How long should you cook broccoli in a slow cooker for beef and broccoli?

For the best texture, add the frozen broccoli florets during the last 30 minutes of your slow cooker beef and broccoli’s cook time. This timing gives you crisp-tender broccoli that holds its bright green color and a bit of crunch. If you prefer softer broccoli, you can thaw it partially before adding, or stir it in with about 45 minutes to 1 hour left. Avoid tossing broccoli in at the beginning, as it will turn mushy and lose its appealing bite. Always check the broccoli before serving and adjust future cook times to your family’s taste.

How long can you safely cook beef in a slow cooker?

For thinly sliced beef chuck in this recipe, 2.5 to 3.5 hours on LOW is plenty to get that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Overcooking can make the beef stringy instead of juicy, so it’s best to check for doneness at the lower end of the range if your slow cooker runs hot. If you use a tougher cut or thicker slices, you might need closer to the full 3.5 hours. Cooking on HIGH is not recommended for this dish, as the beef can dry out. Always slice the beef thinly for the most even and tender results.

What are common mistakes to avoid with slow cooker beef and broccoli?

One common pitfall is adding the broccoli too early, which makes it mushy and dull. Another is overcrowding the slow cooker—make sure the beef is in a single, even layer for even cooking. Skipping the cornstarch slurry will leave your sauce thin and watery, so don’t forget that step. Also, resist the urge to lift the lid too often; this releases heat and can mess with your timing. Finally, using a high-sodium soy sauce can make the dish overly salty, so always opt for low-sodium versions.

How should you store and reheat leftover beef and broccoli?

Leftover slow cooker beef and broccoli keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently—either in the microwave on medium power or in a saucepan over low heat—so the beef stays tender and the broccoli doesn't overcook. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid reheating multiple times, as this can dry out the beef and make the broccoli limp. For longer storage, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months, though the broccoli may soften a bit after thawing.

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli | Easy Family Dinner Recipe

Description

Tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory garlic soy sauce come together in this easy slow cooker dinner classic.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into ¼-inch strips

1 cup low-sodium beef broth

½ cup low-sodium soy sauce

⅓ cup dark brown sugar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

3 teaspoons minced garlic (about 3 cloves)

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 (12-ounce) bag frozen broccoli florets (about 3 cups)

Green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)

Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Cooked white rice, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic.

2. Place beef strips in a 4-7-quart slow cooker. Pour sauce over beef and toss to coat.

3. Cover and cook on LOW for 2.5 to 3.5 hours, until beef is tender.

4. About 1 hour before the end of cooking, remove ¼ cup of the sauce from the slow cooker. Whisk the sauce with cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth.

5. Stir the cornstarch mixture back into the slow cooker.

6. At the final 30 minutes of cook time, add frozen broccoli florets to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook until broccoli is crisp-tender.

7. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired, over white rice.

Notes

For softer broccoli, thaw before adding or cook for a longer period.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 180
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Asian American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 298 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 934 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fiber: 0.2 g
Protein: 24 g
Cholesterol: 78 mg