Saucy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli (gluten-free)

This Saucy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is one of our go-to comfort food dishes filled with protein, veggies and satisfies our craving for take out. This dish is healthy, flavorful and a great slow cooker dinner idea.

When it comes to weeknight dinners, one of the best kitchen tools you can rely on is your slow cooker. It allows you to prep your ingredients, set the timer, and go about your day while the magic of slow cooking unfolds. One of the all-time favorites for a cozy, delicious meal is Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli. This dish is loaded with tender beef, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a flavorful sauce that brings everything together seamlessly.

In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and can be easily adapted for gluten-free and low-carb diets. Whether you’re craving takeout-style beef and broccoli or just need a hearty meal, this slow cooker recipe is sure to become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. Easy Prep: With minimal ingredients and prep time, this dish comes together quickly. You can prep everything in the morning, toss it into the slow cooker, and by dinner time, you’ll have a fragrant, ready-to-serve meal.

2. Healthier Alternative: This recipe uses coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, making it naturally gluten-free and lower in sodium. The coconut sugar gives the sauce a sweet, savory balance without the need for refined sugars.

3. Versatile Side Dishes: Serve this with cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a meal that fits any dietary preference.

4. Rich, Savory Flavor: Toasted sesame oil, garlic, and a hint of coconut sugar combine to create a rich and savory sauce that elevates the natural flavor of the beef.

5. Family-Friendly: This meal is perfect for feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Sirloin steak or boneless beef chuck roast – For tender, juicy beef that absorbs the sauce beautifully. Sirloin steak offers a leaner option, while the chuck roast gives a richer, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Beef broth, chicken broth or veggie broth – This creates the base of the sauce and keeps the beef moist as it cooks.
• Coconut aminos – A delicious, slightly sweeter and less salty alternative to soy sauce.
• Coconut sugar – Adds a gentle sweetness to balance out the savory flavors in the sauce.
• Toasted sesame oil – This oil has a nutty, robust flavor that enhances the overall richness of the dish.
• Garlic cloves – Garlic adds an essential layer of flavor, blending perfectly with the other ingredients.
• Tapioca flour or arrowroot four – This mixture thickens the sauce, creating that classic, glossy texture we love in beef and broccoli dishes.
• Frozen broccoli florets – Adds a healthy, vibrant green component to the meal, balancing out the richness of the beef.
• To serve – Cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Choose your favorite base to complement the beef and broccoli.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli:

Step 1: Prep the Beef

Start by slicing your beef thinly against the grain. This helps the beef stay tender during the long cooking process. Whether you choose sirloin steak for a leaner option or boneless beef chuck roast for a richer, more indulgent cut, be sure the slices are uniform for even cooking.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, combine the beef broth, coconut aminos, coconut sugar, toasted sesame oil, and minced garlic. Stir until everything is well mixed and the coconut sugar has dissolved.

Step 3: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Place the sliced beef into your slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the top, ensuring the beef is fully submerged in the liquid. This will allow the meat to absorb all the flavors as it cooks.

Step 4: Cook on Low or High

Set your slow cooker to low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, depending on how much time you have. Cooking on low results in more tender beef, but if you’re short on time, the high setting works just as well.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the tapioca flour (or arrowroot flour) and water to create a slurry. Add this to the slow cooker and stir gently to incorporate. Allow the sauce to thicken as it finishes cooking.

Step 6: Add the Broccoli

Add the frozen broccoli florets to the slow cooker during the final 30 minutes of cooking. Stir them into the beef and sauce mixture, ensuring the broccoli is heated through but still retains its bright green color and slight crunch.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the sauce has thickened and the broccoli is cooked to your liking, turn off the slow cooker. Serve your beef and broccoli over cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete, hearty meal.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli:

• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Add the frozen broccoli towards the end to prevent it from turning mushy. It should be heated through but retain some bite.

• Choosing the Beef: If you prefer a richer flavor and texture, opt for chuck roast. It becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking. Sirloin steak works best if you want a leaner option with a slightly firmer texture.

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce makes this dish naturally gluten-free. Make sure your tapioca or arrowroot flour is certified gluten-free as well.

• Low-Carb or Keto Option: Skip the rice or quinoa and serve your beef and broccoli with cauliflower rice to make it low-carb and keto-friendly.

• Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. The flavors intensify as the dish sits, so it might taste even better the next day!

Variations on Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli:

• Spicy Beef and Broccoli: Add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a kick of heat.

• Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli: Substitute the coconut sugar with honey for a different flavor profile. Honey will add more depth to the sweetness while keeping the overall flavor light.

• Vegetable Medley: Feel free to add more vegetables to this dish. Sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots would make great additions and bring more color and nutrients to the meal.

Why Make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli at Home?

Making beef and broccoli at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier, cleaner version of this popular takeout dish. By using coconut aminos and coconut sugar, you reduce the amount of sodium and refined sugar while still enjoying a sweet and savory sauce. Plus, cooking in the slow cooker ensures tender beef and a rich, well-developed flavor.

It’s also an excellent option for busy families, meal prepping, or anyone who wants a delicious, hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Let your slow cooker do all the work, and enjoy the convenience of a homemade meal that tastes just as good as it smells.

Final Thoughts:

This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is an easy, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy one of the most popular Chinese takeout dishes in the comfort of your own home. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal, perfect for any night of the week. Plus, it’s highly customizable, so you can make it your own with different sides, proteins, or vegetables.

Give this recipe a try, and it might just become a regular in your weekly meal rotation!

A few other slow cooker recipes to try:

Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls (gluten-free)

Gluten-free Slow Cooker Enchilada Casserole