– **Title**: Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
– 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
– 1/2 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium is preferable)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice, for serving
– Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, sliced green onions
– **Instructions**:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil until well combined.
2. Place the sliced beef in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it. Stir to ensure all pieces are coated.
3. Cover and cook on low for about 5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender.
4. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets on top of the beef and cover the slow cooker to steam them.
5. Once cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to mix the beef and broccoli.
6. Serve hot over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is great for slow cooking, becoming tender as it cooks. You can substitute with flank steak or sirloin if you prefer leaner meat. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add nutrition and color. If you don’t have fresh, frozen broccoli can work too, just add it in the last 20 minutes of cooking to keep it vibrant and not mushy.
Soy Sauce: I recommend low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness, especially if you’re watching your sodium intake. Tamari is a gluten-free option if needed.
Brown Sugar: This gives a nice sweetness and balances flavors. You can swap it for honey or maple syrup, though the taste will slightly change.
Cornstarch: Used for thickening the sauce, you can substitute with arrowroot powder, but you’ll need to mix it in a bit differently. If avoiding starch, consider using a reduction method instead.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Beef Texture?
The goal is tender beef that melts in your mouth. Start by cutting the beef into uniform bite-sized pieces; this helps with even cooking. Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker can enhance the flavor. However, it’s optional if you’re looking for simpler steps!
- For slow cooking, beef chuck is ideal because of its fat content.
- Make sure not to lift the lid while cooking; this lets heat escape and can increase cooking time.
- Let the beef rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving; this helps the juices redistribute.
Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Broccoli and Serving:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in your slow cooker. Perfect for a busy day when you want a delicious meal waiting for you at dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, cornstarch, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed to create a yummy sauce.
2. Prepare the Beef:
Take your cut beef chunks and place them into the slow cooker. Pour the delicious sauce you just made over the beef. Give it a gentle stir to make sure all the meat pieces are covered in the sauce.
3. Cook the Beef:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Let the magic happen until the beef is beautifully tender. Just sit back and smell the wonderful aroma!
4. Add the Broccoli:
When there’s about 30 minutes left of cooking time, toss in the broccoli florets. Gently mix them into the beef and sauce so they can soak up all that flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When cooking is complete, it’s time for the best part! Serve the beef and broccoli over bowls of warm cooked rice. Don’t forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for a delightful touch. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Simply transfer the beef to the fridge overnight or use the cold water method: place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker thaw. Once it’s thawed, cut it into bite-sized pieces and proceed with the recipe!
Can I Substitute the Soy Sauce?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, you can use low-sodium soy sauce. Alternatively, for a gluten-free version, tamari works well. For a different flavor profile, you could substitute half the soy sauce with coconut aminos.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze the beef and broccoli for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of water to the pan to help steam it back to life!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just keep in mind that the cooking times may vary slightly; harder vegetables should be added earlier in the cooking process, while lighter veggies can be added in the last 30 minutes with the broccoli.
