Slow-Cooker Beef Broccoli

Featured in: Easy Weeknight Meals

This dish features tender, thinly sliced beef simmered slowly with broccoli florets in a rich, savory sauce. Brown rice is cooked fluffy on the side, while fresh mixed greens add a vibrant balance. The method involves marinating the beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil before slow cooking. A cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce before the vegetables are added. Finished with optional scallions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish, this meal offers a comforting and wholesome combination of flavors and textures.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:46:00 GMT
Tender slow-cooker beef and broccoli, a savory Asian-inspired dish over brown rice and mixed greens. Save
Tender slow-cooker beef and broccoli, a savory Asian-inspired dish over brown rice and mixed greens. | olivedune.com

A comforting wholesome dish featuring tender beef & broccoli simmered in a savory sauce served over fluffy brown rice & fresh greens for a balanced meal.

This slow cooker meal brings back memories of busy weekdays when we needed something hands-off yet satisfying. The aromas fill the kitchen as it cooks slowly turning simple ingredients into a comforting family favorite.

Ingredients

  • Beef & Marinade: 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) beef chuck or flank steak thinly sliced 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce 2 tbsp brown sugar 2 tbsp oyster sauce 1 tbsp sesame oil 3 cloves garlic minced 1-inch (2.5 cm) piece fresh ginger grated 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Sauce: 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth (low-sodium) 2 tbsp cornstarch 2 tbsp water
  • Vegetables: 4 cups (300 g) broccoli florets 4 cups (120 g) mixed greens (spinach kale or Swiss chard) washed & roughly chopped 2 scallions thinly sliced (for garnish) 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
  • Rice: 1 1/2 cups (285 g) brown rice 3 cups (720 ml) water 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

Marinate Beef:
In large bowl combine sliced beef soy sauce brown sugar oyster sauce sesame oil garlic ginger & black pepper. Toss well to coat.
Slow Cook Beef:
Transfer beef mixture to slow cooker. Add beef broth & stir gently to combine.
Cook Until Tender:
Cover & cook on low for 4 hours until beef is tender.
Thicken Sauce:
After 4 hours whisk cornstarch & water in small bowl. Stir slurry into slow cooker.
Add Broccoli:
Add broccoli florets stir gently cover & continue cooking on low for 45–60 minutes until broccoli is crisp-tender & sauce has thickened.
Prepare Rice:
Meanwhile cook brown rice: bring water & salt to boil. Add rice reduce heat to low cover & simmer for 35–40 minutes until tender. Fluff with fork.
Wilt Greens:
Just before serving stir mixed greens into slow cooker & allow to wilt for 2–3 minutes.
Serve:
Serve beef & broccoli mixture over brown rice. Garnish with scallions & sesame seeds.
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This recipe is often requested for Sunday dinner when everyone gathers around. It is both nourishing & satisfying bringing smiles around the table.

Required Tools

Slow cooker (4–6 quart) large mixing bowl saucepan with lid chef's knife cutting board measuring cups & spoons

Allergen Information

Contains soy (soy sauce oyster sauce) & shellfish (oyster sauce). For gluten-free use tamari & oyster sauce alternatives. Always check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 485 Total Fat: 13 g Carbohydrates: 56 g Protein: 36 g

Close-up of slow-cooker beef & broccoli showing the rich, glistening sauce and fluffy brown rice below. Save
Close-up of slow-cooker beef & broccoli showing the rich, glistening sauce and fluffy brown rice below. | olivedune.com

Serve immediately for best texture. Leftovers keep well for easy lunches throughout the week.

Cooking Questions & Answers

What cut of beef works best for this dish?

Thinly sliced beef chuck or flank steak is ideal for slow cooking, offering tenderness and rich flavor.

Can I substitute brown rice with another type?

Yes, jasmine or white rice can be used for a quicker cooking option without compromising texture.

How do I thicken the sauce during cooking?

A cornstarch and water slurry is stirred in after initial cooking to thicken the sauce and meld flavors.

What vegetables are included besides broccoli?

Mixed greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard are added towards the end to provide freshness and color.

Are any garnishes recommended?

Thinly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds enhance both flavor and presentation when served.

How can I make the dish gluten-free?

Replace regular soy and oyster sauces with gluten-free tamari and oyster sauce alternatives to avoid gluten.

Slow-Cooker Beef Broccoli

Tender beef and broccoli with brown rice and fresh greens in a savory, slow-cooked style.

Prep Duration
20 min
Time to Cook
300 min
Overall Duration
320 min
Creator: Clara Moretti


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Asian-Inspired

Serves 4 Portions

Dietary Info No Dairy

What You Need

Beef & Marinade

01 1.5 lbs beef chuck or flank steak, thinly sliced
02 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
03 2 tbsp brown sugar
04 2 tbsp oyster sauce
05 1 tbsp sesame oil
06 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
08 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Sauce

01 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
02 2 tbsp cornstarch
03 2 tbsp water

Vegetables

01 4 cups broccoli florets
02 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, kale, or Swiss chard), washed and roughly chopped
03 2 scallions, thinly sliced
04 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Rice

01 1.5 cups brown rice
02 3 cups water
03 1/2 tsp salt

Steps

Step 01

Prepare the Beef Marinade: In a large bowl, combine thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly.

Step 02

Cook Beef in Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef mixture into the slow cooker. Add beef broth and stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours until beef is tender.

Step 03

Thicken Sauce: Whisk cornstarch and water together in a small bowl to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.

Step 04

Add Broccoli and Continue Cooking: Add broccoli florets to the slow cooker, stir gently, cover, and cook on low for 45 to 60 minutes until broccoli is crisp-tender and sauce has thickened.

Step 05

Cook Brown Rice: While broccoli cooks, bring water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add brown rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork.

Step 06

Wilt Mixed Greens: Stir mixed greens into the slow cooker just before serving and allow them to wilt for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 07

Serve and Garnish: Spoon beef and broccoli mixture over cooked brown rice. Garnish with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Essential Tools

  • Slow cooker (4 to 6 quart)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Saucepan with lid
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Notice

Always review each component for allergens, and reach out to medical experts if you're uncertain.
  • Contains soy (soy sauce, oyster sauce) and shellfish (oyster sauce).
  • Gluten-free substitutes recommended for soy and oyster sauces.

Nutrition Breakdown (each portion)

These details are for general advice—please consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance.
  • Energy (kcal): 485
  • Lipids: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 36 g