Slow-Cooker Beef and Broccoli

This slow-cooker beef and broccoli dish is a Chinese American take on Gai Lan Chao Niu Rou, a broccoli-fried beef staple in China. While the traditional version is fried, this version is tossed in the slow cooker for an unbelievably tender, flavorful result that’ll leave your taste buds—and your belly—beyond satisfied. Serve it over a bed of tender white rice.

Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Beef and Broccoli

• Beef broth: You can purchase ready-made beef broth, or make homemade broth ahead of time for a boost in nutrition and flavor.
• Soy sauce: Opt for a reduced-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content of this beef and broccoli recipe in the slow cooker.
• Brown sugar: Use brown sugar for a richer, more syrupy sauce.
• Sesame oil: This specific type of oil has an earthy, nutty flavor that adds to this dish.
• Garlic: Mince a fresh garlic clove, or purchase preminced garlic in a jar.
• Beef: This recipe calls for top sirloin steak, a naturally lean, thicker cut of steak that has a hearty beef flavor.
• Cornstarch: We use cornstarch as a thickening agent, but you can sub in flour or another thickening agent of your preference.
• Water: Use cold water to mix with the cornstarch as a thickener.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli is the only way to go here—do not use frozen.
• Cooked rice: Long grain white rice, such as jasmine, is best with our beef and broccoli in the slow cooker.
• Optional toppings: Sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions can be added as a garnish if you’d like.

Directions

Step 1: Slow-cook the beef

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In a 5-quart slow cooker, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil and minced garlic. Add the beef; stir to coat. Cover and cook on low until tender, about six hours.

Step 2: Thicken the sauce

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In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Cover and cook on high until visibly thickened, about 30 minutes.

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Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, place a steamer basket over 1 inch of water. Place the broccoli in the basket and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Steam the broccoli, covered, until crisp-tender, three to four minutes.

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Stir the broccoli into the slow cooker.

Step 3: Serve the beef and broccoli

Give the beef and broccoli in the slow cooker a stir before serving. Spoon the beef and broccoli over a bed of hot rice. If desired, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

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Recipe Variations

• Replace the rice: While beef and broccoli is lovely over white rice, it goes well with a variety of other options as well. Some favorites include cauliflower rice, bok choy or Chinese noodles.
• Garnish with nuts: Roughly chop roasted cashews or peanuts, and sprinkle them over the top to serve.

How to Store Slow-Cooker Beef and Broccoli

While the broccoli will become more tender the longer it sits with the beef, it’s perfectly fine to keep leftovers to enjoy later. Let the leftovers cool and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

How long does slow-cooker beef and broccoli last?

Consume any leftovers within three to four days.

Slow-Cooker Beef and Broccoli Tips

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Can you put raw meat in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can put raw meat in the slow cooker. However, we recommend browning the meat before placing it in your slow cooker, as this will bring out the most flavor in slow-cooked beef.

How do you thicken the beef and broccoli sauce?

If you’re craving a thicker, creamier sauce, try adding more cornstarch. If you’d prefer to try a different thickener, we have a comprehensive guide to the best thickeners.

What do you serve with slow-cooker beef and broccoli?

Serve this beef and broccoli recipe from the slow cooker over a bed of tender white rice (or even cauliflower rice!) for a complete dish. Appetizers such as easy egg rolls or bok choy will also round out the meal.

How else can you cook slow-cooker beef and broccoli?

If you need a quick version, try our speedy beef broccoli stir-fry or saucy beef with broccoli. Both take between 20 and 30 minutes in the skillet, start to finish.