meat, especially when it's being stewed. It makes it extra delicious.

What happens if you don't brown meat? ›

“If you leave any parts not browned, you are leaving flavor behind." Wondering about seasoning? Stockton suggests seasoning your meat one day (or at least 10 hours) ahead of time, then letting it sit uncovered on a rack in the refrigerator.

How do you sear stew meat before crock pot? ›

I would sear it like meat for any other recipe - saute pan or skillet, very hot, a little oil, and brown the meat on all sides, then put the meat into the slow cooker.

Will stew meat get tender in crock pot? ›

Cook it on low.

While many slow cooker recipes can be made on high for 3-4 hours, I highly recommend cooking this beef stew on low for the full 7-8 hours. This will ensure that the beef gets nice and tender.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kareem Mueller DO

Last Updated:

Views: 5446

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kareem Mueller DO

Birthday: 1997-01-04

Address: Apt. 156 12935 Runolfsdottir Mission, Greenfort, MN 74384-6749

Phone: +16704982844747

Job: Corporate Administration Planner

Hobby: Mountain biking, Jewelry making, Stone skipping, Lacemaking, Knife making, Scrapbooking, Letterboxing

Introduction: My name is Kareem Mueller DO, I am a vivacious, super, thoughtful, excited, handsome, beautiful, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.