This slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a perfect dinner option. The beef cooks to tender perfection in a rich, savory sauce, and the dish is rounded off with broccoli, creating a satisfying meal over rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Effortless: With minimal prep, the slow cooker handles most of the work.
- Flavorful: Soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar infuse the dish with deep, rich flavors.
- Family-friendly: Perfect for weeknight dinners, with simple ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Beef chuck roast: 1½ pounds, sliced into thin strips.
- Beef broth: 1 cup for rich flavor and moisture.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: ½ cup, provides a savory base.
- Dark brown sugar: ⅓ cup, balances the savory with sweetness.
- Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon, adds a nutty undertone.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced for aromatic depth.
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons, to thicken the sauce.
- Frozen broccoli florets: 3 cups, for a healthy vegetable boost.
- Cooked rice: Serve the beef and broccoli over white or brown rice.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic.
- Add to slow cooker: Place the sliced beef into the slow cooker, pouring the sauce mixture over the beef. Toss to coat evenly.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 5-6 hours until the beef is tender.
- Thicken the sauce: Mix 4 tablespoons of the sauce with cornstarch in a small bowl, then stir this slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes.
- Add broccoli: In the final 30 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli to heat through. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy broccoli.
- Serve: Enjoy the beef and broccoli over rice for a complete meal.
Helpful Tips:
- Broccoli: For firmer broccoli, steam fresh florets for a few minutes before adding to the slow cooker.
- Don’t overcook: Keep an eye on the beef after 5 hours to prevent it from shredding.
- Cornstarch slurry: Adding the slurry at the end ensures the sauce thickens perfectly.
Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian American
Notes:
- You can substitute frozen broccoli with fresh if desired. Just cook it for less time to avoid over-softening.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh broccoli?
Yes, for a firmer texture, steam the broccoli slightly before adding it to the slow cooker.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Store in an airtight container for up to 4 months. Reheat after thawing in the refrigerator.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 4 months. Thaw and reheat on the stove or microwave.
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Conclusion:
This slow cooker beef and broccoli is an easy and satisfying meal that delivers rich, bold flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a great dish to add to your meal rotation!
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Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Description
This slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a perfect dinner option. The beef cooks to tender perfection in a rich, savory sauce, and the dish is rounded off with broccoli, creating a satisfying meal over rice.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck roast: 1½ pounds, sliced into thin strips.
- Beef broth: 1 cup for rich flavor and moisture.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: ½ cup, provides a savory base.
- Dark brown sugar: ⅓ cup, balances the savory with sweetness.
- Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon, adds a nutty undertone.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced for aromatic depth.
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons, to thicken the sauce.
- Frozen broccoli florets: 3 cups, for a healthy vegetable boost.
- Cooked rice: Serve the beef and broccoli over white or brown rice.
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic.
- Add to slow cooker: Place the sliced beef into the slow cooker, pouring the sauce mixture over the beef. Toss to coat evenly.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 5-6 hours until the beef is tender.
- Thicken the sauce: Mix 4 tablespoons of the sauce with cornstarch in a small bowl, then stir this slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes.
- Add broccoli: In the final 30 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli to heat through. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy broccoli.
- Serve: Enjoy the beef and broccoli over rice for a complete meal.
Notes
You can substitute frozen broccoli with fresh if desired. Just cook it for less time to avoid over-softening.
