Tender slices of beef and fresh broccoli simmered together in a rich, savory sauce make this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli an easy and satisfying dinner. It has all the comforting flavors of your favorite takeout-style dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Beef
1½ lbs flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
4 cups broccoli florets
1 small onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
½ cup beef broth
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
For Serving
Steamed white rice or jasmine rice
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. This helps keep the beef tender after slow cooking.
Place the beef in the slow cooker.
2. Add the Aromatics
Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and fresh ginger over the beef.
3. Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Pour the sauce over the beef and stir gently to coat.
4. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or until the beef is tender.
Avoid cooking the beef much longer than necessary, as thinly sliced steak can become less tender when overcooked.
5. Add the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets during the last 30–45 minutes of cooking.
This helps keep the broccoli tender while preserving some of its texture and fresh flavor.
6. Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a smooth slurry.
Stir it into the slow cooker during the final 15–20 minutes of cooking. Cover and allow the sauce to thicken.
7. Serve
Spoon the beef and broccoli over hot steamed rice.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for the Best Beef and Broccoli
Slice the beef thinly and against the grain.
Use fresh broccoli for the best texture.
Add the broccoli toward the end rather than at the beginning.
For a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch slurry.
For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili sauce.
Don’t skip the fresh ginger and garlic—they add wonderful depth to the sauce.
What to Serve With It
This beef and broccoli is delicious with:
Steamed jasmine rice
White rice
Brown rice
Fried rice
Chow mein noodles
Steamed dumplings
Egg rolls
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Add a small splash of beef broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a simple way to enjoy tender beef, fresh broccoli, and a glossy savory sauce without spending hours in the kitchen.
Serve it over fluffy rice for an easy homemade dinner that brings classic takeout-style flavors straight to your table.
