Description

This Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli recipe is a delicious and easy slow cooker meal that combines tender beef with fresh broccoli in a savory, slightly sweet Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it requires minimal prep and cooks to perfection in the crock pot, delivering a flavorful dish served over rice and garnished with sesame seeds.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Sauce

1 1/2 pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Thickening and Vegetables

2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
4 cups broccoli florets

Garnish and Serving

2 tablespoons sesame seeds for garnish
Cooked white or brown rice for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
Start Slow Cooking the Beef: Place the thinly sliced beef into the crock pot. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef, tossing gently to coat all the slices evenly. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the beef is tender and flavorful.
Make the Thickening Slurry: About 30 minutes before serving, combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth slurry that will help thicken the sauce.
Thicken the Sauce and Add Broccoli: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the crock pot with the beef. Then, add the broccoli florets on top, cover the crock pot again, and set it to cook on high for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. This cooking step will allow the broccoli to become tender yet retain a crisp texture.
Serve: Once the broccoli is cooked perfectly, serve the beef and broccoli mixture over cooked white or brown rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty flavor and appealing presentation.

Notes

Slice the beef very thinly against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness when slow cooked.
You can use frozen broccoli as a substitute; however, add it during the last 15 minutes of cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For a lower-sodium version, reduce the soy sauce or use a low-sodium variety.