Quick, healthy crockpot dinner in 3 hours
Thin-sliced beef cooks until tender in a savory garlic soy sauce, then gets tossed with bright broccoli for a takeout-style bowl that is budget friendly and weeknight easy.
Why you’ll love it
- Fits crockpot recipes quick and easy with 10 minutes of prep.
- Balanced meat and vegetable crockpot recipes dinner.
- Works for 3 hr crockpot meals on High or longer on Low.
- Family-sized yield for bulk dinner ideas families.
- Smart for crockpot on a budget using chuck or flank steak.
- Naturally aligns with quick easy healthy crockpot meals.
Ingredients (notes only)
Beef and sauce
- Beef chuck roast or flank steak: slice thin across the grain for tenderness.
- Low sodium soy sauce or tamari: savory base.
- Beef broth: body and umami.
- Brown sugar or honey: light sweetness to balance.
- Rice vinegar and sesame oil: brightness and aroma.
- Garlic and fresh ginger: classic flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: optional heat.
Thickener and veg
- Cornstarch slurry: glossy restaurant-style sauce.
- Broccoli florets: fresh or frozen; add at the end to keep crisp.
- Toasted sesame seeds: simple finish.
- Note: no green onion used.
Serve with
Steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
Step-by-step
- Slice beef. Freeze 15 minutes for easier slicing. Cut thin strips across the grain.
- Mix sauce. Whisk broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in the slow cooker.
- Cook. Add beef. Cover and cook 3 hours on High or 4 to 5 hours on Low, until tender and the beef reads at least 145°F. For shreddable pieces, continue to 175–190°F.
- Steam broccoli. Microwave or steam until crisp tender, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Thicken. Stir cornstarch with cold water. Whisk into the cooker. Cover 10 minutes on High until glossy and slightly thick.
- Finish. Fold in broccoli. Taste and adjust salt or vinegar. Sprinkle sesame seeds and serve over rice.
Pro tips
- Slice beef very thin for tenderness, especially if using flank steak.
- Do not add broccoli early. It will overcook; add at the end or steam separately.
- Low sodium soy keeps the sauce balanced since the slow cooker concentrates flavor.
- If sauce is too salty, add 2 tablespoons water and a squeeze of lemon.
- For meal prep, cool quickly and pack rice separately to keep broccoli crisp.
Variations
- Vegetable boost: add sliced carrots or bell pepper for more color.
- No sugar: swap brown sugar for 2 tablespoons orange juice.
- Gluten free: use tamari and certified GF cornstarch.
- Unique crockpot meals twist: finish with a spoon of chili crisp or a drizzle of peanut butter for satay vibes.
- Instant Pot: 10 minutes High Pressure, quick release. Thicken on Sauté, then add broccoli.
How to serve
Spoon over hot rice with extra sesame seeds. Add cucumber salad or orange slices for a fresh side.
Make ahead & storage
- Make ahead: slice beef and mix sauce 24 hours ahead; keep chilled.
- Leftovers: refrigerate 4 days or freeze 3 months.
- Reheat: stovetop over medium with a splash of water until hot.
FAQs
Which cut works best?
Chuck roast for value and tenderness or flank steak for leaner slices. Always cut thin across the grain.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw and pat dry. Stir in at the end and heat through 3 to 4 minutes.
Can I skip the sugar?
A small amount balances soy and ginger. Use honey or orange juice if preferred.
How do I keep broccoli bright green?
Steam separately and fold in just before serving. Do not cook it for hours.
Simple Nutrition (estimate per serving, 6 servings without rice)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 390 | 33 g | 17 g | 20 g | 3 g | 930 mg |
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Tender slices of beef simmer in a savory garlic soy sauce, then finish with crisp broccoli for a takeout favorite made easy in the crockpot. Just 10 minutes of prep and budget friendly with a 3-hour High option.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a 5–6 qt slow cooker.
- Add sliced beef and stir to coat. Cook 3 hours on High or 4–5 hours on Low until tender and the beef is at least 145°F internal.
- Steam broccoli until crisp tender. Stir cornstarch with water, then whisk into the cooker. Cook on High 10 minutes to thicken.
- Fold in broccoli. Sprinkle sesame seeds. Serve over rice or noodles.
Nutrition
Notes
Instant Pot: Cook beef and sauce 10 min High Pressure, quick release. Add slurry on Sauté to thicken, then stir in broccoli. Stovetop: Simmer beef and sauce covered 45–60 minutes until tender, thicken with slurry, add broccoli. Gluten-free: Use tamari and GF cornstarch. Budget tip: Chuck roast is cheaper than flank and gets very tender in the slow cooker.