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Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli: Best Homemade Recipe

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This easy slow cooker beef and broccoli is tender, flavorful, and requires just 10 minutes of prep. The beef is fork-tender, the broccoli stays bright and crisp, and the glossy sauce is perfectly balanced between savory and sweet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds flank steak (or sirloin steak)
  • 3 to 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (avocado or canola oil work too)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (Kikkoman or San-J recommended)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 1/4 cup beef broth (low-sodium, or chicken broth)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the beef: Place flank steak on a cutting board. Slice against the grain into thin strips, about 1/4-inch thick. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Sear the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add beef strips in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until deeply browned, then flip and cook for another minute. Transfer seared beef to slow cooker.
  3. Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour over beef in slow cooker and stir gently.
  4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
  5. Add broccoli: About 30 to 45 minutes before serving, add broccoli florets to slow cooker. Stir gently to coat with sauce. Cover and cook on low until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
  6. Thicken sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Remove lid, turn slow cooker to HIGH, pour in slurry, and stir gently. Cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
  7. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip searing the beef for deeper flavor. Slice beef against the grain for tenderness. Add broccoli in the last 30-45 minutes to keep it vibrant and crisp. Thicken sauce at the end with cornstarch slurry for best consistency. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker beef and broccoli, easy beef and broccoli, homemade beef and broccoli, slow cooker recipe, weeknight dinner, Chinese takeout

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/easy-slow-cooker-beef-and-broccoli-best-homemade-recipe/