Imagine coming home after a long day to the mouthwatering aroma of tender beef simmering away in your slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, delivering a deliciously savory dish that the whole family will love. With minimal prep work, this dish packs a punch of flavor that rivals your favorite takeout without the guilt. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe special and how you can bring it to life in your kitchen.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli stands out because of its tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef combined with vibrant broccoli florets, all mellowed out in a rich sauce. The slow cooking process infuses the beef with flavor, while the broccoli retains its bright color and crunch. Plus, it’s an easy, one-pot meal that requires little hands-on time, making it perfect for busy evenings.
What’s in the Bowl
To create this delightful dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you will be adding to your slow cooker:
- 1 pound boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen broccoli florets (about 3 cups)
Equipment at a Glance
You won’t need much to whip up this dish. Here are the essentials:
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe.
- Cutting Board: For slicing your beef.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting the beef easier.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure your ingredients accurately.
- Whisk: For mixing the sauce ingredients.
Step-by-Step: Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing the boneless beef chuck roast into 1-inch strips. This size allows for quick cooking and ensures that the beef remains tender.
Step 2: Create the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium beef broth, low-sodium soy sauce, dark brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. This mixture will be the flavorful base for your beef and broccoli.
Step 3: Combine in the Slow Cooker
Place the sliced beef in the slow cooker, then pour the sauce over the beef. Stir to ensure that all the pieces are well coated.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer the beef cooks, the more tender it will become.
Step 5: Add the Broccoli
About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen broccoli florets directly to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and cover again to let the broccoli steam and cook through.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker about 15 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the beef is fork-tender and the broccoli is bright green, it’s time to serve. Enjoy your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles, and savor the deliciousness.
Allergy-Friendly Swaps
If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, here are some easy swaps you can make:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Low-Sugar: Substitute the dark brown sugar with a low-calorie sweetener.
- Vegetarian: Swap the beef for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce to control sodium levels.
Things That Go Wrong
Even the best cooks encounter hiccups. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Beef is Tough: This can happen if the beef isn’t cooked long enough. Always ensure you cook it for the full time recommended.
- Too Salty: If you find the dish too salty, consider using less soy sauce next time or balancing it with a bit more sugar.
- Broccoli is Mushy: Avoid overcooking the broccoli by adding it later in the cooking process, as directed.
- Thick Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up.
Make-Ahead & Storage
This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is perfect for meal prep. Here’s how you can make it ahead and store it:
You can prepare the beef and sauce the night before and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply add everything to the slow cooker and set it to cook. Once cooked, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through.
Reader Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh broccoli, add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure it doesn’t become too soft.
Can I substitute another type of meat?
Yes! You can use flank steak or sirloin instead of chuck roast. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. You could also serve it with a side of sautéed vegetables for extra crunch.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just make sure to cool the dish completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Cook This Next
If you enjoyed this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, you might also love these recipes:
- Sweet Soy Garlic Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry
- Spicy Thai Basil Beef With Jasmine Rice
- Sticky Honey Soy Salmon Rice Bowls
Next Steps
Now that you have a delicious recipe for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, gather your ingredients and get cooking! With a little bit of prep, you can have a wholesome meal that satisfies your cravings and impresses your family.
This recipe is not just about the incredible flavors but also the ease of preparation. You’ll find that with each bite, the tenderness of the beef combined with the crunch of the broccoli creates a delightful experience on your palate. So, roll up your sleeves, set your slow cooker, and let the magic happen. Happy cooking!
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Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by slicing the boneless beef chuck roast into 1-inch strips. This size allows for quick cooking and ensures that the beef remains tender.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium beef broth, low-sodium soy sauce, dark brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. This mixture will be the flavorful base for your beef and broccoli.
- Place the sliced beef in the slow cooker, then pour the sauce over the beef. Stir to ensure that all the pieces are well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer the beef cooks, the more tender it will become.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen broccoli florets directly to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and cover again to let the broccoli steam and cook through.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker about 15 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.
- Once the beef is fork-tender and the broccoli is bright green, it’s time to serve. Enjoy your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles, and savor the deliciousness.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months; ensure they are cooled before freezing.
