Are you ready to transform your dinner routine with a tasty dish? This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef & Broccoli recipe is easy, quick, and absolutely delightful! With tender beef and crunchy broccoli coated in a rich teriyaki sauce, it’s a meal sure to impress. In this post, I’ll guide you through simple steps and clever tips to make this dish shine. Get your slow cooker ready—you’ll want to dive right in!
Ingredients
List of Main Ingredients
– 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon minced ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 4 cups broccoli florets
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons water
To create a great dish, start with quality beef chuck. This cut has enough fat to stay juicy. The teriyaki sauce needs soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Each adds its own flavor, making a delicious sauce. Finally, the broccoli florets bring freshness and color.
Optional Ingredients
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
– Sesame seeds for garnish
If you like a little spice, add red pepper flakes. They bring a nice kick to the dish. Sesame seeds make a great garnish. They add crunch and look nice on the plate. Both ingredients elevate the dish, giving it more flavor and style.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Teriyaki Sauce
To start, combine these ingredients in a bowl:
– 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon minced ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Mix them well. This mixture is your teriyaki sauce. The honey adds sweetness, while the soy sauce gives depth.
Cooking the Beef
Now, it’s time for the beef. Place 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces, in the slow cooker. Make sure the pieces are evenly distributed. Next, pour the teriyaki sauce over the beef. Make sure each piece is well coated. This step is key for flavor.
Adding Broccoli and Thickening the Sauce
When the beef is almost done, we will add the broccoli. About 30 minutes before serving, add 4 cups of broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Gently mix them in with the beef and sauce. The broccoli should be bright green and tender but not mushy.
To thicken the sauce, we will prepare a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker for the last 15 minutes of cooking. This will give the sauce a nice, thick texture.
Enjoy the process! The smell will fill your kitchen, and soon, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve.
Tips & Tricks
Choosing the Right Cut of Beef
For slow cooking, I recommend using beef chuck. It has great flavor and becomes very tender. Other good cuts include brisket or round. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, as they can turn tough. Always choose well-marbled beef. The fat helps keep it juicy.
Cooking Time Recommendations
Use the low setting for best results. Cooking on low for 6-8 hours gives you tender beef. If you’re short on time, the high setting works too. Cook for 3-4 hours on high. Check for tenderness before serving. You want the beef to fall apart easily.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the teriyaki beef and broccoli over white or brown rice. Jasmine rice adds a nice touch. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For garnish, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Chopped green onions add color and flavor as well.

Variations
Vegetarian Version
You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Replace beef with tofu or mushrooms. Firm tofu works best. Cut it into cubes and marinate it in the teriyaki sauce. This adds flavor and helps it absorb the sauce. Mushrooms can also add a meaty texture. Use shiitake or portobello for the best taste. Cook them just like the beef in the slow cooker.
Adding Extra Vegetables
Feel free to add more veggies for color and taste. Carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas work well. Slice them thin so they cook quickly. You can add these about 20 minutes before the dish is done. This way, they stay crisp but soak up the teriyaki sauce. You can mix and match based on what you like or have at home.
Different Flavor Profiles
You can change the flavor of the sauce too. Try adding different Asian-inspired sauces or spices. For example, use hoisin sauce for a sweeter taste. Or add a splash of sriracha for some heat. You can also mix in sesame oil or chili paste to give it a kick. Experiment and find what flavors you enjoy the most!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your slow cooker teriyaki beef and broccoli fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent any moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. You want to eat it later, not smell it! Use glass or plastic containers. They work great for storing meals.
Reheating Instructions
When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way to do this is on the stove. Just place the beef and broccoli in a pot over low heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Heat for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating.
Freezing for Future Meals
If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Let the beef and broccoli cool first. Then, place portions in freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This prevents freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove or microwave for a tasty meal again!
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use other meats in this recipe. Chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Pork also makes a tasty option. You can use ground beef for a different texture. Just adjust cooking times based on the meat you choose. If you use chicken, cook on high for 3-4 hours. Pork may need the same time as beef.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, replace soy sauce with tamari. Tamari offers a similar taste without gluten. You can also find gluten-free soy sauces in stores. Check labels to ensure they fit your needs. Use cornstarch as a thickener, as it is gluten-free. Always read labels on all ingredients to avoid hidden gluten.
What’s the best way to cut beef for this recipe?
Cut beef chuck into 1-inch pieces. This size helps the beef cook evenly. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Cutting against the grain makes the beef tender. Trim off any large fat pieces to avoid greasiness. Smaller chunks will soak up the teriyaki sauce better.
This post shared easy steps to make a tasty teriyaki beef dish. You learned about the main ingredients, like beef chuck and teriyaki sauce, along with optional add-ins like red pepper flakes. I walked you through the process of preparing the sauce, cooking the beef, and adding broccoli. We covered tips for choosing the right cut of beef and offered storage advice.
Try mixing in extra veggies or using protein swaps for variety. Enjoy your cooking journey!
