Tender strips of beef simmered in a rich, savory sauce and finished with crisp-tender broccoli—this Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is an easy homemade dinner that tastes like your favorite takeout.
The beef slowly cooks in a flavorful combination of beef consomme, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. A quick cornstarch mixture thickens the sauce at the end, creating a glossy coating that clings beautifully to every piece of beef and broccoli.
Serve it over hot steamed rice for a simple, satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless beef chuck roast, thinly sliced into strips
- 1 cup beef consomme
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cooled cooking sauce from the crockpot
- Fresh broccoli florets, as desired
- Hot cooked white or brown rice, for serving
Optional Additions
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
Slice the chuck roast into thin, bite-sized strips.
For easier slicing, place the beef in the freezer for about 20–30 minutes before cutting. This firms it up slightly and makes it much easier to slice thinly.
Place the sliced beef in the crockpot.
2. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef consomme, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic.
If using ginger, red pepper flakes, rice vinegar, or hoisin sauce, add them now.
Pour the sauce evenly over the beef.
3. Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, or until the beef is tender.
The slow cooking allows the beef to absorb the savory, slightly sweet sauce while becoming tender.
4. Thicken the Sauce
When the beef is cooked, carefully remove about 2 tablespoons of the cooking liquid and allow it to cool slightly.
Place the cooled liquid in a small cup and whisk in the cornstarch until completely smooth.
Make sure there are no dry lumps of cornstarch remaining.
Pour the mixture back into the crockpot and stir gently.
5. Add the Broccoli
Add the fresh broccoli florets to the crockpot and stir gently to coat them with the sauce.
Cover and cook on HIGH for approximately 30 minutes, or until the broccoli reaches your preferred tenderness and the sauce has thickened.
For brighter green, slightly crisp broccoli, check it earlier. If you prefer softer broccoli, allow it to cook a little longer.
6. Check the Sauce
The sauce should become glossy and thick enough to coat the beef and broccoli.
If the sauce isn’t thickening enough in the crockpot, transfer the sauce to a saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil while stirring. Continue cooking until it reaches your desired consistency, then return it to the crockpot.
7. Serve
Spoon the beef and broccoli over freshly cooked rice.
Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
Slice the beef thinly
Thin slices cook more evenly and become easier to eat. Cutting the beef against the grain can also make it more tender.
Don’t skip the cornstarch step
The cornstarch transforms the flavorful cooking liquid into a thick, glossy sauce that coats the beef and broccoli.
Add broccoli near the end
Cooking broccoli for the entire slow-cooking period can make it overly soft. Adding it during the final stage helps preserve its texture and color.
Adjust the sweetness
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar slightly. For a sweeter takeout-style sauce, you can add a little more.
Watch the salt
Soy sauce and beef consomme can both contain significant amounts of sodium. If you’re sensitive to salt, use reduced-sodium soy sauce and low-sodium beef broth or consomme.
Easy Variations
Spicy Beef and Broccoli
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for some heat.
Ginger Garlic Beef and Broccoli
Add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger along with the garlic for a brighter, more aromatic flavor.
Extra Vegetable Version
Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, or snow peas along with the broccoli.
Sesame Beef and Broccoli
Finish the dish with toasted sesame seeds and an extra small drizzle of toasted sesame oil.
What to Serve With Beef and Broccoli
This dish is delicious served over:
- Steamed white rice
- Brown rice
- Jasmine rice
- Basmati rice
- Cauliflower rice
- Asian-style noodles
You can also serve it alongside spring rolls, dumplings, or a simple cucumber salad for a larger meal.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool and transfer them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
When reheating, add a small splash of water or beef broth if the sauce has become too thick. Reheat until the beef and sauce are hot throughout.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is an easy way to enjoy a comforting takeout-style meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The beef becomes tender while slowly cooking in a savory, sweet garlic sauce, and the broccoli adds freshness and texture.
Serve it over a bed of steaming rice, spoon plenty of that rich sauce over the top, and you’ve got a simple homemade dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite.