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Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli - A Chinese take-out favorite that can be made right in the slow cooker. It doesn't get easier than that!

This slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe delivers all the flavor of your favorite Chinese takeout without the frying, sautéing, or hassle. Just tender slices of beef, crisp broccoli, and a rich, savory sauce that cooks to perfection in your crockpot. It’s the easiest way to enjoy this classic dish at home.

Slow cooker beef and broccoli in a savory sauce served over white rice and topped with sesame seeds in a white bowl.

I’m all about making my favorite Chinese take-out dishes right at home. And when you can make it right in the slow cooker that basically cooks itself, well, that’s just an all-around win in my book.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

  • Dump-and-go slow cooker recipe. There is absolutely no sautéing, no frying, no oil splatter of any kind. It’s the best kind of set-and-forget crockpot recipe, especially for those busy days.
  • Cheaper, healthier and tastier than takeout. Beef and broccoli is a classic Chinese takeout dish that can be made at home using better quality beef and fresh vegetables, tailoring the sauce to taste. Not to mention, it is so much more cost-effective with its short ingredient list using pantry staples.
  • Melt-in-your-mouth tender beef. The crockpot allows for incredibly tender beef, cooking low and slow.
close-up of a comforting bowl of slow cooker beef and broccoli. Sliced beef is coated in a thick, glossy brown sauce and mixed with tender, vibrant green broccoli florets.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

  • Use reduced sodium soy sauce. Reduced sodium has less sodium and less salt without compromising flavor.
  • Increase the cook time as needed. For more pulled-pork-tender goodness, increase the cook time to 3-4 hours.
  • Add the broccoli at the very end. To avoid soft, mushy broccoli, stir in the broccoli during the end of cooking time to maintain its crisp-tender texture.
  • Make a cornstarch slurry. Adding cornstarch directly into the slow cooker can cause lumps. Always use a mixture of cornstarch and cold liquid (aka cornstarch slurry) to thicken the sauce, yielding a smoother, gravy-like consistency.
  • Serve with your favorite grains. White rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa or farro are all great options.
  • Freeze as needed. Beef and broccoli is freezer-friendly! Label, date and freeze up to 2 months.

Pro Tip: Boost Flavor and Texture

Add More Veggies to Your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

This slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe is very flexible and forgiving. Add in carrots, bell peppers, snow peas or baby corn along with the broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cook time for a more heartier, well-rounded meal.

6-qt slow cooker

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli FAQ – Common Questions Answered

What is a cornstarch slurry and why is it used in beef and broccoli?

A cornstarch slurry is a mixture of cornstarch and cold liquid (such as water or stock) used as a thickening agent. To avoid over thickening, always add the cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking time.

What’s the best way to store leftover slow cooker beef and broccoli?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Can I freeze slow cooker beef and broccoli for later?

Yes! Let cool completely; portion into plastic freezer bags in individual servings, squeezing out any excess air before sealing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheating over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Recipe Card – How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

This slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe delivers all the flavor of your favorite Chinese takeout without the frying, sautéing, or hassle. Just tender slices of beef, crisp broccoli, and a rich, savory sauce that cooks to perfection in your crockpot. It’s the easiest way to enjoy this classic dish at home.
4.7 stars (23 ratings)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • ¼ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup oyster sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 heads broccoli, cut into florets

Equipment

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil and garlic.
  • Place beef into a 6-qt slow cooker. Add sauce mixture and gently toss to combine. Cover and cook on low heat for 90 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup water and cornstarch.
  • Stir in cornstarch mixture and broccoli into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes.
  • Serve immediately.

Video

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