Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Introduction
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender slices of beef simmer in a savory sauce, paired with fresh broccoli for a classic takeout favorite made easy at home.
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 until well combined.
- Step 2: Place the sliced beef in the bottom of the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it, mixing gently to coat all the beef slices.
- Step 3: Cook on HIGH for 3 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours, until the beef is tender and cooked through.
- Step 4: Remove ¼ cup of the cooking sauce and whisk it with the cornstarch. Pour this mixture back into the slow cooker and stir well. 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 the beef and broccoli hot with your choice of sides like steamed rice or noodles.
Tips & Variations
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your beef stock is gluten-free.
- To add more flavor, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top before serving.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, stir in a little chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes with the sauce ingredients.
- Slice the beef very thinly to ensure it cooks quickly and stays tender in the slow cooker.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. This dish does not freeze well as the broccoli can become mushy.
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 chuck roast is preferred for its flavor and tenderness after slow cooking.
Can I cook the broccoli longer for softer texture?
Yes, you can extend the broccoli cooking time a bit, but cooking it too long may cause it to become mushy. Check frequently to reach your desired tenderness.
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Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe offers tender, flavorful beef chuck roast cooked slowly in a savory, sweet sauce with fresh broccoli florets. It’s an easy, hearty meal perfect for busy days that delivers classic Asian-inspired flavors with minimal effort.
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 & Vegetables
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 12 oz. broccoli florets (about 3 cups)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk together beef stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ground ginger until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Arrange beef and add sauce: Lay the sliced beef evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and stir to ensure the beef slices are fully coated in the sauce.
- Slow cook the beef: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or on LOW for 5-6 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 to make a slurry. Pour this mixture back into the slow cooker, then add the broccoli florets. Stir gently to combine.
- Finish cooking: Cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened to a glossy consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the beef and broccoli onto plates and serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For best results, slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Adjust the brown sugar to taste for a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
- You can substitute beef chuck roast with flank steak or sirloin if desired.
- Broccoli can be replaced or complemented with other vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 6.5 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Keywords: slow cooker beef and broccoli, crockpot beef broccoli, easy beef broccoli recipe, slow cooker Asian beef, tender beef recipe
