If you’re craving a takeout classic without the extra calories, this Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is your new go-to. It combines tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce that’s both healthy and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish requires minimal prep and lets your slow cooker do all the work. Enjoy a delicious homemade meal that rivals your favorite restaurant, right from the comfort of your kitchen.
Steps
- Place thinly sliced sirloin steak into a large slow-cooker. Pour in beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, Sriracha, minced garlic, and sliced green onions. Stir the ingredients to combine thoroughly.
- Secure the lid on the slow-cooker and set it to cook on low for 3 ½ to 4 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and fully cooked.
- Once the beef is ready, remove a few tablespoons of the broth and mix it with cornstarch in a separate bowl until smooth. Return the mixture to the slow-cooker, stirring it in with the beef and sauce. Add broccoli florets, cover, and cook for an additional 20 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve the beef and broccoli over cooked jasmine rice, garnishing with sesame seeds and additional green onions.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
FAQ
- Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute sirloin with flank, hanger, or chuck steak. The key is to slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure it remains tender.
- What if I don’t have cornstarch on hand?
- You can use flour as an alternative to cornstarch. However, you will need to use about twice as much flour to achieve the same thickening effect. Dissolve it separately in a bit of broth before adding it to the slow cooker to avoid lumps.
- How should I store leftovers?
- Leftover beef and broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- What type of rice pairs best with this dish?
- Jasmine rice is recommended for serving with beef and broccoli, but any long-grain rice will work well.
- When should I add the broccoli to the slow cooker?
- Add the broccoli florets after the beef has cooked for about 3 ½ to 4 hours. Cook the broccoli for an additional 20 minutes until it is tender.
Tips
- To achieve perfectly thin slices of steak, try freezing the meat slightly before cutting. This will make it easier to slice thinly and consistently against the grain, resulting in more tender beef.
- Ensure the cornstarch slurry is completely dissolved before adding it to the slow cooker. This prevents clumping and ensures the sauce thickens properly.
- For optimal flavor and aroma, add fresh green onions as a garnish just before serving. This will enhance the dish with a fresh taste and additional texture.
- Add the broccoli towards the end of the cooking process to maintain its vibrant color and tender texture, avoiding overcooking.
Equipment
- Slow-cooker (also known as a crock-pot)
