Name: Delicious Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef & Broccoli in 30
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h 30 min
Total time: 6 h 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 cup beef broth; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 4 cups broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; Cooked rice, for serving

Jump to Recipe

Okay, let’s be real – weeknights are BUSY. I used to dread that 5 pm “what’s for dinner?!” panic. Then, BAM! I discovered the magic of slow cookers. Seriously, where have they been all my life? And this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli? Total game changer. You toss everything in, press a button, and walk away. Come dinner time, you’ve got this amazing, flavorful meal waiting for you.

I remember the first time I made this. I was running late from work, totally stressed, and then I walked in the door and smelled… heaven! The kids devoured it. Even my picky eater went back for seconds. That’s when I knew – this recipe was a keeper!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli

Seriously, what’s not to love? This recipe is a winner! Here’s why:

Effortless Weeknight Meal

Tired of slaving over the stove? This is your answer. Dump it in, set it, and forget it! Dinner basically cooks itself. I swear, it’s like having a personal chef (a very quiet one!).

Delicious and Flavorful

That teriyaki sauce? Wow! It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory. And the beef? So tender it practically melts in your mouth. Even the broccoli gets in on the action, soaking up all that yummy flavor.

Healthy and Balanced

Okay, so it tastes amazing, but it’s also good for you! You’ve got your protein from the beef, your veggies from the broccoli, and you can serve it with brown rice for some complex carbs. Winner winner, healthy dinner!

Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazingness happen:

1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes (don’t skip this step!)
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup soy sauce (I use low sodium!)
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil (smells SO good!)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated (fresh is best, trust me!)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but I like the kick!)
4 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Cooked rice, for serving

How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli

Okay, here we go! This is the super-easy part. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down on some amazing Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli in no time!

Preparing the Beef

First things first, grab that beef! Just toss those 1-inch cubes right into your slow cooker. Easy peasy!

Making the Teriyaki Sauce

Now for the flavor bomb! In a bowl (any bowl will do!), whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and those red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Whisk it good! You want everything nice and mixed up.

Slow Cooking the Beef

Pour that gorgeous teriyaki sauce right over the beef in the slow cooker. Make sure everything’s coated nicely. Then, pop the lid on and let the magic happen! You can cook it on low for 6-8 hours (perfect for workdays!) or on high for 3-4 hours if you’re in a hurry. Just make sure the beef is nice and tender before moving on. You’ll know it’s ready when it practically falls apart when you poke it with a fork.

Adding the Broccoli

Okay, pay attention – timing is key here! During the LAST 30 MINUTES of cooking, toss in those broccoli florets. Don’t add them too early, or they’ll turn to mush (yuck!).

Thickening the Sauce

Time for the final touch! In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. This is your “slurry,” and it’s what will thicken up that delicious teriyaki sauce. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir it all around. Let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce is nice and thick. If it’s not thick enough, just add a tiny bit more cornstarch slurry!

Serving Your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli

And that’s it! Serve your amazing Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. White rice, brown rice, whatever floats your boat! Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli

Want to take your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli from good to AMAZING? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way:

Choosing the Right Beef

Okay, so beef stew meat is great, but sometimes I like to experiment! Chuck roast is another fantastic option. It gets super tender and shreddable in the slow cooker. Just trim off any excess fat before you toss it in. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Adjusting the Sweetness

Sweet tooth? Not so much? No problem! The teriyaki sauce is easy to customize. If you like it sweeter, add a little extra honey or brown sugar. If you prefer a more savory flavor, cut back on the sweet stuff and maybe add a splash more soy sauce. Taste as you go – that’s the fun of cooking!

Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency

Sometimes the sauce can be a little too thin or too thick. If it’s too thin, just add a little more cornstarch slurry, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the consistency you like. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth to thin it out. Easy peasy!

Variations for Your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic recipe? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and mix things up! This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli is super versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Adding Other Vegetables

Broccoli is great, but why stop there? Throw in some sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, orange – the more the merrier!), some snap peas, or even some sliced carrots. Just toss ’em in with the broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking. More veggies = more yum!

Making it Spicy

Feeling fiery? I hear ya! If 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes isn’t cutting it for you, crank it up! Add a sliced jalapeño to the slow cooker, or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. Careful, though – a little goes a long way! You can ALWAYS add more spice, but you can’t take it away! (Oops, learned that one the hard way!).

Using Different Proteins

Not a beef person? No worries! This teriyaki sauce is amazing on chicken, too! Just use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. Teriyaki chicken is great as well! Tofu works great as well! Just press it to remove excess water, then cube it and toss it in. You might want to add the tofu during the last hour of cooking so it doesn’t get too mushy.

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli

This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli is pretty amazing on its own, but why not make it a full-blown feast? I love serving it with a side of steamed white or brown rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is also a great way to add some extra freshness. And if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top adds a nice touch!

Storing and Reheating Your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli is even better the next day, I swear! Just pop it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can microwave it (easy peasy!) or warm it up in a skillet on the stove. Just add a splash of water or broth if it seems a little dry.

Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli

Okay, so you’re probably wondering, “How healthy IS this deliciousness?” Well, here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving:

Calories: About 350 (give or take, depending on your ingredients!)
Fat: Around 15g
Protein: A whopping 30g!
Carbohydrates: Roughly 25g

Keep in mind that these are just estimates! The actual numbers might vary depending on the specific ingredients you use (like the type of soy sauce or the cut of beef). But hey, at least you have a general idea! And let’s be real – it’s way healthier than ordering takeout!

Enjoy Your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli!

Alright, you did it! You made this amazing Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli! Now, the best part – EATING IT! I really hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. And if you do, pretty please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! A five-star rating would totally make my day!

Share Your Creation

Seriously, I want to see your masterpiece! Snap a pic of your delicious Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli and share it on social media! Tag me so I can drool over it! Let’s spread the slow cooker love!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli

Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few things people often ask about this awesome Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli recipe:

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Okay, so fresh broccoli is definitely my preference, but frozen will work in a pinch! Just be aware that it might get a little softer than fresh broccoli. I’d suggest adding it during the VERY last 15 minutes of cooking to prevent it from getting too mushy. You might also want to thaw it a bit and pat it dry before adding it to the slow cooker to avoid excess water in your sauce. No one likes a watery sauce!

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Good question! Luckily, it’s pretty easy to make this recipe gluten-free. The main thing you need to watch out for is the soy sauce. Just swap it out for tamari (which is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative) or coconut aminos. Also, double-check the label on your beef broth to make sure it’s gluten-free too. Easy peasy!

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! That’s one of the best things about slow cooker recipes! You can totally prep all the ingredients the night before. Just chop the beef, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and whisk together the teriyaki sauce. Then, store everything separately in the fridge. In the morning, just dump it all into the slow cooker and you’re good to go! Talk about a time-saver!