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Easy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Recipe for Kids

crockpot beef and broccoli - featured image

This easy crockpot beef and broccoli recipe is a budget-friendly, kid-approved meal that transforms simple ingredients into a tender, savory dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, it requires minimal hands-on time and delivers delicious leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chuck roast, sliced thinly against the grain
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 cup beef broth, low-sodium
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Cooked white rice or brown rice, for serving
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
  • Sliced green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the beef: Place chuck roast in the freezer for about 20 minutes to firm up. Slice against the grain into thin strips, about 1/4-inch thick.
  2. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, beef broth, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  3. Layer the beef: Place sliced beef in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour sauce over the top and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
  5. Check the beef: At the last 30 minutes, ensure beef is tender and shreds easily.
  6. Add the broccoli: Place broccoli florets on top of the beef without stirring. Add 1 tablespoon of water around the edges. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes until tender-crisp.
  7. Finish and serve: Gently stir broccoli into the beef and sauce. Serve over steamed rice and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

For gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. For low-carb, serve over cauliflower rice. Add broccoli in the last 30 minutes to keep it bright green and tender-crisp. If sauce is too thin, remove beef and broccoli and simmer sauce uncovered on high for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot beef and broccoli, slow cooker beef and broccoli, easy beef and broccoli, kid-friendly beef and broccoli, budget-friendly dinner, one-pot meal