Easy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe (2024)

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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 PotYou 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

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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

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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)

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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

How do you thicken beef and broccoli? ›

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 the secret to slow cooking meat? ›

secondary cuts of meat work the best. This is because they're generally from the 'harder working' parts of the animal, so the meat tends to be tougher. They benefit from being cooked for longer and at lower temperatures than leaner meat, as the connective tissue breaks down to give that deep flavour and rich texture.

How to make meat tender in crock pot? ›

Cook Low and Slow

Add your other ingredients and liquids, then set your cooker to “low.” Plan for 6-9 hours of cooking time for your warming slow cooker meal. This long, slow braise breaks down the connective tissue and fat, creating deliciously soft and juicy meat.

Why is my slow cooker beef stew tough? ›

Not cooking the stew long enough.

Rush the cooking process and the beef will be tough and chewy. Follow this tip: For really tender meat, cook the stew low and slow, for approximately two hours.

What is beef and broccoli sauce made of? ›

Beef and Broccoli Ingredients

Sauces and oils: This beef and broccoli recipe calls for oyster sauce, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Sherry: Cooking sherry adds a sweet, nutty flavor to the beef and broccoli. Sugar: White sugar lends a hint of sweetness. Cornstarch: A teaspoon of cornstarch thickens the sauce.

Is it better to thicken beef stew with flour or cornstarch? ›

Cornstarch has twice the thickening power of flour. When a gravy, sauce, soup or stew recipe calls for flour, use half as much cornstarch to thicken. To thicken hot liquids, first mix cornstarch with a little cold water until smooth. Gradually stir into hot liquid until blended.

Do potatoes go on top or bottom of meat in a Crockpot? ›

Place firm, slow-cooking root vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the crock and pile the meat on top. Set the heat level: A general rule of thumb is that cooking on the low setting (170 degrees F for most models) takes about twice as long as cooking on high (280 degrees F on most models).

Why can't you put raw meat in a slow cooker? ›

If you simply pop some raw meat in your slow cooker, it won't have a chance to brown, which adds some much-needed flavor and cuts down on plenty of unappealing grease. Instead, you're better served by browning raw meat in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker with your other ingredients.

Do I need to sear beef before putting in a slow cooker? ›

"Browning, or caramelizing, meat before putting it into a slow cooker isn't 100 percent necessary, but it is well worth the effort for the most flavorful and full-bodied end result," he says. "The caramelized surface of the meat will lend rich flavor and color to the finished dish."

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

Slow cooker recipes don't always instruct you to brown meat before adding it to the pot, but there are some advantages to doing so. If you sear meat to a crusty brown with a little oil in a hot skillet, the meat develops more complex flavors and improves the dish.

Can you overcook beef in a slow cooker? ›

Can you overcook something in a slow cooker? Slow cookers are specially designed to cook food for long periods of time, but yes, you can still overcook in a slow cooker if something is left on the wrong setting for longer than it's supposed to be.

Why are my potatoes still hard in the crockpot? ›

Insufficient Liquid: If there wasn't enough liquid in the crockpot, it could have caused uneven cooking. Potatoes need to be fully submerged in liquid to cook evenly. Old Potatoes: Very old or stored potatoes can become starchy and may not soften as well during cooking. It's best to use fresh, firm potatoes.

What happens if you don't brown meat before a slow cooker? ›

What searing or browning your soon-to-be-slow-cooked meat will do is speed up the cooking time and can give it a nice caramelized flavor. "The caramelized surface of the meat will lend rich flavor and color to the finished dish," Southern Living test kitchen director Robby Melvin said.

Why is my roast still tough after 7 hours? ›

There are several reasons why this could have happened even after so much cooking. First, your choice of a rump roast could be a factor since cuts from the hind quarter are very muscular and, since muscles are the most resistant to breaking, this cut is quite stubborn when it comes to becoming tender.

What can I use to thicken beef stock? ›

Add Flour Or Cornstarch

If you do, it will clump up on top. Instead, ladle a small amount of broth into a separate bowl and let it cool. Add a few tablespoons of flour or cornstarch to the bowl and whisk until it's blended smooth. Next, bring the soup to a simmer and add the mixture back to the pot.

How do you thicken beef stir fry? ›

Cornstarch! In his book How to Cook Everything Vegetarian, Mark Bittman recommends mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with the same amount of water, and tossing this into the stir fry just when it's almost done. It thickens in seconds, picking up the flavors of everything already in the dish and coating evenly.

How do you make beef sauce thicker? ›

Use Flour and Water

Combine 2 tablespoons flour with every 1/4 cup cold water and whisk until smooth. Add the mixture to your sauce over medium heat, and continue to stir and cook until you've reached your desired consistency. Test with a spoon.

What can I add to beef stew to make it thicker? ›

The flour helps to thicken a stew as it cooks. Whisk a teaspoon of flour in a little cold water to make a slurry, then stir into the stew as it's cooking. Don't add dry flour directly to the stew as it may clump. After adding the slurry, bring the stew to boil.

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