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Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Tender beef in a savory soy-brown sugar sauce served with bright broccoli over rice, this slow cooker dish is budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs flank steak or sirloin, sliced thin Slice against the grain for best texture.
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) Frozen is fine; no thawing needed.
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce Controls the salt; use tamari for gluten-free.
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar Adds depth; honey or coconut sugar can substitute.
  • 1/4 cup beef broth Adds body; water works in a pinch.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Or 1 tsp garlic powder.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional) For thickening; use arrowroot for paleo.
  • Cooked rice for serving White, brown, or cauliflower rice for lower carbs.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice the beef thinly across the grain and place it evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and minced garlic until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Pour the sauce over the beef, turning pieces so they’re coated.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The meat should be fork-tender.
  2. About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker. If using frozen broccoli, add directly—no thawing necessary.
  3. If you want a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 1–2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and cook for another 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning (more soy for salt, a pinch of sugar for sweetness), then serve hot over cooked rice.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. If you like ginger, add 1 tsp freshly grated ginger to the sauce for brightness. For lower sodium, use a reduced-sodium broth and soy sauce or dilute with a little water.