If you’re looking for a flavorful and effortless dish to prepare, Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a fantastic choice. This recipe combines tender strips of beef with crisp broccoli in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Perfectly suited for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this dish pairs beautifully with white rice and is easy to make using a slow cooker. Here’s how to prepare it from scratch.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck roast, sliced into thin strips: Beef chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked over a long period. Ensure the strips are thin for quick and even cooking.
- 1 cup beef broth: This adds depth of flavor and helps to create the sauce for the dish.
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the sauce. Using low sodium soy sauce helps control the salt content.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic flavor to the beef and sauce.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Provides a nutty flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons water: To mix with the cornstarch and form a slurry.
- 4 cups broccoli florets: Adds a crisp, fresh texture and balances the richness of the beef.
- Cooked white rice, for serving: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Optional garnish: Toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and flavor.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
- Slice the Beef: Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck roast and slice it into thin strips. This helps the beef cook quickly and evenly in the slow cooker.
- Sear the Beef (Optional): For additional flavor, you can sear the beef strips in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is optional but recommended for a deeper flavor.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Stir until the brown sugar is dissolved.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Pour the mixture over the beef strips in the slow cooker. Drizzle the sesame oil on top for extra flavor.
3. Cook the Beef
- Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and fully cooked.
- Check the Beef: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, check the beef for tenderness. It should be easy to shred with a fork.
4. Prepare the Broccoli
- Prepare the Broccoli: While the beef is cooking, wash and cut the broccoli into florets.
- Add to Slow Cooker: About 30 minutes before the beef is done, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker. The broccoli should be tender but still crisp.
5. Thicken the Sauce
- Make the Slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Add Slurry to Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
6. Serve
- Prepare the Rice: Cook the white rice according to package instructions.
- Serve: Spoon the beef and broccoli over the cooked rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
- Use Tender Cuts of Beef: Beef chuck roast is ideal, but you can also use flank steak or sirloin. Just ensure it’s sliced thinly for optimal texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more cornstarch slurry as needed. For a thinner sauce, reduce the amount of cornstarch.
- Broccoli Cooking Time: Add the broccoli later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking. It should be added just in time to remain crisp-tender.
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a delightful and convenient meal that delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures. The slow cooker does all the work, making it an ideal dish for busy days. Serve it over white rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a complete and delicious meal. Enjoy the comforting combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory sauce that makes this dish a family favorite.
