Name: Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb. sirloin steak, thinly sliced; 1 c. low-sodium beef broth; 1/2 c. low-sodium soy sauce; 1/2 c. brown sugar; 3 tbsp. sesame oil; 1 tbsp. sriracha; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 green onions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish; 2 tbsp. cornstarch; 2 c. 1″-long broccoli florets; Sesame seeds, for garnish; Cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving the takeout classic but want the comfort and ease of homemade, this Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli will absolutely win your heart. Imagine meltingly tender slices of beef soaking up a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce, all tangled with just-cooked broccoli and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This dish transforms humble ingredients into something special, with barely any hands-on work and a result that feels like it came from your favorite restaurant. You won’t believe how this all comes together right in your slow cooker — and the best part is you can cozy up and enjoy your evening while dinner works its magic.

Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli is that it relies on everyday ingredients that deliver maximum flavor and perfect texture. Each element plays its own delicious part, from the silky sauce to that fresh pop of broccoli.

Sirloin steak (1 1/2 lb., thinly sliced): Choose a well-marbled cut for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Low-sodium beef broth (1 cup): Infuses the beef with richness, keeping everything juicy while managing saltiness.
Low-sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): Adds deep umami notes and a savory backbone to the dish.
Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Brings balance and a gentle sweetness that echoes classic takeout flavors.
Sesame oil (3 tbsp): Gives the sauce its signature depth and nutty aroma—don’t skip it!
Sriracha (1 tbsp): Kicks up the heat just a touch, making every bite pop.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Boldly flavors the sauce and melds beautifully as it cooks down.
Green onions (3, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish): Bring freshness throughout and a pretty finishing touch.
Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Thickens the sauce so it clings luxuriously to your beef and broccoli.
Broccoli florets (2 cups, 1″ long): Deliver color, crunch, and a healthy bite—add at the end for perfect texture.
Sesame seeds (for garnish): A sprinkle perks up the look and offers subtle crunch.
Cooked jasmine rice (for serving): Absorbs all that savory sauce and turns every bowl into comfort food bliss.

How to Make Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli

Step 1: Layer in the Ingredients

Start by adding your thinly sliced sirloin steak directly to the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, sriracha, minced garlic, and green onions. A simple stir will combine everything and coat the steak evenly. This is where the flavor party begins, and you’ll already notice amazing aromas coming together!

Step 2: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low. Let everything cook for 3 and a half to 4 hours, or until the beef is perfectly tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. The low-and-slow magic transforms the steak, infusing every bite with that rich, savory-sweet sauce.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce and Add Broccoli

When your beef reaches peak tenderness, scoop a few tablespoons of the delicious broth into a small bowl. Whisk it with the cornstarch until it’s nice and smooth—this step prevents any lumps. Pour the mixture back into the slow cooker, stirring or tossing with the beef until the sauce begins to thicken. Now, toss in your broccoli florets and cover up again for about 20 minutes, just until the broccoli is vibrant and crisp-tender.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Ladle everything over fluffy jasmine rice, then shower each bowl with extra green onions and sesame seeds. This final touch is small but mighty, giving every serving that classic Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli finish you know and love. Prepare yourself for the most satisfying dinner!

How to Serve Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a handful of fresh green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds right before serving. They brighten up the entire bowl and add a little pop of crunch. For even more flavor, drizzle a bit of extra sesame oil or a touch of sriracha on top for heat.

Side Dishes

Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli is a complete meal on its own when you serve it over jasmine rice, but you can build an even bigger spread. Try a light cucumber salad or simple steamed edamame to start. Fortune cookies or crispy spring rolls on the side make dinner feel special for family or guests.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to jazz up your dinner, use the beef and broccoli as a topping for a hearty rice bowl with extra steamed veggies or tuck it into lettuce wraps for a fun, hands-on meal. You can even pile the mixture inside steamed bao buns for that trendy street food vibe—no one will ever guess it started in your slow cooker!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli keeps beautifully! Simply cool any extras, then transfer them to airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to four days, making lunchtime so much easier the next day.

Freezing

This dish is a freezer-friendly dream. Once completely cool, portion the beef, broccoli, and some of the sauce into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the texture holds up best.

Reheating

Gently reheat Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth if the sauce seems too thick. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until everything is steaming hot. Serve over fresh rice to revive that just-made goodness.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Definitely! While sirloin is tender and flavorful, cuts like flank steak or even chuck roast work well thanks to the slow cooking process. Just be sure to slice the meat thinly so it soaks up all the delicious sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap the soy sauce for a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check that all your other ingredients don’t contain hidden gluten. Serve over plain jasmine rice for a safe and satisfying meal.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Add the frozen broccoli straight from the freezer during the last 20 minutes of cooking. It works great in a pinch and still delivers that bright green color and a nice bite.

How do I make it spicier or milder?

Sriracha is the key player for heat here, so feel free to adjust the amount to taste. Omit it for a mild, kid-friendly version, or add extra for a fiery kick. You can also offer sriracha on the side so everyone can spice up their own bowl.

Do I need to cook the beef beforehand?

No need at all! The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Add the raw, thinly sliced beef straight in with the other ingredients. In just a few hours, you’ll have tender, flavorful meat without any extra effort.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about knowing dinner is quietly bubbling away and that every bite will be as delicious as your favorite takeout, but fresher and made with love. Give Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli a try and see just how easy it is to bring a little joy (and a lot of flavor) to your table any night of the week!

Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a flavorful Asian-inspired dish at home. Tender slices of sirloin steak are cooked in a savory sauce with broccoli, creating a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Serve over jasmine rice for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Instructions

Add the Beef: In a large slow-cooker, add steak. Add beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, Sriracha, garlic, and green onions.
Cook the Beef: Cover and cook on low until beef is tender and cooked through, 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
Add the Broccoli: When the steak is tender, mix a few tablespoons of the slow-cooker broth with cornstarch. Pour into slow cooker, add broccoli, and cook covered for 20 minutes more.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve over rice.