Let me tell you, making crockpot beef and broccoli is one of the easiest and most satisfying meals I’ve ever whipped up! Seriously, it’s like magic—just toss everything in the crockpot, and let it do its thing while you go about your day. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknight dinners when you want something hearty but don’t have a lot of time to fuss in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made this; the aroma filled my home, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in! The tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and that savory sauce—it’s a flavor explosion! Plus, it’s gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!
Ingredients List
- 1.5 lbs beef flank steak, sliced thin against the grain
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup soy sauce, for that savory depth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, to balance the flavors
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, to thicken the sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil, for that nutty aroma
- 3 cloves garlic, minced, for a punch of flavor
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced, to add a zing
These ingredients come together to create a wonderfully flavorful dish that’s so easy to prepare. I always keep these staples on hand, especially for those busy nights when I need a delicious meal without the hassle!
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, grab that beef flank steak and slice it thinly against the grain. This is super important for tenderness, so take your time with this step!
- Next, in a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Give it a good stir until everything is well-blended—this sauce is where all the magic happens!
- Now, place your sliced beef in the crockpot and pour that delicious sauce all over it. Make sure every piece of beef is coated; we want maximum flavor!
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. I usually go for low and slow for that melt-in-your-mouth effect, but you do you!
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add in the broccoli florets. This way, they stay vibrant and crisp, adding a lovely texture to the dish.
- Once it’s done, serve it up over rice or noodles, and get ready for some happy taste buds!
And there you have it, a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that practically cooks itself. You’ll love how easy it is to impress your family or guests with this one!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition in this delicious crockpot beef and broccoli! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so the numbers I’m sharing are approximate. For one serving, you can expect around 350 calories, with 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. It also contains about 10g of sugar and 800mg of sodium. This dish is not only tasty but also provides a hearty protein punch, making it a well-rounded meal option for your busy weeknights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to prepare—just toss everything in the crockpot and relax!
- Incredible flavors that meld together beautifully as it cooks.
- Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal that satisfies.
- Gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy without worry!
- Leftovers are just as delicious, making it a great make-ahead dish.
This crockpot beef and broccoli is truly a winner in my kitchen, and I bet it will be in yours too!
Tips for Success
To make your crockpot beef and broccoli truly shine, here are some of my top tips! First, make sure to slice the beef against the grain—this is the key to tender bites! If you have time, let the sliced beef marinate in the sauce for about 30 minutes before adding it to the crockpot; it really boosts the flavor. When it comes to broccoli, I love using fresh florets for that vibrant color and crispness, but frozen works just fine too if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember to add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them bright and tender-crisp.
And don’t be shy with the toppings! A sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions right before serving adds a lovely touch. Trust me, these little extras make a big difference!
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up with your crockpot beef and broccoli, I’ve got you covered! One easy variation is to toss in different vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots—these add vibrant colors and extra crunch. You could also try adding a bit of heat with some red pepper flakes or Sriracha for a spicy kick! For a twist on the classic flavor, mix in some hoisin sauce or swap out the soy sauce for tamari for a gluten-free option. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover crockpot beef and broccoli is a breeze! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to portion it out for easy reheating!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it up on the stove over medium heat until heated through. Just be careful not to overcook the broccoli; you want it to maintain that lovely crunch!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving crockpot beef and broccoli, I love to keep it simple yet satisfying! A fluffy bed of steamed white or brown rice is a classic choice, perfectly soaking up that savory sauce. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try serving it over some tender lo mein noodles or even quinoa for a healthier twist. For a little extra crunch, a side of crispy egg rolls or spring rolls pairs beautifully and adds a fun touch to the meal. And don’t forget to whisk up a refreshing cucumber salad to balance out the flavors—yum!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cut of beef? Absolutely! While flank steak is my go-to for its tenderness, you can also use sirloin or even chuck. Just remember, different cuts may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
How can I make this dish spicier? If you like a kick, add some red pepper flakes or a splash of Sriracha to the sauce before cooking. You can also serve it with chili oil drizzled on top for an extra punch!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble everything in the crockpot the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the cooker in the morning, and you’ll come home to a delicious meal!
What can I substitute for soy sauce? If you need a soy sauce alternative, try tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free choice. Both will still give you that savory flavor.
What if I don’t have a crockpot? No worries! You can also make this recipe in a stovetop pot or Instant Pot. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly—about 30 minutes on the stovetop or 15 minutes in the Instant Pot with a quick release should work perfectly!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole.
Print
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli: 5 Easy Steps to Blissful Flavor
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious crockpot beef and broccoli recipe that is perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef flank steak, sliced thin
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Instructions
- Slice the beef flank steak thinly against the grain.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Place the sliced beef in the crockpot and pour the sauce over it.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- During the last 30 minutes, add the broccoli florets.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar according to your taste.
- You can use fresh or frozen broccoli.
- Serve with sesame seeds for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: crockpot beef and broccoli
