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Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is an easy homemade version of a classic takeout favorite. Tender slices of beef cook slowly in a rich soy garlic sauce and finish with bright broccoli for a comforting and flavorful meal. With only a few minutes of prep, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers better-than-takeout results at home.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian Inspired, Chinese American
Calories: 298
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef Base
  • 1.5 lb boneless beef chuck roast, sliced into thin strips slice against the grain
  • 1 bag frozen broccoli florets about 12 oz
Savory Sauce
  • 1 cup low sodium beef broth
  • 0.5 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 0.33 cup dark brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 tsp minced garlic about 3 cloves
Thickening
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with a small amount of hot cooking liquid

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth.
  2. Place the sliced beef in the bottom of a 4 to 7 quart slow cooker. Spread the pieces into an even layer. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and gently stir to coat the meat.
  3. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW heat for about 2½ to 3½ hours, until the beef becomes tender but still holds its shape.
  4. About 30 to 60 minutes before cooking finishes, remove approximately ¼ cup of the hot liquid from the slow cooker and place it in a small bowl.
  5. Add the cornstarch to the hot liquid and whisk until completely smooth with no lumps.
  6. Pour the cornstarch mixture back into the slow cooker and gently stir to combine. Allow the sauce to thicken for several minutes.
  7. Add the frozen broccoli florets to the slow cooker and stir carefully so they are coated with sauce. Cover and cook for the remaining time until the broccoli is tender and bright green.
  8. Serve the beef and broccoli over warm white rice or jasmine rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

For deeper flavor, quickly sear the sliced beef in a hot skillet with a little oil for 1–2 minutes before placing it in the slow cooker. This adds a light crust and richer savory flavor.
For extra aroma, add ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger to the sauce mixture. A small pinch of orange zest can also brighten the flavor.
If the sauce becomes too thin, heat it briefly in a saucepan over medium heat while stirring until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.