why make this recipe
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a simple and delicious dish that combines tender beef with crisp broccoli in a savory sauce. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. Plus, it’s a healthy option that brings together protein and vegetables in one satisfying meal.
how to make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
Directions:
- In a slow cooker, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic.
- Add the sliced flank steak to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for about 4-5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine.
- Continue to cook until the broccoli is tender.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles, and enjoy!
how to serve Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Serve Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli over steamed rice or noodles. This dish is rich in flavor, so a plain base like white rice or egg noodles works very well. You can also garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
how to store Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove until it’s heated through.
tips to make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
- Make sure to slice the flank steak against the grain for a more tender bite.
- You can add more vegetables, like bell peppers or snap peas, for extra nutrition and flavor.
- For a thicker sauce, you can mix a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) and add it to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
variation
If you want a different flavor, you can substitute beef with chicken or tofu. You can also try adding a splash of chili sauce for some heat or use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but add it during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy. -
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Then, just transfer everything to the slow cooker in the morning. -
What can I serve with Beef and Broccoli?
It pairs well with rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a healthier option. You can also add a side salad to round out the meal.
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- In a slow cooker, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic.
- Add the sliced flank steak to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for about 4-5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine.
- Continue to cook until the broccoli is tender.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnishing with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.