There’s something so comforting about tucking into a big, steaming bowl of Crockpot Beef and Broccoli—the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with savory aromas and brings everyone running to the table. This classic takeout favorite transforms beautifully in the slow cooker, yielding irresistibly tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a glossy, umami-packed sauce that soaks deliciously into a bed of fluffy rice. Whether you’re planning an easy weeknight family dinner or want to impress your friends without fuss, this set-it-and-forget-it Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is a must-try.

Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple the shopping list for Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is! Each ingredient brings something essential to the party—whether it’s depth of flavor, color, or that irresistible sauciness. Make sure you grab these before you get started.

Flank steak (1 1/2 pounds): This cut stays incredibly tender and soaks up all the rich, savory sauce in the crockpot.
Beef broth (1 cup): Acts as the flavor-packed foundation for that luscious sauce.
Low-sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): Gives the dish its classic salty umami kick without going overboard on sodium.
Brown sugar or coconut sugar (1/3 cup): Balances out the savory notes with a touch of caramelized sweetness.
Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Delivers a deep, complex flavor that’s signature in beef and broccoli dishes.
Sesame oil (2 tablespoons): Adds rich nuttiness and that crave-worthy aroma you love.
Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with bright, punchy flavor.
Fresh ginger, grated (1 tablespoon): A zingy, warming spice that lifts the entire dish.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Creates a silky, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to every bite.
Water (2 tablespoons): Mixed with cornstarch to form a quick, lump-free thickening slurry.
Fresh broccoli florets (4 cups): These soak up sauce and provide just the right crunch and color.
Cooked white or brown rice: For soaking up all that amazing sauce—don’t skip it!
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds: Offer a pop of freshness and crunch on top.

How to Make Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce

Start by grabbing a medium bowl and whisking together your beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar (or coconut sugar), oyster sauce, sesame oil, freshly minced garlic, and grated ginger. This flavor-packed mixture is the heart and soul of your Crockpot Beef and Broccoli, marrying that sweet, savory, and just slightly nutty flavor profile. It’s worth taking an extra moment to whisk well, ensuring the brown sugar is dissolved and everything is evenly combined.

Step 2: Slice and Layer the Beef

Take your flank steak and slice it thinly against the grain—this is the key to buttery soft bites. Place all the steak strips right into your crockpot. Pour that gorgeous sauce mixture over the beef, making sure every single piece is coated. Give it a quick toss if needed so nothing gets left out.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low. Let it work its magic for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is wonderfully tender and the flavors have melded together. This is where the Crockpot Beef and Broccoli becomes meltingly delicious without any extra effort on your part!

Step 4: Add the Broccoli and Thicken the Sauce

About half an hour before serving, grab a small bowl and stir together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry—no lumps allowed! Open the crockpot, give the beef a gentle stir, then pour in the slurry and add all your broccoli florets. Put the lid back on and cook for another 30 minutes, letting the sauce turn silky and the broccoli just-tender but vibrant green.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the tender beef and saucy broccoli over a generous helping of hot steamed rice. Finish with a shower of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch. Each bite should be saucy, savory, and utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference! Sprinkle your Crockpot Beef and Broccoli with fresh green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds for color and crunch. If you want to bump up the flavor, add a dash of Sriracha or even a few red pepper flakes for that gentle heat.

Side Dishes

There’s something classic about serving Crockpot Beef and Broccoli over a fluffy bed of white or brown rice, which happily soaks up that rich sauce. For a lower-carb option, spoon it over steamed cauliflower rice, or pair it with quick stir-fried veggies or crispy eggrolls for a full takeout-style spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to elevate your meal, try ladling the beef and broccoli into individual bowls over rice, topped with extra scallions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-style look. For a fun family dinner, serve buffet-style and let everyone build their own bowls with extra toppings like crushed peanuts, sliced chilies, or shredded carrots on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is fantastic for meal prepping. Let the dish cool completely before transferring to airtight containers, storing the sauce and rice separately for best texture. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Skip cooking the broccoli if you plan to freeze, adding it fresh when you reheat for best results. Portion the cooked beef and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, label with the date, and freeze for up to three months.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli again, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium heat, adding fresh broccoli florets and a splash of water if needed; cover and steam until heated through and the broccoli is tender-crisp.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While flank steak is the classic choice for Crockpot Beef and Broccoli because of its tenderness and ability to soak up flavor, sirloin or even thinly sliced chuck roast will also work nicely.

What if I only have frozen broccoli?

Frozen broccoli is a great shortcut—just add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking and it will thaw and cook perfectly. No need to precook or thaw.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap in tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce, and double-check that your oyster sauce and cornstarch are gluten-free brands. The flavor will still shine!

How do I add more heat or spice?

For a kick, just stir in some Sriracha, chili garlic paste, or a hefty pinch of red pepper flakes right into the sauce at the beginning, or sprinkle on top as a finishing touch.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the sliced beef and sauce in your crockpot insert and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, simply pop it into the slow cooker and follow the recipe as directed. Your future self will thank you!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving cozy, no-fuss comfort food with big takeout flavor, Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is the dish to put on your table. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, simple enough for busy weeknights, yet special enough for sharing with friends. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite!

Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Tender slices of beef and vibrant broccoli are simmered in a savory sauce, creating a delicious Crockpot Beef and Broccoli dish that’s perfect for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef:

1 1/2 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Additional:

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
Cooked white or brown rice for serving
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
Cook the Beef: Place the sliced flank steak in the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over the meat. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the beef is tender.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the slurry into the crockpot and add the broccoli florets. Cover and continue cooking on low for 30 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the broccoli is crisp-tender.
Serve: Serve the beef and broccoli over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.