Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Make easy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli! This simple recipe features tender beef and broccoli in a savory-sweet sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your table with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, ensuring that every bite is packed with deliciousness. Enjoy it over rice for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does the magic.
- Flavorful sauce: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger creates a mouthwatering sauce that enhances the beef and broccoli.
- Healthy option: Loaded with vegetables and lean protein, this dish is a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Versatile serving: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will appreciate this tasty dish, making it great for family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, you’ll need some essential tools that will simplify the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is essential for achieving tender beef and perfectly cooked broccoli without constant supervision.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing the beef easier and safer.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of flavors in your sauce.
Ingredients
Make easy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli! This simple recipe features tender beef and broccoli in a savory-sweet sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs beef flank steak, thinly sliced (Strongly consider substituting 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes for better results with slow cooking)
– 4 cups broccoli florets
– 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup beef broth
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ginger, grated
– 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
– Cooked rice, for serving
– Sesame seeds, for garnish
– (Implied: 1-2 tbsp cold water for cornstarch slurry if using)
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Slice your beef into thin strips or cubes if using chuck. Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water to clean them thoroughly.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until well mixed.
Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker
Place the sliced beef at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour half of the sauce mixture over the beef. Add the broccoli florets on top of the beef layer. Finally, pour the remaining sauce over everything.
Step 4: Cook on Low
Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for about 6–8 hours or high for about 3–4 hours until the beef is tender.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. About 30 minutes before serving, stir this mixture into your slow cooker to thicken up the sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Once cooked, serve hot over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds for an added crunch. Enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Serving Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a delightful experience, as it brings together tender beef and fresh broccoli in a savory-sweet sauce. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
Over Rice
- Serve the beef and broccoli over steamed rice for a hearty and satisfying dish.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a lighter option, scoop the mixture into fresh lettuce leaves for a crunchy wrap.
With Noodles
- Toss the beef and broccoli with cooked noodles for a delicious stir-fry inspired meal.
As a Bowl Meal
- Create a bowl with layers of quinoa, beef, broccoli, and your favorite toppings like sesame seeds or scallions.
On Top of Cauliflower Rice
- For a low-carb alternative, serve the dish over cauliflower rice for added nutrition without the carbs.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, consider these helpful tips:
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Choose the right cut of beef: Use flank steak for tender results or chuck roast for better slow cooking.
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Slice meat thinly: Thin slices allow for quicker cooking and better absorption of flavors.
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Don’t overcook broccoli: Add broccoli in the last hour of cooking to keep it vibrant and crunchy.
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Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving; you can add more soy sauce or sugar based on your preference.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the sauce beautifully.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting base for this dish.
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Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas adds crunch.
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Asian Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad balances out the richness of the beef.
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Egg Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice complements the main dish perfectly.
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Sesame Green Beans: These tender green beans add a nice crunch when lightly sautéed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, avoiding these common mistakes can elevate your dish.
- Using tough cuts of meat: Always choose tender cuts like flank steak or use beef chuck for better results. Tough cuts can result in chewy meat.
- Neglecting to brown the beef: Searing the beef before slow cooking enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Overcooking the broccoli: Add broccoli during the last hour of cooking to keep it vibrant and crisp. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy.
- Skipping the sauce thickening step: If you desire a thicker sauce, don’t forget to make a cornstarch slurry for added texture. This is key for a rich finish.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Taste your dish before serving. Adjust soy sauce or sugar to suit your taste preferences.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
- Freeze in a sturdy container or freezer bag.
- Best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed throughout, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cut of beef for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli?
Flank steak is ideal due to its tenderness, but beef chuck also works well if cut into cubes.
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it during the last hour of cooking.
How can I adjust the sweetness in Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli?
You can reduce the brown sugar amount or substitute with honey or maple syrup for different flavors.
Is Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce as your base ingredient.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is not only a delicious meal but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding other vegetables or adjusting the sauce’s sweetness. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a comforting and delicious dish that brings the flavors of your favorite Asian restaurant straight to your home. This easy recipe features tender strips of beef and fresh broccoli enveloped in a savory-sweet sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. With minimal effort required, you can set this meal to cook while you go about your day. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that pleases both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef flank steak (or beef chuck)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- Optional: 1 tbsp cornstarch for thickening
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by slicing the beef into thin strips and rinsing the broccoli.
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, garlic, and ginger; mix well.
- Layer sliced beef in the slow cooker, pour half of the sauce over it, then add broccoli on top followed by the remaining sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until beef is tender.
- For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir in about 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
