Tender Crockpot Beef ‘N Broccoli (Keto, Low-Carb & Asian-Inspired!)
Enjoy restaurant-quality flavors from the comfort of your home with this incredibly easy Crockpot Beef ‘N Broccoli!Tender beef strips and crisp-tender broccoli are cooked in a savory, aromatic sauce right in your slow cooker. It’s a healthy, low-carb, and incredibly satisfying meal inspired by your favorite takeout.
Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 6 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high) + 10-15 minutes (final cook)
Ingredients:
- 1.5-2 pounds beef roast, sliced against the grain into ½-inch thick strips (e.g., chuck roast, top round; alternatively, you can use flank steak or sirloin steak for quicker cooking)
- 1 large white onion, diced into medium pieces
- 1 cup beef broth (check label for no added sugar or MSG)
- ½ cup coconut aminos (a soy sauce alternative, check for no added sugar)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 3 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon xanthan gum (for thickening)
- 4-5 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Equipment:
- Large crockpot (slow cooker, 6-quart or larger recommended)
- Whisk or spoon
Instructions:
- Combine Main Ingredients: Add the sliced beef, diced white onion, beef broth, coconut aminos, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, minced ginger, white wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper into your slow cooker.
- Initial Cook: Stir all ingredients well to combine. Cover the crockpot.
- Cook on LOW for 6 hours.
- OR cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Cook until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Thicken Sauce & Add Broccoli: Once the beef is tender, open the lid.
- Sprinkle the xanthan gum evenly over the sauce. Stir vigorously with a whisk or spoon to fully combine and prevent clumps. The sauce will begin to thicken.
- Add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker and stir to combine them with the sauce and beef.
- Final Cook: Cover the crockpot again. If it’s on high, turn it down to low. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the sauce to fully thicken and the broccoli to soften to a tender-crisp texture. If you prefer your broccoli softer, you may leave it in for a few more minutes.
- Serve & Enjoy! Stir well before serving. This dish is excellent on its own or served over cauliflower rice.
Tips for Success:
- Beef Cut: Using flank or sirloin steak can shorten the cook time on high to possibly 2.5-3 hours, as they are thinner cuts. Chuck roast benefits most from longer low-and-slow cooking.
- Xanthan Gum: Sprinkle it gradually while stirring vigorously to avoid clumps. A little goes a long way. If you prefer a thinner sauce, use less.
- Broccoli Doneness: Adding the broccoli at the end ensures it doesn’t become overly soft or mushy. Adjust the final cook time based on your preferred tenderness.
- Coconut Aminos: This is a fantastic low-carb, gluten-free alternative to soy sauce. Check labels to ensure no added sugars.
- Fresh Ginger: Freshly minced ginger offers the best flavor, but you can substitute with ground ginger (use about half the amount).
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein due to the substantial amount of beef.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. All ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Beef Broth & Coconut Aminos: Remind users to check labels for no added sugars, corn starch, or MSG.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.