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Easy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe (Better Than Takeout)

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This Better Than Takeout Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is a quick and easy recipe that delivers tender beef in a savory, glossy sauce with vibrant broccoli. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, it uses simple pantry ingredients and requires minimal prep time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2–3 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons cold water
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
  • Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Beef: Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Cut into 4-5 large chunks. Season generously with salt and pepper. (Optional: Sear in a skillet with oil for 2 minutes per side for extra flavor.)
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
  3. Load the Crockpot: Place beef chunks in the slow cooker. Pour sauce mixture over the top, ensuring all beef is coated.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
  5. Shred the Beef: Remove beef from crockpot using tongs. Let rest for 2 minutes, then shred with two forks into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  6. Thicken the Sauce: Turn crockpot to HIGH. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Pour slurry into hot liquid, stirring constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  7. Add the Broccoli: Return shredded beef and add fresh broccoli florets to the crockpot. Stir gently to coat. Cover and cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
  8. Finish and Serve: Stir in toasted sesame oil. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

For best results, add broccoli at the end to keep it crisp-tender. Use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce for a restaurant-quality glaze. Searing the beef adds extra flavor but can be skipped for convenience.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot beef and broccoli, slow cooker beef and broccoli, better than takeout beef and broccoli, easy beef and broccoli recipe, beef and broccoli

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/easy-crockpot-beef-and-broccoli-recipe-better-than-takeout/