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Easy slow cooker beef and broccoli simmers to tender perfection in this delicious and flavorful featured image.

Crazy Good Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality beef and broccoli made easily in your slow cooker. Tender beef chuck is slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce and combined with crisp-tender broccoli for a satisfying and delicious meal. Serve over rice for a complete and comforting dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 - 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish optional
  • Sliced green onions, for garnish optional
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • 6-quart or larger slow cooker
  • Large skillet or wok
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Medium bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Serving Spoon
  • Rice cooker or saucepan (for rice)

Method
 

  1. Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended): In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Sear the beef cubes in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear on all sides until browned. This step adds depth of flavor. If you skip searing, add the beef directly to the slow cooker.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the seared beef (or raw beef if skipping the searing step).
  3. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  4. Pour the Sauce: Pour the sauce over the beef in the slow cooker.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
  6. Add Broccoli: During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker.
  7. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir well. Cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
  8. Serve: Serve the Beef and Broccoli over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.

Notes

For best results, use beef chuck roast. Searing the beef before slow cooking is highly recommended to enhance flavor and texture. Add broccoli in the last 30 minutes to prevent it from becoming mushy. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through. Consider adding other vegetables like sliced carrots or bell peppers along with the broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.