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Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

If you’ve been searching for an easy, delicious weeknight dinner that practically makes itself, look no further—I have a fan-freaking-tastic Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe that’s going to blow you away. Trust me, this isn’t your typical takeout knockoff; it’s juicy, flavorful, and just the right amount of saucy, all without the fuss of standing over a hot stove. Stick with me as I walk you through every step, and you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without this comforting meal in your rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Prep: You add everything to the crockpot and let time do the magic—it’s perfect for busy days.
  • Tender, Juicy Beef: Slow cooking transforms the beef into melt-in-your-mouth goodness every time.
  • Balanced Flavors: The brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that complements the salty soy sauce and fresh broccoli beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together like old friends to create that classic beef and broccoli flavor you love, with a bit of my own slow-cooked twist. You’ll want to shop for fresh broccoli if you can, but frozen works wonderfully too, so no stress if your schedule is tight.

Flat lay of thinly sliced raw flank steak strips arranged neatly, a small white bowl filled with rich brown beef broth, a small white bowl holding dark soy sauce, a small white bowl containing light brown sugar crystals, a small white bowl with golden sesame oil, a small white bowl with finely minced fresh garlic, a small white bowl of white cornstarch powder, fresh green broccoli florets loosely piled, all ingredients placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, easy crockpot beef stir fry, slow cooker broccoli beef, healthy slow cooker dinner, homemade beef stir fry
  • Flank steak or beef chuck: Choose flank steak if you want a lean cut that slices easily, but beef chuck is amazing for tenderness when slow-cooked.
  • Low-sodium beef broth: This keeps the sauce rich without overpowering saltiness—plus, it adds depth.
  • Low-sodium soy sauce: Essential for that umami kick, controlling sodium helps you season to taste later.
  • Light brown sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness that balances savory flavors beautifully.
  • Sesame oil: I love how just a tablespoon gives that toasted nutty aroma and taste that makes the dish special.
  • Minced garlic: Fresh is best here for a pop of flavor; avoid garlic powder for this one.
  • Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce in the final stage, so don’t skip it!
  • Broccoli: Fresh or frozen, just make sure to add it near the end so it stays crisp-tender.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often tweak it depending on what’s in my fridge or to suit dietary preferences. Feel free to get creative—you really can’t go wrong!

  • Spicy Kick: I’ve added red pepper flakes right into the sauce for a spicy-sweet combo that my family can’t get enough of.
  • Vegetable Boost: Toss in sliced bell peppers or snap peas with the broccoli for an extra crunch and color pop.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Simply swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep the flavor strong but gluten-free.
  • Different Cuts of Beef: Sometimes I use sirloin tips for a more tender, faster-cooking option when I’m short on time.

How to Make Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Beef Right

Start by slicing your flank steak or beef chuck against the grain into thin strips. This is crucial because it keeps the meat tender instead of tough. I like to lay the beef on a cutting board after a quick chill in the fridge—it makes slicing so much easier and safer. Place the beef strips directly into the base of your crockpot.

Step 2: Whisk Up Your Flavor-Packed Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, light brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves and the sauce looks smooth. Pour this gorgeous sauce all over the beef in your crockpot, making sure the meat gets a nice soak. Give it a quick stir if you want to spread the sauce around evenly.

Step 3: Slow Cook for That Perfect Tenderness

Cover your crockpot and set it on low for 3 to 4 hours. Here’s what I learned: patience is key. You want the beef tender and infused with those deep, savory-sweet flavors. Resist the urge to open the lid early—it makes a difference in how evenly the beef cooks.

Step 4: Add the Broccoli and Thicken Up

With your timer about done, remove 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid from the crockpot and stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the crockpot along with 3 to 4 cups of chopped broccoli. Switch the crockpot setting to high and cook for an additional 20 minutes, or until your broccoli is bright green and just tender. My family loves that satisfying crunch—it’s the best of both worlds!

Step 5: Serve It Up

Serve your Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe hot over steamed rice. I usually sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for a little extra texture and to make it look as good as it tastes. Don’t forget to grab an extra napkin—you’re going to want to lick your fingers!

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Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

  • Slice Against the Grain: I learned this the hard way—the meat is much more tender when sliced the right way, especially in slow cooking.
  • Don’t Skip the Sauce Whisk: Taking a moment to mix the sauce well prevents gritty sugar pockets and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
  • Add Broccoli Last: Cooking broccoli too long in the crockpot fizzles out its vibrant color and crispness, so timing here is key.
  • Use Cornstarch for Perfect Thickness: Stirring the cornstarch into some of the cooking liquid before returning it avoids clumps in your sauce every single time.

How to Serve Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

A white bowl filled with a bed of white rice as the bottom layer, topped with bright green broccoli florets and brown cooked meat strips covered in a glossy sauce. The meat and broccoli pieces are sprinkled with white sesame seeds. Two light brown chopsticks are resting on the right side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, easy crockpot beef stir fry, slow cooker broccoli beef, healthy slow cooker dinner, homemade beef stir fry

Garnishes

I’m all about simple garnishes here—sesame seeds are my go-to for their subtle crunch and nutty flavor, and sometimes I throw on sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and mild bite. If I’m feeling adventurous, a light drizzle of chili oil adds that spicy contrast I crave.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs insanely well with plain jasmine or basmati rice, letting the flavors of the beef and broccoli shine. I’ve also served it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option—and honestly, it worked like a charm. For extra veggie power, steamed or roasted snap peas or carrots on the side are always winners.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist when I have guests, I like to serve portions in mini lettuce cups—adds a light crunch and makes the dish feel extra special. Another time, I layered the beef and broccoli over fried rice with a perfectly soft-boiled egg on top; it looked impressive and tasted incredible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After we polish off most of this meal, I pack leftovers into airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for about 3 to 4 days. I usually find that the flavors deepen after a day, making it even tastier the next time around.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe successfully—just be sure to cool it completely before freezing. I divide it into meal-sized portions for convenience. When thawed, the broccoli loses a bit of its texture but the beef and sauce hold up wonderfully.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain that tender texture, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems thick. Microwaving works too—you just want to avoid drying out the beef. I learned reheating slowly helps avoid rubbery meat.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of beef for this Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe?

    Absolutely! While I recommend flank steak or beef chuck for their texture and tenderness after slow cooking, you can use sirloin or even stew meat if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut.

  2. Is it okay to use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

    Yes! Frozen broccoli is a fantastic time-saver and works especially well in this recipe. Add it in during the final 20 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking. You’ll still get that vibrant flavor and texture without extra prep.

  3. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?

    You can, but the timing changes quite a bit. For an Instant Pot, I’d recommend a high-pressure cook time of about 25-30 minutes for the beef, then use the sauté function to add the broccoli and thicken the sauce. The slow cooker really lets the flavors develop nicely, so it’s my preferred method.

  4. How do I prevent the beef from getting mushy?

    Great question! Slicing the beef thinly against the grain and sticking to the recommended cooking time helps prevent mushiness. Overcooking can break down the fibers too much, so keep an eye on your crockpot and avoid going past 4 hours on low.

  5. What can I serve with Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe?

    Steamed rice is my favorite accompaniment, but this dish is equally delicious over cauliflower rice or even noodles. Simple sides like steamed green beans or a crisp Asian slaw round out the meal beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe turns out every time—juicy beef, vibrant broccoli, and that irresistible sauce make it a crowd-pleaser for my family and friends. When I first tried slow-cooking this dish, I was hooked by how little effort it took to get so much flavor on the table. If you want a comforting, fuss-free dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this recipe is exactly what you need. Give it a go—you won’t regret it!

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Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 71 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli recipe is a simple, delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful beef paired with nutritious broccoli. Made with a savory sauce of soy, garlic, and sesame oil, it’s cooked low and slow in the crockpot for maximum tenderness. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it’s best served over rice and can be garnished with sesame seeds for extra texture and aroma.


Ingredients

Beef and Sauce

  • 1 1/2 pounds flank steak (or beef chuck), sliced against the grain into thin strips
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Thickening and Vegetables

  • 2–3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3–4 cups chopped broccoli, fresh or frozen


Instructions

  1. Add the beef to the crockpot. Place the 1 1/2 pounds of thinly sliced beef strips into the base of your crockpot, ensuring they are spread out evenly for even cooking.
  2. Make and pour the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup low-sodium beef broth, 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/3 cup light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon minced garlic until well combined. Pour this mixture over the beef in the crockpot, coating the meat thoroughly.
  3. Cook the beef. Cover and cook on the low setting for 3 to 4 hours, or until the beef is fully cooked and tender to your liking, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. Prepare the thickening slurry and add broccoli. Remove about 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid from the crockpot (or substitute with 1/4 cup water) and whisk in 2 to 3 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture back into the crockpot. Then add 3 to 4 cups of chopped broccoli on top of the beef.
  5. Cook until broccoli is tender. Switch the crockpot to high and cook for an additional 20 minutes, or until the broccoli reaches your preferred level of tenderness.
  6. Finish and serve. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the beef and broccoli hot over cooked rice, and optionally garnish with sesame seeds for a delightful finish.

Notes

  • This crockpot beef and broccoli recipe requires minimal prep time and lets the crockpot do the work, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Adjust the cornstarch amount if you prefer a thicker or thinner sauce consistency.
  • You can substitute flank steak with beef chuck to add more marbling and flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 247 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 587 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 68 mg

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