Save Pin A comforting, wholesome dish featuring tender beef and broccoli simmered in a savory sauce, served over fluffy brown rice and fresh greens for a balanced meal.
I first made this slow-cooker beef & broccoli when my family was craving takeout but wanted something both nourishing and easy to prepare at home. The recipe quickly became a weeknight favorite thanks to its hearty flavors and minimal effort.
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 the Beef:
- In a large bowl, combine sliced beef with soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Toss well to coat.
- Slow-Cook:
- Transfer beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add beef broth and stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until beef is tender.
- Thicken Sauce & Add Broccoli:
- After 4 hours, whisk cornstarch and water together in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker. Add broccoli florets, stir gently, and cover. Continue cooking on low for an additional 45 to 60 minutes, until broccoli is crisp-tender and sauce has thickened.
- Cook Brown Rice:
- Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork.
- Add Greens:
- Just before serving, stir mixed greens into the slow cooker and allow them to wilt for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Spoon the beef and broccoli mixture over brown rice. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Save Pin This meal is always a crowd-pleaser in our home, especially when everyone gathers around the table to dig into generous bowls piled high with beef, broccoli, and rice.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 485 calories, 13 g total fat, 56 g carbohydrates, and 36 g protein, making it a filling and balanced main dish.
Allergen & Dietary Notes
Contains soy and shellfish due to soy sauce and oyster sauce. For gluten-free needs, use tamari and certified gluten-free oyster sauce alternatives. Always verify labels to ensure allergen safety.
Required Tools
Slow cooker (4 to 6 quart), large mixing bowl, saucepan with lid, chefs knife, cutting board, and measuring cups for easy preparation.
Save Pin Serve immediately for best flavor, and enjoy any leftovers reheated for a quick lunch the next day.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve tender beef in this dish?
Slow cooking the beef on low heat for several hours allows the meat to become tender and succulent. Thinly slicing the beef before cooking also helps it cook evenly.
- → Can I substitute the brown rice with other grains?
Yes, jasmine or white rice can be used for a quicker cook time. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are also good alternatives for different textures.
- → What kind of greens work best for this meal?
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard are ideal as they wilt gently into the dish, adding fresh flavor and nutrients without overpowering.
- → Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?
Use gluten-free tamari and oyster sauce alternatives to keep the dish gluten-free while maintaining depth of flavor.
- → How can I add a spicy kick to the flavors?
Adding a dash of chili flakes or a splash of Sriracha to the sauce provides a subtle spicy heat that enhances the savory elements.
- → Can this be adapted for vegetarian diets?
Substituting beef with tofu or a plant-based alternative works well. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure proper texture.