Print

Better Than Takeout Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

better than takeout slow cooker beef and broccoli - featured image

Tender slow-cooked beef and crisp broccoli in a savory-sweet sauce that rivals any takeout. This easy recipe requires just 15 minutes of prep and delivers incredible flavor with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 2 heads)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Cut into 1-inch cubes, trimming away large pieces of fat. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Working in batches, sear the beef cubes for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply browned. Transfer seared beef to the slow cooker.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
  4. Pour the sauce over the seared beef in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat all pieces.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Stir halfway through if possible.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, add broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Stir gently into the sauce, cover, and cook on high for 20-30 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Pour slurry into the slow cooker and stir gently. Cook uncovered on high for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip searing the beef—it adds deep flavor. Add broccoli only in the last 30 minutes to keep it crisp. For a thicker sauce, add cornstarch slurry gradually. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef and broccoli, slow cooker, easy dinner, takeout fakeout, weeknight meal, Asian-inspired