Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Introduction
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy days. Tender slices of beef cooked slowly in a savory sauce, paired with fresh broccoli, create a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. beef chuck roast (sliced thinly across the grain)
- 1 cup beef stock (or beef broth)
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp. dried ground ginger (or 1 Tbsp. fresh grated)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 12 oz. broccoli florets (about 3 cups)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk together the beef stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ground ginger.
- Step 2: Lay the sliced beef at the bottom of the slow cooker and pour the sauce over top. Mix the beef slices with the sauce to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours, until the beef is cooked through and tender.
- Step 4: Remove ¼ cup of the sauce from the slow cooker and whisk it together with the cornstarch until smooth. Pour the mixture back into the slow cooker and stir. Add the broccoli florets, then cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Step 5: Serve hot with your preferred side, such as steamed rice or noodles.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the beef in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Swap broccoli for other vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers to vary the dish.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch dissolved in cold water during the last step.
- Use fresh ginger instead of ground for a brighter, more aromatic taste.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like flank steak or sirloin, but make sure to slice them thinly across the grain for tenderness. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
How can I prevent the broccoli from getting mushy?
Adding the broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking helps keep it tender yet crisp. Avoid cooking it too long and test for doneness before serving.
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Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes (or 5 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes on low)
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Description
A savory and tender Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe featuring thinly sliced beef chuck roast cooked in a flavorful sauce made from beef stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. This dish is slow-cooked to perfection, then thickened with cornstarch and combined with fresh broccoli florets for a comforting and easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 2 lbs. beef chuck roast, sliced thinly across the grain
- 1 cup beef stock (or beef broth)
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. dried ground ginger (or 1 Tbsp. fresh grated ginger)
Thickening and Vegetables
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 12 oz. broccoli florets (about 3 cups)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk together the beef stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ground ginger until fully combined and smooth.
- Layer beef and sauce: Lay the thinly sliced beef at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef, then mix gently to ensure all beef slices are coated with the sauce.
- Slow cook the beef: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, until the beef is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken sauce and add broccoli: Remove ¼ cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker and whisk it together with the cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the slow cooker and stir well. Add the broccoli florets, then continue cooking on HIGH for 30 minutes or until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened to a desirable consistency.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the beef and broccoli hot with your choice of sides such as steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Be sure to slice the beef thinly across the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Adjust the brown sugar quantity to balance sweetness to your preference.
- Using fresh ginger instead of dried gives a brighter flavor but dried ginger works well too.
- For gluten-free option, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
- You can add more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for variety.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (or 5-6 hours on low)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Keywords: slow cooker beef and broccoli, slow cooker recipe, beef and broccoli, easy slow cooker dinner, Asian-inspired beef recipe
