Save 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 beef & broccoli recipe for a Sunday family dinner, and it quickly became a favorite for busy weeks too. The slow cooker helps create incredibly tender beef without much hands-on time, making it ideal for meal prep or a cozy night in.
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.
- Start Slow Cooking:
- Transfer beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add beef broth and stir gently to combine.
- Cook the Beef:
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until beef is tender.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- 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:
- Add broccoli florets to the slow cooker, stir gently, and cover. Continue cooking on low for an additional 45–60 minutes, until broccoli is crisp-tender and sauce has thickened.
- Cook the Rice:
- Meanwhile, cook the brown rice: In a medium saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35–40 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork.
- Finish Veggies:
- Just before serving, stir the mixed greens into the slow cooker and allow them to wilt for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Serve the beef and broccoli mixture over brown rice. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Save Sharing this meal around the table brought everyone together, and the leftovers were just as good the next day. Even picky eaters enjoyed the mix of tender beef and crisp broccoli.
Substitutions & Variations
For a vegetarian option, substitute tofu for the beef and adjust cooking time as needed. Chicken can also be used in place of beef for a lighter dish.
Make Ahead & Storage
The beef and broccoli mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Store the rice and greens separately for best texture when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with extra scallions or a drizzle of Sriracha for heat. Jasmine or white rice works well if you prefer a quicker-cooking grain.
Save This beef & broccoli rice bowl makes dinner easy and nourishing. Enjoy your meal hot with toppings of your choice.