Description
This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli recipe offers a flavorful and easy Asian-inspired main course. Tender flank steak slow-cooked in a savory sauce of beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic is combined with crisp-tender broccoli. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, it can be served over white rice and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Sauce
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Thickening Slurry
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Vegetables and Garnish
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- Cooked white rice for serving (optional)
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce and Meat: In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until well combined. Place the thinly sliced flank steak in the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over the meat, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Slow Cook the Beef: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the beef is tender and infused with the sauce flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir this mixture into the crockpot to thicken the sauce, allowing it to cook and bubble slightly during the remaining time.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Approximately 10 minutes before serving, steam or microwave the broccoli florets until just tender but still crisp. Then, stir the cooked broccoli into the crockpot gently, combining it with the beef and sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the beef and broccoli hot over cooked white rice if desired. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions to add extra flavor and a nice presentation.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for soy sauce.
- If flank steak is unavailable, skirt steak or sirloin can be used as alternatives.
- To add a little heat, consider including a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce.
- Leftovers store well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
