Print

Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli: Best 5-Ingredient Dinner

easy slow cooker beef and broccoli - featured image
Print Recipe

This easy slow cooker beef and broccoli is a weeknight hero—tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory-sweet sauce made with just five simple ingredients. Perfect for busy families, it’s proof that simple can be spectacular.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds beef chuck or sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the beef into thin strips, about 1/4-inch thick. Toss with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and sesame oil (if using).
  3. Place the sliced beef in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the top and stir to coat every piece.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
  5. About 20-30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Stir into the sauce, cover, and let steam until tender-crisp.
  6. Optional: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Pour into the slow cooker and stir gently. Cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  7. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

For the most tender beef, use chuck and slice against the grain. Add broccoli in the last 20 minutes to keep it crisp. If using frozen broccoli, add it in the last 10 minutes. The sauce can be thickened with a cornstarch slurry at the end. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker beef and broccoli, easy beef and broccoli, 5-ingredient dinner, weeknight dinner, slow cooker recipe

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/easy-slow-cooker-beef-and-broccoli-best-5-ingredient-dinner/