Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Growing up, I remember the comforting aroma of Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli wafting through the house on chilly winter evenings. My mom would set it up in the morning, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while we went about our day. By dinner time, the anticipation was palpable as we gathered around the table, bowls ready to be filled. This dish became a family favorite, not only for its rich taste but also for the ease with which it could be prepared. You could come home to a warm meal, irreplaceable and wholesome, making it perfect for any busy weeknight.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

The beauty of the ingredients in Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli lies in their simplicity and the way they complement each other. Each element plays a specific role, contributing to the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

• 1 ½ pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into ¼-inch strips
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ 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)

Recipe Directions for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Making this delightful dish is straightforward and enjoyable. The process is simple, and the rewards are plentiful, filling your home with enticing aromas. Let’s dive into the steps for crafting the perfect Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli.

1. Start by making the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of low-sodium beef broth, ½ cup of low-sodium soy sauce, ⅓ cup of dark brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 3 teaspoons of minced garlic. You want to ensure that the sugar dissolves thoroughly to create a smooth blend.
2. Next, place the 1 ½ pounds of boneless beef chuck roast strips in your 4-7 quart slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the meat, tossing it gently to ensure every piece is coated. This will infuse the meat with a rich flavor as it cooks.
3. Cover and set your slow cooker to LOW, allowing it to cook for 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The exact time will depend on your specific slow cooker, so check for tenderness. The meat should be fork-tender, signaling that it’s ready.
4. About one hour before the cooking time is up, remove ¼ cup of the cooking sauce and whisk it with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture back into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
5. In the final 30 minutes of cooking, add the 1 (12-ounce) bag of frozen broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Gently stir to incorporate the broccoli into the sauce and meat. This will keep the broccoli crisp-tender.
6. For those who prefer softer broccoli, consider partially thawing the florets before adding them or adding them earlier in the cooking process. Cover and continue to cook until the broccoli is done to your liking.
7. Once everything is cooked, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. This adds a lovely visual appeal and enhances the flavor.
8. Serve your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli over fluffy white rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy the warm, hearty flavors!

How to Switch It Up

If you’re looking to mix things up a bit with your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, here are some tips to consider. Each suggestion can add a unique twist to the classic recipe.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce for a spicy variation.
• Different Proteins: Swap out the beef for chicken or tofu for a different flavor and texture profile.

Serving Ideas for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Serving the Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is as fun as preparing it! Here are some ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable:

• Serve Over Rice: A classic option is to serve the dish over white rice, which absorbs the savory sauce beautifully.
• Pair with Noodles: Consider serving it over lo mein or rice noodles for a unique twist.
• Side Dishes: Complement your meal with sides like steamed vegetables, spring rolls, or a fresh salad.
• Casual Gatherings: This dish is perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners when you want something hearty yet easy to prepare.
• Lunch Boxes: The leftovers make great additions to lunch boxes, served cold over salads or reheated.
• Occasions: Ideal for family dinners, game nights, or meal prep for the week ahead.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that make it a standout dish. It’s comforting, easy to prepare, and offers a satisfying meal that everyone will love. I encourage you to give it a try; it’s bound to become a favorite in your home too!

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

The ultimate comfort food, Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is rich, savory, and incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender beef and vibrant broccoli in a luscious sauce that will leave you craving more. Make it tonight for a satisfying meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ pounds beef chuck roast cut into ¼-inch strips
• 1 cup beef broth low-sodium
• ½ cup soy sauce low-sodium
• ⅓ cup brown sugar dark
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 teaspoons minced garlic about 3 cloves
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 12-ounce bag broccoli florets frozen, about 3 cups

Equipment

• Slow Cooker

Method

 

1. Start by making the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of low-sodium beef broth, ½ cup of low-sodium soy sauce, ⅓ cup of dark brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 3 teaspoons of minced garlic.
2. Next, place the 1 ½ pounds of boneless beef chuck roast strips in your slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the meat, tossing it gently to ensure every piece is coated.
3. Cover and set your slow cooker to LOW, allowing it to cook for 2.5 to 3.5 hours until fork-tender.
4. About one hour before the cooking time is up, remove ¼ cup of the cooking sauce and whisk it with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture back into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
5. In the final 30 minutes of cooking, add the 1 (12-ounce) bag of frozen broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Gently stir to incorporate the broccoli into the sauce and meat.
6. Once everything is cooked, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve over rice or noodles.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Tip 2: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Tip 3: Serve with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Tip 4: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce for a spicy variation.
• Tip 5: Swap out the beef for chicken or tofu for a different flavor and texture profile.

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Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.