Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

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A takeout favorite made easier—and healthier—right at home.

If you’re craving that classic beef and broccoli flavor without the takeout bill (or the wok), this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is your answer. It’s rich, savory, and loaded with tender chunks of beef in a flavorful sesame-soy sauce. The best part? Your slow cooker does most of the work.

To keep the veggies from turning to mush, they’re added in just before serving—so you still get that perfect crisp-tender bite. Paired with a bowl of fluffy brown rice, this is a quick-prep, full-flavor dish that’s perfect for a weeknight win.


Quick Look:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3–7 hours
  • Serves: 4–6

Ingredients:

  • 1½ lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks
  • 1½ cups beef stock
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ½ cup gluten-free soy sauce (or regular if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
  • 1 (14 oz) bag frozen broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice, for serving
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Tip: For crisp-tender vegetables, add the broccoli and bell pepper during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking. For softer veggies, leave them in a bit longer.


How to Make It:

  1. Add the beef to the slow cooker:
    Place beef chunks into a 5–6 quart slow cooker.
  2. Mix the sauce:
    In a medium non-reactive bowl, whisk together beef stock, garlic, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the mixture over the beef.
  3. Let it cook:
    Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender.
  4. Thicken the sauce:
    About 20 minutes before serving, remove the lid and create a slurry by whisking 2 tablespoons of arrowroot with ¼ cup of cooking liquid from the slow cooker. Stir the slurry back into the pot.
  5. Add the vegetables:
    Stir in the frozen broccoli florets and red bell pepper. Cover and continue cooking for another 15–20 minutes, just until the vegetables are heated through but still vibrant.
  6. Serve it up:
    Spoon over warm brown rice and drizzle with some of the rich sauce. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if desired for an extra pop of flavor and texture.

Make It Your Own:

  • Add thinly sliced carrots or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
  • Swap the beef for chicken or tofu for a different take.
  • Love spice? Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce mix.

This slow cooker beef and broccoli is easy, delicious, and better than takeout. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—especially on busy weeknights when you still want something satisfying and homemade.

If you’re craving that classic beef and broccoli flavor without the takeout bill (or the wok), this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is your answer. It’s rich, savory, and loaded with tender chunks of beef in a flavorful sesame-soy sauce. The best part? Your slow cooker does most of the work.
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