Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a savory, satisfying dish that combines tender beef with vibrant broccoli in a deliciously rich and flavorful sauce. Inspired by classic Chinese takeout, this homemade version brings comfort and ease to the table, all with the convenience of a slow cooker. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you crave something warm, hearty, and nutritious. Let’s dive into making a meal that’s both easy to prepare and sure to impress!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours on low (or 2-3 hours on high)
Ingredients:
For the Beef and Broccoli:
- 1 ½ lbs (680g) beef chuck or flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
- ½ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- ¼ cup brown sugar or honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp sesame oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup water (for thickening)
Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Serving Suggestions:
- Steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined. - Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Place the thinly sliced beef in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the beef, ensuring that each slice is covered. Stir to coat evenly, and add the sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor. - Slow Cook the Beef
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours (or on high for 2-3 hours) until the beef becomes tender and flavorful. - Thicken the Sauce
In the final 30 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth, then stir this mixture into the slow cooker. Cover and cook for the remaining 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the broccoli to become tender-crisp. - Serve
Serve the beef and broccoli over steamed rice or cauliflower rice, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Cooking Tips:
- Choosing the Right Cut of Beef: Chuck roast or flank steak works best for slow cooking as they become incredibly tender and absorb flavors well.
- Slicing the Beef: For easier slicing, freeze the beef for about 15 minutes before cutting; this helps achieve thinner slices.
- Adjusting the Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch with water. For a thinner sauce, reduce the amount of cornstarch.
- Adding Broccoli: For perfectly cooked broccoli, add it towards the end of cooking. If it’s cooked for too long, it can become mushy and lose its bright green color.
Nutritional Benefits:
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is not only comforting but also offers several health benefits:
- High in Protein: The beef provides ample protein, essential for muscle maintenance, immune support, and energy.
- Rich in Fiber and Vitamins: Broccoli is a powerhouse of fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, which promote digestive health, immune support, and cellular protection.
- Iron and Zinc: Beef is a natural source of iron and zinc, which are crucial for immune function, energy production, and cognitive health.
- Healthy Fats: The sesame oil adds a dose of healthy fats and a distinct flavor that enhances the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is perfect for those who love the flavors of takeout without the extra cost or time spent waiting for delivery. The sauce is savory, slightly sweet, and packed with umami, making it incredibly satisfying. By cooking in a slow cooker, you achieve tender beef with minimal effort, and adding fresh broccoli keeps the meal light yet fulfilling. With easy cleanup and a one-pot preparation, this dish is practical and perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap steamed rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates.
- Dairy-Free: Naturally dairy-free, suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
- Nut-Free: Free from nuts, making it safe for those with nut allergies.Additional Nutritional Insights
This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli dish provides several nutritional benefits:
- Protein: Essential for muscle growth and repair, beef offers a high-quality protein source with all the essential amino acids. Protein also helps you stay full longer, making this a satisfying meal.
- Iron: Beef is rich in heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body and supports red blood cell production, aiding in oxygen transport and energy levels.
- Vitamin C and K: Broccoli is packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health, and vitamin K, which is crucial for bone health and blood clotting.
- Fiber: The combination of beef and broccoli provides a fiber boost, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, and supports healthy cholesterol levels.
Why This Recipe Works:
This recipe combines simple ingredients in a way that maximizes flavor and tenderness. The slow cooking process tenderizes the beef while allowing it to absorb the sauce’s rich flavors. Using garlic, ginger, and sesame oil brings depth and warmth to the dish, creating a balanced combination of savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic notes. By adding the broccoli towards the end of cooking, it retains its color and texture, providing a vibrant contrast to the tender beef and thick sauce.
The slow cooker method also makes this recipe ideal for busy days, as you can set it and forget it, knowing a delicious meal is waiting for you by dinnertime. Each bite is a satisfying blend of hearty beef, fresh broccoli, and a savory sauce that coats the ingredients beautifully.
The success of this recipe lies in its combination of low, slow cooking with a rich, flavorful sauce that tenderizes the beef and infuses it with flavor. Slow cooking is perfect for tougher cuts of meat, as the gentle heat breaks down the connective tissues, resulting in juicy, tender beef. Adding broccoli towards the end ensures it retains its bright color and crisp-tender texture, creating a lovely contrast to the soft, flavorful beef.
The sauce is simple yet balanced, with the soy sauce providing umami, the brown sugar or honey adding sweetness, and the garlic, ginger, and sesame oil contributing depth and warmth. These flavors meld beautifully in the slow cooker, enhancing one another to create a sauce that’s savory, slightly sweet, and full of umami.
Conclusion:
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a recipe that offers the best of both convenience and flavor. It’s easy to prepare, rich in nutrition, and versatile enough to fit various dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a low-stress dinner option, a meal-prep staple, or a wholesome takeout alternative, this recipe checks all the boxes. With its tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and savory sauce, this dish is bound to become a family favorite.
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is more than just a quick dinner solution; it’s a hearty, nutritious meal that offers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. This recipe brings out the best in both beef and broccoli, creating a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a takeout alternative, a meal prep option, or a family-friendly dinner, this recipe is a winner.
With its hands-off cooking method, balanced flavor, and nutritional benefits, Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a dish you’ll return to time and time again. Enjoy the ease and aroma of this classic favorite, and feel free to add your personal twist to make it your own!
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Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli: A Comforting, Flavorful Dinner That Practically Cooks Itself
- Total Time: 4hrs 10mins
Description
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a savory, satisfying dish that combines tender beef with vibrant broccoli in a deliciously rich and flavorful sauce. Inspired by classic Chinese takeout, this homemade version brings comfort and ease to the table, all with the convenience of a slow cooker. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you crave something warm, hearty, and nutritious. Let’s dive into making a meal that’s both easy to prepare and sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Beef and Broccoli:
- 1 1/2 lbs (680g) beef chuck or flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp sesame oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water (for thickening)
Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Serving Suggestions:
- Steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined. - Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Place the thinly sliced beef in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the beef, ensuring that each slice is covered. Stir to coat evenly, and add the sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor. - Slow Cook the Beef
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours (or on high for 2-3 hours) until the beef becomes tender and flavorful. - Thicken the Sauce
In the final 30 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth, then stir this mixture into the slow cooker. Cover and cook for the remaining 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the broccoli to become tender-crisp. - Serve
Serve the beef and broccoli over steamed rice or cauliflower rice, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10mins
- Cook Time: 4hrs