There’s nothing more satisfying than recreating your favorite Chinese takeout dish at home—especially when your slow cooker does all the work! This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli delivers all the rich, savory flavors of the restaurant version with minimal effort. Tender strips of beef simmer in a garlicky, slightly sweet sauce until melt-in-your-mouth perfect, then get tossed with fresh broccoli for that classic texture contrast. It’s a healthy, budget-friendly alternative to delivery that’s sure to become a weeknight staple.
Why This Recipe Works
🍲 Foolproof cooking – The slow cooker guarantees ultra-tender beef every time
💰 Cheaper than takeout – Feeds a family for a fraction of the price
⏱ Mostly hands-off – Just 15 minutes of prep in the morning
🥦 Customizable – Adjust sweetness, spice, or swap in your favorite veggies
🍚 Meal prep hero – Makes great leftovers for lunches
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef:
- 2 lbs flank steak or sirloin, sliced thin against the grain
- 1 cup beef broth (low sodium recommended)
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (or honey for paleo version)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp water (for slurry)
For the Broccoli:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large crown)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Beef & Sauce
- Slice beef against the grain into thin strips (this ensures tenderness)
- In your slow cooker, whisk together broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes
- Add beef strips and stir to coat evenly
2. Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours
- When beef is tender, make a slurry by mixing cornstarch with water, then stir into the pot
- Cook uncovered for 15-20 more minutes to thicken the sauce
3. Add the Broccoli
- Steam broccoli separately (5 minutes) for crisp-tender texture
- Alternative: Add raw florets to slow cooker for last 30 minutes
- Gently fold broccoli into beef mixture
4. Serve & Garnish
- Spoon over hot cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions
- Serve with extra soy sauce or sriracha on the side
Expert Tips for Best Results
🔪 Slice smart: Partially freeze beef for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts
🌡 Don’t overcook: Beef gets tough if cooked too long—stick to recommended times
🥢 Veggie variations: Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas
🌶 Heat lovers: Add 1 tbsp sambal oelek or chili garlic sauce to the cooking liquid
🍱 Meal prep: Stores well in fridge for 3-4 days (broccoli stays brighter when stored separately)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Add frozen florets in the last 30 minutes of cooking—no need to thaw.
What’s the best cut of beef to use?
Flank steak or sirloin work great, but chuck roast (cooked longer) also works for a more budget-friendly option.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your broth is GF.
How do I prevent the broccoli from getting mushy?
Steaming separately is best, but if cooking in the pot, add it at the very end.
Serving Suggestions
🍚 Classic: Over jasmine rice with chopsticks
🥢 Low-carb: With cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles
🥗 Bowl style: Over quinoa with extra veggies
🥣 Soupier version: Add extra broth for a stew-like consistency
Make It a Complete Takeout Fakeout Meal
Pair your beef and broccoli with:
- Egg drop or hot & sour soup
- Vegetable spring rolls
- Crab rangoon
- Fortune cookies
Why This Beats Takeout Every Time
✔ No mystery ingredients – You control the quality and sodium
✔ Customizable – Make it sweeter, spicier, or veggie-packed
✔ Cost-effective – Feeds 4-6 people for about $15
✔ Healthier – Less oil and no MSG
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli proves you don’t need to call for delivery to enjoy restaurant-quality Chinese food. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect solution for busy nights when you’re craving something satisfying yet wholesome. The tender beef, crisp broccoli, and rich sauce come together in perfect harmony—especially when served over a mound of steaming rice.
Pro Tip: Double the sauce ingredients if you love extra for drizzling over rice!
Have you tried this recipe? Share your twist in the comments below! Did you add extra veggies? Make it spicier? We’d love to hear how it turned out. Happy slow cooking! 🥢🍲