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A slow-cooked crockpot beef and broccoli dish, ready to serve over rice.

Savory Slow-Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Indulge in this effortless slow-cooker beef and broccoli, featuring tender flank steak or top sirloin bathed in a rich, savory sauce. This recipe promises a delicious and easy meal perfect for any weeknight.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Slow cooker
  • Medium bowl
  • Small bowl

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds flank steak or top sirloin cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated

Thickener & Searing

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (for searing)

Optional Garnishes

  • sesame seeds
  • red pepper flakes
  • sliced green onions

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef pieces in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until browned, then transfer to the slow cooker.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the sauce.
  • Pour the prepared sauce over the beef in the slow cooker and stir to combine thoroughly.

Cooking

  • Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the beef reaches desired tenderness.
  • Approximately 30 minutes before serving, prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir it into the slow cooker along with the fresh broccoli florets.
  • Cover again and continue cooking for another 20-30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the broccoli to become crisp-tender.

Serving

  • Ladle the beef and broccoli into bowls and garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or red pepper flakes, if desired, before serving.

Notes

For best results, do not overcrowd the skillet when searing the beef; sear in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. Adjust brown sugar to your taste preference for a sweeter or more savory sauce. Ensure the cornstarch slurry is smooth before adding to prevent lumps in the sauce. For extra flavor, consider marinating the beef for 30 minutes before searing, if time permits.