Name: Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h 20 min
Total time: 4 h 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb. sirloin steak, thinly sliced; 1 c. low-sodium beef broth; 1/2 c. low-sodium soy sauce; 1/2 c. brown sugar; 3 tbsp. sesame oil; 1 tbsp. sriracha; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 green onions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish; 2 tbsp. cornstarch; 2 c. 1″-long broccoli florets; Sesame seeds, for garnish; Cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a flavorful, fuss-free dinner that will absolutely wow your family, look no further than Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli. This beloved takeout favorite is easier (and cozier!) to make at home than you’d ever believe, with tender strips of beef, broccoli that soaks up every drop of amazing sauce, and a savory-sweet aroma that will have everyone counting down to dinnertime. With a handful of pantry staples and just a little prep, you’ll serve up a deeply satisfying meal that’s way better than anything from a carton.

Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli really comes down to a handful of simple, but oh-so-essential, ingredients. Each one brings something special to the dish, from the rich base to the perfectly balanced sauce and fresh crunch of broccoli.

Sirloin steak (1 1/2 lb., thinly sliced): Go for a tender cut so the slow cooker can work its magic, turning every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Low-sodium beef broth (1 cup): Adds depth and savory flavor without making things too salty.
Low-sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): Gives the dish its signature umami savoriness and keeps it lighter on sodium.
Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Balances all the salty, spicy, and tangy notes with a gentle hint of sweetness.
Sesame oil (3 tbsp.): Infuses a nutty, toasted aroma that’s positively irresistible.
Sriracha (1 tbsp.): Just the right amount for a gentle kick; adjust if you love more heat.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic packs major punch and infuses every bite with real depth.
Green onions (3, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish): Add color, crunch, and a mild bite that brightens the whole dish.
Cornstarch (2 tbsp.): This is your key for getting that perfect glossy, thick sauce.
Broccoli florets (2 cups, cut into 1-inch pieces): Toss them in at the end for a fresh pop of green and just-tender texture.
Sesame seeds (for garnish): Sprinkle on before serving for a little crunch and extra flair.
Cooked jasmine rice (for serving): It soaks up all the saucy goodness, making every bite complete.

How to Make Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli

Step 1: Layer the Beef and Prep the Sauce

Begin by spreading your thinly sliced sirloin steak evenly along the bottom of your slow cooker. In one quick go, add in the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, sriracha, minced garlic, and most of the sliced green onions. This combo forms the base of your Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli, infusing the meat with tons of flavor as it cooks low and slow.

Step 2: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. No need to peek or stir! You want the beef to gently tenderize and soak up all those fragrant, umami-packed flavors. The aroma alone makes it tempting to sneak a bite, but patience here is definitely rewarded.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Once your beef is meltingly tender, ladle out a few tablespoons of the hot broth and whisk it together with the cornstarch in a small bowl. This step is key for achieving that classic silky texture. Pour the cornstarch mixture back into the slow cooker and stir everything to combine well.

Step 4: Add the Broccoli and Finish Cooking

Scatter the broccoli florets on top of the beef mixture, making sure they get coated in that glossy sauce. Cover the slow cooker once more and let everything cook for just 20 minutes longer, until the broccoli is perfectly crisp-tender and vibrant green. Your kitchen will smell irresistible!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds and extra green onions over the top for color and crunch. Spoon your Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli over steaming jasmine rice and get ready to dive in. This is the moment everyone’s been waiting for!

How to Serve Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli

Garnishes

Don’t skip the finishing touches! A generous sprinkle of sesame seeds adds nutty crunch, while extra green onions bring color and a burst of freshness. If you love a little heat, a drizzle of sriracha or a shake of crushed red pepper can make your bowl pop even more.

Side Dishes

This dish shines brightest over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, which soaks up all that heavenly sauce. You can also pair Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli with brown rice, steamed cauliflower rice, or even toss it into a bowl of ramen for a fun twist. Add a bright cucumber salad or quick pickled veggies for a zingy, cooling counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning your beef and broccoli into lettuce cups for a lighter, hand-held meal. Or pile it high in a shallow bowl and top with a jammy boiled egg for pure comfort. For a dinner party, serve the dish family-style on a big platter alongside other Asian-inspired small plates so everyone can dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making tomorrow’s lunch even more satisfying!

Freezing

If you want to stock your freezer, let the cooked dish cool completely and then separate it into individual portions. Store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags for up to 3 months. To save space, freeze rice and main dish separately.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works, too; cover loosely and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. Add a sprinkle of fresh green onions and you’re all set!

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While sirloin is a great all-purpose pick for Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli, flank steak or even thinly sliced chuck roast work beautifully. Just aim for a well-marbled cut for extra-tender results.

Is there a substitute for sriracha?

If you prefer to skip the heat or are out of sriracha, try chili garlic sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even a bit of sambal oelek. For a milder dish, simply leave it out—your Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli will still be incredibly flavorful.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli makes a handy shortcut! Toss it in during the last 20 minutes of cooking, just like fresh. It will be a bit softer, but still totally delicious and vibrant in your finished Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Swap the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free variety like tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check your beef broth is gluten-free. With those changes, everyone can dig into Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli worry-free.

Can I prep everything the night before?

Definitely! You can slice the steak and whip up the sauce ingredients ahead. In the morning, just combine everything in the slow cooker, set it, and go. This make-ahead step makes Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli even more weekday-friendly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about gathering around the table for a meal that feels both comforting and a little bit celebratory. Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli fits the bill every time. I hope you give it a try and share it with folks you love—your kitchen will smell amazing, your dinner will taste even better, and you just might find a new family favorite.

Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 24 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic Asian-inspired dish at home. Tender slices of sirloin steak are slow-cooked with a flavorful sauce and broccoli until perfectly tender. Serve over jasmine rice for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Instructions

Add ingredients to slow-cooker: In a large slow-cooker, add steak, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, Sriracha, garlic, and green onions.
Cook the beef: Cover and cook on low for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender.
Thicken the sauce: Mix some slow-cooker broth with cornstarch, then pour into the slow cooker and combine with the beef. Add broccoli, cover, and cook for an additional 20 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve over rice.