Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

INTRODUCTION

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a delightful dish that combines tender beef, fresh broccoli, and a flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect for busy families or anyone who loves to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. With the help of a slow cooker, you can set it up and let it do the work for you. The result is a hearty and savory meal that will please everyone at the table.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

One of the reasons you will love this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is how simple it is to prepare. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, cooking doesn’t get much easier than this. The slow cooker takes care of the timing, ensuring your beef is tender while the flavors meld together beautifully.

Additionally, the taste is amazing! The combination of savory soy sauce, fragrant garlic, and sweet brown sugar creates a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef and broccoli. Serving this dish over rice makes it a complete meal that is both satisfying and delicious.

Finally, this recipe is versatile. You can adjust the flavors to suit your taste. Want it sweeter? Add more brown sugar. Prefer a bolder flavor? A splash of extra soy sauce will do the trick. This dish can easily be customized to fit your family’s preferences.

HOW TO MAKE Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Making Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is straightforward. You just need to follow a few simple steps. Below, we lay out everything you need to know to whip up this delicious meal in no time.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Ladle
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 1/2 lbs beef chuck, sliced into thin strips
• 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth or consomme
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil
• 1/3 cup dark-brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start by adding the sliced beef and onion to the slow cooker. Be sure to spread them out evenly.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Pour the sauce over the beef and onions in the slow cooker. Ensure everything is well coated.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours. The beef should be cooked through and tender.
5. Once the beef is ready, ladle out 1/4 cup of the broth and mix it with the cornstarch to make a slurry. Stir gently to avoid lumps.
6. Return the cornstarch mixture to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
7. Add the broccoli to the slow cooker. Cover it and increase the heat to high. Cook for an additional 20 minutes or until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened.
8. Remove the onion pieces if preferred. Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

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HOW TO SERVE Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Serving Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is easy. Once it’s done, you can serve it directly from the slow cooker. Fluff some rice on each plate and spoon the beef and broccoli mixture over it. This meal is great for family dinners or even for meal prep for the week!

Consider providing extra sesame seeds or chili flakes on the side for those who like a little more texture or heat. Keeping it simple lets the lovely flavors shine through.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

After enjoying this delicious meal, you might have some leftovers. Storing them properly will ensure you can enjoy them later. Place the cooled Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.

If you want to freeze it, make sure to use a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, simply defrost it in the refrigerator overnight or use a microwave for quick reheating.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli pairs wonderfully with white rice or brown rice. You could also serve it with quinoa or even noodles for a different twist.

For a complete meal, think about adding side dishes like:

• Steamed rice or cauliflower rice
• Simple salad with sesame dressing
• Egg rolls or dumplings

Adding these sides will create a well-rounded meal everyone will love!

VARIATIONS

This recipe is very flexible! Here are a few ideas if you want to change things up:

• Chicken Version: Swap the beef with boneless chicken thighs or breasts for a lighter option.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with mushrooms or tofu, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the slow cooker for added nutrition.
• Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to give it a bit of heat.

FAQs

Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it might take longer for the slow cooker to cook it thoroughly. Just ensure the beef is sliced thinly for even cooking.

Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables. Just be mindful that they may require different cooking times.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Check the labels on your beef broth as well.

How can I thicken the sauce more?

If you want a thicker sauce, you can add more cornstarch slurry or let it cook uncovered on high heat for a little longer to reduce the sauce.

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MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

If you want to prepare ahead of time, you can slice the beef and onions the night before. Store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. You can also mix the sauce ingredients in advance and keep them in the fridge. This will save you time on the day you plan to cook.

With these easy steps, making Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli can become a quick and delightful go-to meal for you and your family! Enjoy your cooking!

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