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 weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a hearty meal that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Spend less time in the kitchen with straightforward steps.
- Flavorful Sauce: The combination of soy sauce and brown sugar creates a savory-sweet delight.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch for leftovers throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly: A hit among both kids and adults, making dinner time enjoyable.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and prepare your workspace to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, perfect for busy schedules.
- Sharp knife: Ensures precise slicing of beef for even cooking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Guarantees accuracy in ingredient quantities for best results.
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 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)
For the Vegetables
- 4 cups broccoli florets
For the Sauce
- 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
Optional Thickening Agent
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
To Serve
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the beef thinly or cube it if using chuck. Rinse and chop the broccoli into florets.
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: Assemble in Slow Cooker
Place the sliced beef in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the beef, ensuring it is well coated. Add broccoli florets on top.
Step 4: Cook on Low
Cover and cook on low heat for about 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
Step 5: Thicken (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Add it to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Step 6: Serve
Once cooked, serve over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds. Enjoy your flavorful Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Serving Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a delightful experience. This dish pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Over Cooked Rice
- Serve the beef and broccoli over steaming hot cooked rice. The rice absorbs the savory-sweet sauce, making each bite delicious.
With Noodles
- Try serving it with cooked noodles, like lo mein or rice noodles. The combination adds texture and makes for a hearty meal.
Garnish with Sesame Seeds
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving. This adds a nice crunch and visual appeal to your dish.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions can brighten up the dish. Chop them finely and sprinkle on top just before serving for added freshness.
Pair with Egg Rolls
- Serve alongside crispy egg rolls for a delightful contrast in textures. These can be store-bought or homemade for an extra touch.
Include a Side Salad
- A light side salad can balance out the richness of the beef and broccoli. Consider a simple cucumber salad or an Asian-inspired slaw.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, consider these helpful tips.
- Slice beef thinly: Thin slices allow for quicker cooking and more flavor absorption from the sauce.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce: This keeps the dish healthier and allows you to control the saltiness.
- Add vegetables early: For even cooking, add broccoli florets in the last hour of cooking.
- Thicken sauce if desired: Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry if you prefer a thicker sauce.
- Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preferences.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let it sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavors as they meld together.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Choosing the right side dishes can complement your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli beautifully. Below are some great options that pair well with this flavorful entree.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fragrant option that absorbs sauce well; perfect for pairing.
- Garlic Fried Rice: Adds an extra layer of flavor with garlic; easy to prepare in advance.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots; quick to cook.
- Asian Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and crunchy; provides a nice contrast to the savory dish.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with veggies or shrimp; great for dipping in soy sauce.
- Quinoa Salad: A healthy alternative that adds protein; toss with sesame oil for flavor.
- Roasted Cauliflower: Simple yet tasty; roast until golden brown for added depth of flavor.
- Miso Soup: Light soup that complements the main dish while adding warmth to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes people often make and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the Marinade: Failing to marinate the beef can lead to less flavorful results. Take the time to let the beef soak in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Adding too much meat or broccoli can cause uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
- Using High Sodium Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce can make your dish overly salty. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
- Ignoring Cooking Times: Not paying attention to cooking times can result in tough or undercooked beef. Follow recommended time guidelines for tender meat.
- Forgetting About Thickening: If you want a thicker sauce, skipping the cornstarch slurry is a mistake. Mix it with cold water and add it near the end of cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
- Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warm throughout.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring regularly until heated through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli?
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a delicious dish made with tender beef, fresh broccoli, and a savory-sweet sauce, all cooked slowly for optimal flavor.
Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes, while flank steak is ideal, you can substitute with chuck roast or sirloin for different textures and flavors.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How can I customize my Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition and color. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar used.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is an easy way to create a comforting meal that delights everyone at your table. Its versatility allows for various customization options based on your preferences. Give it a try; you won’t regret it!
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Make dinner a breeze with this delicious Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish combines tender beef with crisp broccoli in a savory-sweet sauce that’s sure to please the whole family. With minimal effort, you can create a hearty meal that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles, making it versatile for any table. Enjoy the delightful flavors and textures while savoring a comforting homemade dinner that feels like a treat.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef flank steak (or chuck roast, cubed)
- 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
- Slice the beef thinly or cube if using chuck. Chop the broccoli into florets.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, garlic, and ginger.
- Place sliced beef in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it to coat thoroughly. Add broccoli on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until beef is tender.
- For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water and add to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
