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Cozy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli: Easy One-Pot Dinner

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This deeply comforting, almost unfairly easy recipe delivers soul-soothing satisfaction. Ten minutes of prep in the morning, and dinner is ready when you are—no hovering, no stirring, no stress.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons cold water
  • 3 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or basmati)
  • Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
  • Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep the Beef: Pat 2 lbs chuck roast dry with paper towels. Cut into 1-inch cubes. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  2. Layer the Aromatics: Place thinly sliced onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. Scatter minced garlic and grated ginger over the top.
  3. Add the Beef: Place beef cubes on top of the onions. Do not brown first.
  4. Whisk the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Pour evenly over beef and onions. Add a splash more broth if needed to almost cover the beef.
  5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until beef shreds easily with a fork.
  6. Add the Broccoli: About 30 minutes before serving, gently stir in broccoli florets. Replace lid and let steam until bright green and tender-crisp.
  7. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Scoop out 1/2 cup hot liquid from crockpot and whisk into slurry. Pour slurry back into crockpot. Stir gently and cook uncovered for 5-10 minutes until sauce thickens to a glossy, gravy-like consistency.
  8. Serve Immediately: Spoon rice into bowls. Top with beef and broccoli, ladle sauce over, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

For best texture, use chuck roast. Add broccoli in the last 30 minutes to avoid mushiness. To thicken sauce without lumps, temper the cornstarch slurry with hot liquid before adding. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot beef and broccoli, slow cooker beef and broccoli, easy one-pot dinner, beef and broccoli recipe, comfort food, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/cozy-crockpot-beef-and-broccoli-easy-one-pot-dinner/