Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef: Easy, Tender, and Delicious

Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef is the weeknight dinner you’ve been waiting for: it takes just 10 minutes of prep and delivers tender, saucy, and utterly delicious results every time. Minimal effort, maximum flavor—this is one of the best slow cooker beef recipes in my rotation, and I’m confident it’ll make your busy evenings so much easier.

Traditional Chinese beef with broccoli can be time-consuming (and often expensive if you’re ordering takeout), but this homemade version keeps the flavors authentic and the process hands-off. Your slow cooker takes care of everything, giving you a rich, savory sauce and melt-in-your-mouth beef while you tackle the rest of your to-do list. Dinner practically makes itself with this brilliant shortcut!

Why This Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef Is a Game-Changer

• Time-saving: Just 10 minutes of prep—compare that to stir fries that require constant babysitting at the stovetop.
• Hands-off cooking: Set it and forget it; your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you focus on other things.
• Better than takeout: Rich, umami-packed flavors in a homemade sauce—and so much healthier without all the extra sodium and oil.
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple, pantry ingredients and affordable flank steak.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level or swap the protein to suit your crowd—more on this below.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef

Making this easy broccoli beef recipe is as simple as grabbing your slow cooker and a couple of kitchen basics:

• Slow cooker: Any 4 to 6-quart slow cooker works. If yours has a programmable timer, even better for ultimate convenience.
• Microwave-safe container: A microwave-safe Tupperware with a lid is perfect for steaming the broccoli quickly before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: For slicing the flank steak thinly. Pro tip: partially freeze the steak for 20 minutes to make slicing easier!

If you’re looking for an affordable slow cooker, I recommend checking out models like the Crock-Pot Cook & Carry—they’re easy to use and perfect for recipes like this.

Simple Ingredients for Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef

This homemade broccoli beef uses a handful of simple, versatile ingredients for that signature savory, slightly sweet sauce you know and love. Here’s what makes it shine:

• Flank steak: Thinly sliced for tenderness. You could also use skirt steak or even sirloin if that’s what you have on hand.
• Soy sauce: Sticking with low-sodium keeps the flavors balanced without going overboard on salt.
• Brown sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory umami tones.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen both work—just make sure they’re bite-sized for easy eating!

If you’re in a pinch, pre-cut broccoli or bagged frozen broccoli can save you even more prep time.

Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef Recipe Details

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds flank steak, thinly sliced and chopped into 2-inch pieces
• 1 cup beef broth
• ⅔ cup low sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons cold water

How to Make Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef

1. Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker to prevent sticking. Add the flank steak, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and optional red chili flakes. Stir everything together to combine.
2. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours, until the steak becomes tender and soaks up all those delicious flavors.
3. About 20 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Uncover the slow cooker, add the cornstarch mixture, and stir. Cover again and let cook for an additional 20-25 minutes to thicken the sauce.
4. While the sauce thickens, steam your broccoli. Place the florets in a microwave-safe container with ½ inch of water. Vent the lid, microwave on high for 3 minutes, and drain.
5. Stir the steamed broccoli into the slow cooker, making sure it’s coated in the sauce. Serve hot over rice or noodles, and enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef

• Slice beef thinly: Partially freezing your steak makes it much easier to achieve thin, even slices for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Make it spicy: Crank up the heat with 1-2 teaspoons of red chili flakes if you like some spice.
• Batch prep: Double the recipe and freeze portions of the beef without broccoli for an even quicker dinner later—just add fresh broccoli when reheating.
• Avoid overcooking broccoli: Keep it slightly crisp before adding it to the slow cooker so it doesn’t turn mushy.
• Storage: Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Easy Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef Variations

• Chicken instead of beef: Swap the flank steak for boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; keep the cook time the same.
• Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or pasta.
• Extra veggies: Add carrots, snap peas, or sliced bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
• Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free twist.

Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Frozen broccoli works great—just steam it for an extra minute or two to make sure it’s tender enough.

How do I avoid tough beef?

Thinly slicing the steak and cooking it low and slow ensures tender results. Don’t skip the slicing step!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely! You can cook the beef and store it (with the sauce) in the fridge or freezer. Add freshly steamed broccoli when reheating for the best texture.

What other cuts of beef can I use?

Skirt steak, sirloin, or even chuck roast can work in place of flank steak. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain.

What’s the best way to reheat this?

Reheat in the microwave or stovetop, adding a teensy splash of water or broth to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.

If you try this Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef, let me know how it turns out in the comments! What’s your favorite way to simplify classic takeout dishes?