Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe

✅ Better-than-Takeout Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, restaurant-quality meal without the hassle of takeout, this Better-than-Takeout Beef and Broccoli made in your slow cooker is the answer. Imagine tender strips of beef simmered for hours in a savory-sweet garlic soy sauce, paired with crisp-tender broccoli and served over fluffy rice — it’s everything you love about Chinese takeout, made effortlessly at home.

This recipe delivers rich, deep flavors with minimal effort — just a few minutes of prep, then your slow cooker takes care of the rest. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish will have your family begging for seconds.

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🔹️ Ingredients & Their Roles

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouthwatering dish — plus why each ingredient matters:

• ◾️ 1 cup low-sodium beef broth – Forms the savory base, keeping the beef juicy and flavorful.
• ◾️ 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce – Adds umami depth and saltiness without overpowering.
• ◾️ 1/2 cup oyster sauce – Brings rich, slightly sweet, and earthy flavor for that signature takeout taste.
• ◾️ 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar – Balances the savory sauces with a touch of caramel sweetness.
• ◾️ 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil – Adds a nutty aroma and authentic Asian finish.
• ◾️ 4 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.
• ◾️ 2 pounds flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced across the grain and cut into 3-inch pieces – Tender beef that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
• ◾️ 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch thick coins – Adds color, sweetness, and extra nutrition.
• ◾️ 1/2 cup water + 1/4 cup cornstarch – Combined, they form a slurry that thickens the sauce to glossy perfection.
• ◾️ 2 large heads broccoli (about 1 pound chopped florets) – Brings freshness, crunch, and a pop of green to balance the richness.
• ◾️ 6 cups cooked rice – The perfect base to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.

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👉 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof, flavorful meal every time:

🔹️ Step 1: Make the Sauce & Preheat the Slow Cooker

In your 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Set the slow cooker to HIGH.

🔹️ Step 2: Add the Beef & Carrots

Add the sliced beef and carrots into the sauce. Use tongs to coat the beef evenly with the rich mixture. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3½ to 5 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.

✅ Pro Tip: Flank steak cooks faster, so check it at the 3½-hour mark to prevent overcooking.

🔹️ Step 3: Thicken the Sauce & Add Broccoli

In a small bowl, whisk 1/2 cup water with 1/4 cup cornstarch to make a smooth slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker. Add the broccoli florets and mix well to coat them in the sauce. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the broccoli is tender yet crisp.

🔹️ Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Spoon the tender beef and broccoli over warm, fluffy white or jasmine rice. Drizzle with extra sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds or green onions for garnish.

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✅ Why This Recipe Is Loved

This dish stands out because:

• ◾️ It’s hands-off cooking — perfect for busy days.
• ◾️ The beef becomes incredibly tender, infused with bold Asian flavors.
• ◾️ It’s healthier than takeout, using low-sodium sauces and fresh veggies.
• ◾️ The sauce is perfectly balanced — sweet, salty, and umami-rich.

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🔹️ Pro Tips for Perfect Beef and Broccoli

• ✅ Slice the beef thinly across the grain — this ensures it stays tender after hours of slow cooking.
• ✅ Don’t skip the slurry — it’s key for achieving that glossy, restaurant-style sauce.
• ✅ Use fresh broccoli — frozen tends to become mushy when cooked this long.
• ✅ Add spice — a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha gives a little kick.

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👉 Serving Suggestions

Make your meal even more irresistible by pairing it with:

• ◾️ Steamed jasmine or brown rice for soaking up the sauce.
• ◾️ Crispy spring rolls or potstickers as a fun side.
• ◾️ A light cucumber salad or Asian slaw for a refreshing crunch.
• ◾️ Hot green tea or chilled ginger ale for a perfect beverage pairing.

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✅ Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

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🔹️ The Final Word

This Better-than-Takeout Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is the ultimate comfort food — tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With just 25 minutes of prep and your slow cooker doing all the work, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Chinese restaurant — only better, fresher, and healthier.

So skip the takeout line tonight and treat yourself to homemade perfection — your family (and your taste buds) will thank you!