Tender and juicy beef and broccoli all whipped up in the slow cooker. This gluten-free dinner recipe makes busy weeknights easier! Prepped in just minutes and sweetened with just a hint of smoky maple syrup, this slow cooker dinner will become a staple in your house in no time!
Need something quick for dinner? Well, it doesn’t get much easier than a slow-cooker meal!
Prepped in the morning, and cooked to juicy perfection by nighttime, this crockpot beef and broccoli is a hit with everyone at the dinner table.
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I can value the importance of a protein-packed, homecooked meal. As a busy mom, I totally understand feeling super rushed to get it on the table though.
That’s why I love this beef and broccoli dish. It’s:
- EASY to make
- Contains minimal ingredients
- Dairy-free, gluten-free, and paleo
- Juicy, tender, and filling
Ingredients You Need
This is one of those dinner recipes that you can whip up with the staples in your freezer and pantry (especially if you have a well-stocked gluten-free pantry).
And having it made in the crock pot means less cleanup!
Stewing beef: make sure to cut the beef into chunks and trim off any fat.
Soy sauce or tamari: tamari is a unique gluten-free soy sauce but know that coconut aminos will work here also!
Maple syrup: this adds a hint of sweetness to the beef. Make sure to use dark, real maple syrup in place of the corn syrup variety.
Broth: both beef broth and chicken broth will work for the slow cooker beef recipe. I personally use bone broth powder because it’s the fastest. Learn more about bone broth powder and why you need it. Learn what powdered bone broth is.
Garlic: though fresh garlic is amazing, powdered garlic is what’s used because it takes less time.
Fresh broccoli florets: make sure to chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. However, don’t mince them or they’ll get mushy.
Sesame oil: adding a delicious flavor to the sauce.
Arrowroot powder: you’ll add this in the last thirty minutes to thicken the sauce.
How To Make Crockpot Beef And Broccoli
- Chop the beef into chunks and the broccoli into bites.
- In the slow cooker, whisk together the soya sauce, garlic, maple syrup, and sesame oil.
- Add in the beef and mix until coated.
- Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Thirty minutes before you’re ready to eat, take ¼ cup of sauce out of the slow cooker and whisk in the arrowroot powder until no clump remains. Pour it back into the crockpot.
- Toss in the broccoli and cook on low for thirty more minutes.
Step By Step Photos
Important Teaching Tips
If you like a thicker sauce, add in the arrowroot an hour before you’re ready to eat. If you don’t mind a thinner sauce, thirty minutes is plenty.
Make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce as needed. Tamari also works.
Make sure the broccoli is in bite-size but larger chunks. Otherwise, they’ll get too soft.
Because the meat cooks so slowly in its juicy, any cut of beef will work. However, chunk steak gives the most tender texture and absorbs the best.
Both chicken broth and beef broth will work as the base for this beef and broccoli recipe. I use bone broth powder more often than not because it's simply easier.
Brown sugar may work in place of maple syrup but it will change the taste of the crock pot recipe. Likewise, as the brown sugar mixes it may change the texture too.
Which Beef Is Best For The Slow Cooker?
Almost any cut of beef will work for the slow cooker. For this slow cooker beef recipe, chuck steak and stewing beef have worked the best.
If you don't buy it pre-cut, we cut it up into cubes so that it cooks better and results in a tender bite.
How To Serve It
You can make this beef and broccoli recipe fit into any diet preference!
Most typically served over steamed rice with some kimchi on top, beef and broccoli also works:
- On top of spaghetti squash for a paleo option
- On noodles to stretch it further for a family meal
- As is with kimchi for a low-carb, high-protein dish
- Topped with green onions and sesame seeds
Healthy Dinners In 30 Minutes Or Less
Struggling to make dinnertime WORK for your hectic lifestyle?
If you’re looking for even more easy, healthy dinner recipes, check out The Busy Moms E-Cookbook- simple dinners for bus moms, where I’ve gathered 30 healthy dinner recipes that can be made in thirty minutes or less.
- Simple and healthy
- Dairy & gluten-free
- Real-food based that focus on nutrients not fillers
- Busy mom approved
Plus get bonus tips on how I food prep as a mom of three, how to make healthy eating simple & pantry staples to stock up on.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Beef And Broccoli
You can! Because it cooks for so long, you can put raw beef into the slow cooker. Make sure that there is adequate liquid in which to cook the beef. Some recipes do call for browning the beef which can lock in its bold flavor but it’s not necessary.
Depending on the cut, thickness, and liquid in the slow cooker, beef can cook for 4-8 hours on low.
If you’re finding your beef is tough after being in the slow cooker, it means that it hasn’t cooked long enough. Make sure there is enough liquid in the crockpot to cook the beef and that the pieces of the beef aren’t too large. If it’s tough after 4-6 hours, just extend the cooking time.
Frozen broccoli should work just fine in the slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe. However, know that it will add a bit of extra liquid to the sauce as it melts from being frozen.
Other Slow Cooker Recipes You'll Love
- Slow cooker egg casserole
- Slow cooker Tuscan chicken
- Slow cooker chicken teriyaki
- Slow cooker chicken pot pie
- Slow cooker banana bread
- Slow cooker chicken alfredo
Other Dairy & Gluten-Free Dinners You'll Enjoy
Beef And Broccoli Crock Pot Recipe (gluten-free)
Equipment
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ⅛ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup broth
- 1.5 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ tbs garlic powder
- 4 cups cubed beef
- 8 cups chopped broccoli
- 1.5 tbs arrowroot powder
Instructions
- Chop the beef into chunks and the broccoli into bites.
- In the crock pot, whisk together the soya sauce, garlic, maple syrup, and sesame oil.
- Add in the beef and mix until coated.
- Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Thirty minutes before you’re ready to eat, take ¼ cup of sauce out of the slow cooker and whisk in the arrowroot powder until no clump remains. Pour it back into the crockpot.
- Toss in the broccoli and cook on low for thirty more minutes.
- Serve on rice (optional) topped with sesame seeds if you have them.
Video
Notes
- If you like a thicker sauce, add in the arrowroot an hour before you’re ready to eat. If you don’t mind a thinner sauce, thirty minutes is plenty.
- Make sure to use gluten-free or low sodium soy sauce as needed. Tamari also works..
- Make sure the broccoli is in bite-size but larger chunks. Otherwise, they’ll get too soft.
- Because slow cooker beef cooks so slowly in its juice, any cut of beef will work. However, chunk steak gives the most tender texture and absorbs the best.
- Both chicken broth and beef broth will work as the base for this beef and broccoli. I use bone broth powder more often than not because it's simply easier.
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Shelby aka Mama Bear
Lisa
The beef came out so tender and flavorful from the crock pot! Loved the ease of slow cooking versus stove top.
fitasamamabear
Honestly slow cooking saves my sanity haha glad you loved it!
Sonia
This is so easy to make, it is perfect for busy days. I made it and served it over steamed rice, and the whole family loved it.
fitasamamabear
Happy it was family-approved!
Sandi
I love this can be made in the slow cooker. What a bonus for those busy school nights!
fitasamamabear
Exactly!
Sharon
My slow cooker is such a staple at home, and this recipe is the perfect addition to my current favs! Thanks!
fitasamamabear
My slow cooker is a staple too! So glad you have another one in the repertoire!
Camilla
Yum! A hearty dish full of flavour! I love slow cooked meals, and this is a great recipe!
fitasamamabear
Happy you enjoyed it!
Mocktail.net
Beef and broccoli is my favorite - and so quick to make. thanks for sharing Shelby!
fitasamamabear
We love the combo too, thank you!
tianna
this is a great slow cooker meal and so nice to just have rice to make at the end of the day
fitasamamabear
Right?! I prep the rice and just reheat, it's bliss lol
Donny
I loved how easy this was! Served it with cauliflower rice and it was so good.
fitasamamabear
I need to up my cauli rice game! It's so easy.
jennifer
Okay, I actually have broccoli in my fridge . . . I love it but never buy it because it doesn't love me back (TMI haha, not gassy but like it never digests in my stomach . . . and just sits in there all day and night ) anyway. Imma try it in this recipe and see what happens -- it looks delish and easy-peasy!
fitasamamabear
Honestly broccoli is like that haha but if it helps green beans work for this too!
nancy
i love broccoli and beef and being able to make this in a crock pot is a life saver!!
fitasamamabear
Crock pots save sanity lol