If you love classic takeout but want a healthier, homemade version, this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is your new go-to dinner. It’s the perfect comfort food that feels indulgent but is incredibly simple to prepare. With a savory, slightly sweet sauce and tender beef that practically melts in your mouth, this dish is a must-try for busy weeknights or meal prep.

In this recipe, you’ll cook the beef low and slow in a flavorful Asian-inspired sauce, then add crisp broccoli at the end so it stays bright and fresh. The result is a restaurant-quality meal that requires almost no effort — just prep, set it, and forget it.

Why This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Is So Good

Hands-off cooking: Simply prep, add ingredients, and let your slow cooker do the work.
Super tender beef: Cooking low and slow makes even budget-friendly cuts melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Perfect broccoli texture: Adding broccoli at the end keeps it crisp and vibrant, not mushy.
Customizable sauce: You can adjust sweetness, heat, and thickness to match your taste.
Great for meal prep: This dish reheats beautifully and stays delicious for days.

Ingredients

2 pounds flank steak or beef chuck, thinly sliced against the grain
4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
½ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
½ cup brown sugar (or honey)
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, for deeper flavor)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooked white rice or brown rice, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the beef
Slice your beef thinly against the grain (this makes it tender). Place the slices into the slow cooker.
Make the sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional oyster sauce. Pour the sauce over the beef.
Cook on low
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until beef is tender.
Thicken the sauce
When beef is fully cooked, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Pour into the slow cooker and stir. Cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until sauce thickens.
Add broccoli
Add broccoli florets to the slow cooker and stir. Cook for 20–30 minutes on HIGH until broccoli is tender-crisp.
Finish and serve
Serve over rice and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

1. Slice the beef thinly

Thin slices cook faster and stay tender. Use flank steak or sirloin for the best texture.

2. Don’t overcook the broccoli

Broccoli should stay bright and crisp. Add it at the end so it doesn’t turn mushy.

3. Use low-sodium soy sauce

This helps control saltiness, especially if you plan to serve with rice.

4. Customize sweetness

If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add 1–2 tablespoons more brown sugar or honey.

5. For extra flavor, add sesame oil at the end

This boosts the aroma and gives the dish a restaurant-quality finish.

Variations You’ll Love

Spicy Beef and Broccoli

Add sriracha or chili paste to the sauce, or increase red pepper flakes for a kick.

Gluten-Free Version

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.

Add Mushrooms

Add sliced mushrooms 30 minutes before serving for a richer, earthier flavor.

Use Chicken Instead

Swap beef for chicken thighs for a lighter twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve With

Steamed jasmine rice
Brown rice
Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)
Noodles (lo mein or rice noodles)

Perfect Side Dishes

Asian cucumber salad
Sesame green beans
Egg rolls or spring rolls
Miso soup

Storage & Meal Prep

This dish is excellent for meal prep because it reheats beautifully.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if sauce thickens too much.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Beef and broccoli is a classic American-Chinese dish that became popular in the 20th century as Chinese cuisine adapted to local tastes in the United States. The traditional dish typically uses a quick stir-fry method, but this slow cooker version captures the same savory-sweet flavor with far less effort.

The sauce combines soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sugar — a flavor profile rooted in Chinese cooking. The slow cooker method adds a tender, comfort-food element that makes it perfect for modern home cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted restaurant-quality beef and broccoli without the takeout price or the cooking hassle, this recipe delivers. It’s flavorful, tender, and easy — and it’s one of the best slow cooker meals for busy families, meal prep lovers, and anyone craving a comforting, savory dinner.