Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli (Gluten-Free, Easy & Flavor-Packed)
A Comforting Slow Cooker Meal for Busy Families
As summer rolls in with warm nights and long days, many of us are looking for easy slow cooker meals that don’t skimp on flavor. That’s why I always come back to this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe—a wholesome, gluten-free dinner that practically cooks itself.
This easy recipe features tender beef stew meat, crisp broccoli florets, and a rich, savory sesame-soy glaze that brings it all together. Best part? You can toss everything into the slow cooker and get back to living your life.
Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving healthy comfort food, this dish checks every box.
Why Auntie Loves This Recipe
Sweet one, this dish is more than just convenient—it’s a wholesome hug in a bowl. The beef simmers low and slow until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the broccoli adds that pop of freshness and nutrition our bodies crave. I even toss in red bell peppers for a touch of color and sweetness.
Now here’s the magic part: you can toss everything into your slow cooker and go live your life. Garden, nap, work, or just rest those feet. Your dinner will be ready when you are. And honey, you can use frozen broccoli straight from the bag—ain’t nobody got time for unnecessary chopping when it still tastes this good! (But you know I prefer everything fresh)
Auntie’s Little Memory
I still remember the first time I made this meal. It was one of those rainy, soul-tired evenings. I’d barely made it through the day, but I still wanted something warm and homemade. In less than 10 minutes, I had this recipe working away in the background—and a few hours later, my kitchen smelled like joy itself. That’s when I knew this one was a keeper.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip this up with love:
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1½ lbs. beef stew meat, cut into chunks
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1½ cups beef stock
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3–4 garlic cloves, minced
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½ cup gluten-free soy sauce
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1 tablespoon honey
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2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
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1 (14 oz.) bag frozen broccoli florets OR FRESH 😉
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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3 cups cooked brown rice
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Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions
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Prep the Beef: Place your beef chunks into a 5–6 quart slow cooker.
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Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together beef stock, garlic, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper, then pour this lovely mixture over the beef.
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Let it Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–7 hours.
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Thicken it Up: About 20 minutes before the time is up, whisk 2 tablespoons of arrowroot with ¼ cup of liquid from the cooker to make a slurry. Stir it back in.
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Add the Veggies: Toss in the frozen broccoli and sliced red bell pepper. Cover and finish cooking until everything’s heated through and the veggies are tender but still vibrant.
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Time to Serve: Scoop it over a bed of warm brown rice and spoon some of that rich sauce on top. Sprinkle a few sesame seeds for extra charm, if you’d like.
Make It Your Own
Feeling creative? Swap the broccoli for snap peas, or add a splash of fresh lime at the end for a citrus twist. And if you’re avoiding gluten, just make sure your soy sauce is the GF kind.
This dish is a dream to customize, so don’t be afraid to make it your own.
Auntie’s Final Thought
Life’s already full of hustle, but dinner doesn’t have to be. This Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli is a little reminder that feeding yourself well doesn’t have to be complicated.
Try it out, snap a photo, and tag me if you post it—I want to see your beautiful plates! And if it brought a little joy to your evening, leave a comment and let me know.
‘Til next time, keep cooking with love and living with grace.
— Auntie
