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Easy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli: Best 20-Min Prep

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This Easy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is the kind of recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel special without any extra effort. It’s tender, saucy, and packed with flavor—everything you want from a takeout favorite, but made right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chuck roast, sliced into thin strips (against the grain)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • Cooked white rice or brown rice, for serving
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the Beef: Place your chuck roast in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm it up. Slice against the grain into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
  2. Mix the Sauce: In your slow cooker, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Add the Beef: Toss the sliced beef into the slow cooker and stir to coat every piece in the sauce. Ensure the beef is mostly submerged; add a splash more beef broth if needed.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
  5. Cook the Broccoli: About 20 minutes before serving, steam the broccoli florets on the stovetop for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Alternatively, microwave with a splash of water for 2 minutes.
  6. Thicken the Sauce: Once the beef is tender, remove the lid and turn the slow cooker to HIGH. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir gently. Let it cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  7. Combine and Serve: Gently fold in the steamed broccoli. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

For best results, slice beef against the grain and cook on LOW for tenderness. Add broccoli at the end to keep it tender-crisp. The sauce thickens with a cornstarch slurry; let it cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes. Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot beef and broccoli, slow cooker beef and broccoli, easy beef and broccoli, weeknight dinner, takeout fakeout

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/easy-crockpot-beef-and-broccoli-best-20-min-prep/