Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

Crockpot beef and broccoli is tender beef and bright broccoli in a glossy garlic soy sauce, served over rice. Thinly sliced chuck roast becomes tender in the slow cooker and costs less than flank steak.

It serves five with rice for about $11.43, roughly $2.29 a serving.

Takeout beef and broccoli from a cheap roast

• Thinly sliced chuck roast becomes tender in the slow cooker and costs less than flank steak.
• The sauce uses soy sauce, brown sugar and garlic you probably already have.
• Broccoli goes in at the end so it stays bright green.

Tips for the best crockpot beef and broccoli

1. Slice the beef against the grain for the most tender bites.
2. If the sauce is too thin, add another tablespoon of cornstarch slurry.
3. Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top for a takeout look.
4. Use an instant read thermometer and check the USDA safe minimum internal temperature chart to know exactly when meat is done.

Ingredients for crockpot beef and broccoli and easy swaps

• Chuck roast: Slice it thinly against the grain. Partly freezing it for 30 minutes makes slicing easier.
• Low sodium soy sauce: It keeps the sauce from getting too salty as it cooks down.
• Brown sugar and garlic: They balance the soy sauce into a sweet and savory glaze.
• Frozen broccoli: Adding it at the end keeps it green and tender, not mushy.

What crockpot beef and broccoli costs to make

Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

Better than takeout crockpot beef and broccoli in a savory garlic sauce for about $2.29 a serving.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 5 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1½ lb beef chuck roast thinly sliced ($7.50)
• 1 cup low sodium beef broth ($0.40)
• ½ cup low sodium soy sauce ($0.60)
• ⅓ cup brown sugar packed ($0.20)
• 4 cloves garlic minced ($0.20)
• 1 tsp sesame oil ($0.15)
• 3 tbsp cornstarch ($0.08)
• 12 oz frozen broccoli florets ($1.50)
• 2 cups long grain white rice uncooked, for serving ($0.80)

Method

 

1. Add the beef, broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and sesame oil to the slow cooker and stir.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours, until the beef is tender.
3. Whisk the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of the cooking liquid and stir it into the slow cooker.
4. Add the broccoli, cover and cook on HIGH for 20 to 30 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the broccoli is tender.
5. Meanwhile cook the rice according to the package and serve the beef and broccoli over it.

Notes

Costs are estimates based on average US grocery prices for the amount used.

How to make crockpot beef and broccoli step by step

1. Load the slow cooker

   Add the beef, broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and sesame oil and stir.

2. Slow cook

   Cook on LOW for 5 hours, until the beef is tender.

3. Thicken the sauce

   Whisk the cornstarch with some cooking liquid and stir it in.

4. Add the broccoli

   Add the broccoli and cook on HIGH for 20 to 30 minutes, then serve over rice.

Easy crockpot beef and broccoli variations

• Spicy: add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of sriracha.
• Chicken: use sliced chicken thighs and cook 4 hours on LOW.
• Veggies: add sliced carrots or snap peas with the broccoli.

More cheap dinners like this

• Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Rice: A dump-and-go dinner of tender chicken and creamy rice that feeds four for about $1.60 a serving.
• Budget Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Chuck roast, potatoes and carrots simmer all day into a rich stew that costs about $2.40 a serving.
• Crockpot Lasagna Soup: All the flavor of lasagna in a cozy bowl, with no layering. About $1.90 a serving.

Want more ideas? Browse all of our crockpot recipes.

What to serve with crockpot beef and broccoli

• White or brown rice
• Fried rice or lo mein noodles
• Cucumber salad

Storing and reheating crockpot beef and broccoli

In the fridge

Refrigerate within 2 hours for 3 to 4 days.

In the freezer

Freeze the beef and sauce for up to 3 months. Add fresh broccoli when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until steaming hot.

For more detail on safe storage times, see the USDA guidance on leftovers and food safety.

Frequently asked questions about crockpot beef and broccoli

What is the best beef for crockpot beef and broccoli?

Chuck roast is cheap and becomes tender. Flank steak works but costs more.

Can I use fresh broccoli?

Yes. Add fresh florets for the last 30 minutes on HIGH.

Why is my beef tough?

It needs more time. Chuck becomes tender with long, slow cooking.