Looking for a delicious, healthy, and hassle-free dinner option? This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe is your answer! It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal, delivering tender beef and perfectly cooked broccoli bathed in a savory Asian-inspired sauce. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly and much healthier than takeout. Get ready to enjoy restaurant-quality beef and broccoli in the comfort of your own home!
What is Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli?
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a simplified and incredibly convenient take on the classic Chinese takeout dish. This recipe involves slow-cooking tender cuts of beef in a rich, flavorful sauce along with fresh broccoli, resulting in a satisfying and nutritious meal. Unlike stir-frying, which requires constant attention, this slow cooker version allows you to simply toss everything in, set the timer, and walk away.
The low, slow cooking process tenderizes the beef to perfection and infuses it with the taste of the delicious sauce. This method is not only easy but also economical, as it often utilizes cheaper cuts of beef that become incredibly tender through slow cooking. Ready to ditch the takeout menu and embrace a healthier, more affordable, and equally delicious alternative? Give this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe a try, you won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli:
- Beef: 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes. Trim excess fat for a leaner dish.
- Broccoli: 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen. If using frozen, no need to thaw.
- Soy Sauce: ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce. This forms the base of the savory sauce.
- Brown Sugar: ¼ cup packed brown sugar. Adds sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
- Beef Broth: ½ cup beef broth. Provides moisture and enhances beef flavor.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Adds nutty aroma and authentic Asian flavor.
- Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced. Essential for that classic garlic flavor.
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced. Adds a warm and subtle spice.
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Used to thicken the sauce at the end.
- Water: 2 tablespoons cold water. Mixed with cornstarch to make a slurry.
- Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional), for a touch of heat.
- Green Onions: 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish.
- Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish. Cooked White Rice For Serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli:
This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is incredibly easy to make, offering a delicious dinner with minimal effort. It’s a simple recipe where you combine beef, broccoli, and a flavorful Asian-inspired sauce in your slow cooker.
In about 4-6 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low, the beef becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. The total prep time is around 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The result is a satisfying meal that rivals takeout, but is significantly healthier and more economical.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes. Trim off any excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In the slow cooker, combine the beef cubes, soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Mix Well: Stir the ingredients together to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the beef is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Add Broccoli: During the last 30 minutes of cooking add broccoli florets.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry.
- Add Cornstarch Slurry: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir well.
- Cook on High: Turn the slow cooker to high heat and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent clumping.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli hot over cooked white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli:
This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The main highlight is undoubtedly the incredibly tender and flavorful beef, achieved through the slow cooking process that tenderizes even tougher cuts. Forget expensive takeout, making this dish at home is a smart choice that saves you money without sacrificing taste. Plus, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier meal for you and your family.
The finishing touch of fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds adds a burst of freshness and texture, elevating the dish to restaurant-quality. If you love the ease of a slow cooker, you might also enjoy a Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe, another comforting and effortless meal. Try making this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli tonight – you won’t be disappointed.
What to Serve Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli With:
To complement this flavorful Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, consider serving it with:
- Steamed White Rice: A classic pairing to soak up the savory sauce.
- Brown Rice: For a healthier, nutty-flavored alternative to white rice.
- Quinoa: A protein-packed option that adds a different texture.
- Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: A crispy appetizer to start the meal.
- Dumplings: Pan-fried or steamed dumplings add variety, such as potstickers or gyozas.
Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli:
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking, as its marbling renders into tender, flavorful meat. Avoid leaner cuts like sirloin, which can become dry.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent It becomes mushy and overly well-done.
- Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch slurry. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more beef broth.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce is Key: Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the dish and prevents it from becoming overly salty.
- Add Heat to Your Liking: You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness in the dish.
- Ginger substitution* Ground ginger can be substitute in equal ammounts when out of the fresh version. or 1/2 tsp of ginger powder per 1 tblsp of fresh ginger.
5 Facts about Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli:
- Healthier Takeout: Homemade version contains less additives and sodium than takeout, providing complete control over the ingredients.
- Economical Beef: Tougher cuts of beef makes them tender and delicious, making it more affordable for the wallet.
- Long history: Beef And Broccoli dish has been around for decades.
- Easy Meal Prep: You only spend minimal time to pre the dish.
- Nutrient-rich addition: Providing fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Refrigerate: Allow the Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, transfer the cooled Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat the Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through, stirring halfway through.
- Slow Cooker: For larger quantities, you can reheat the Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours, or until heated through.
Final Thoughts:
This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is the answer to quick, delicious, and budget-friendly meals. It truly delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The tender beef, flavorful sauce, and perfectly cooked broccoli come together in a satisfying dish that perfectly complements any side. So gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and enjoy a stress-free weeknight dinner that everyone will love!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli FAQs:
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. There is no need to thaw it before adding it to the slow cooker. This also prevents becoming mushy.
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: While chuck roast is ideal, you can use other cuts like brisket or stew meat, but adjust cooking time accordingly. These cuts will provide similar results with extended slow cooking.
Q: Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
A: I don’t have a slow cooker
A: While it is possible, it will require constant attention to maintain the flavor and tenderness.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas would be great additions. Add them during the last hour of cooking.
Q: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: Add more red pepper flakes to the slow cooker at the beginning of the cooking process.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of normal soy sauce!