Introduction and Quick Summary

What if a busy weekday could end with the comforting aroma of Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli wafting through your home? Imagine coming home to a perfectly cooked meal that’s not only delicious but also healthy. This dish combines tender slices of beef with vibrant broccoli in a savory sauce that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is the perfect solution for those hectic nights when you want to serve something warm without spending hours in the kitchen. Not only does this recipe deliver on flavor, but it also allows you to enjoy quality time with your loved ones while your slow cooker works its magic. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this beef and broccoli creation will surely become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Effortless Preparation: With minimal prep work required, you can easily toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do all the hard work while you focus on other tasks.
Flavorful Combination: The rich flavors of marinated beef blend perfectly with the crispness of fresh broccoli, creating a delightful contrast that excites your palate.
Health-Conscious Meal: Packed with protein from the beef and nutrients from the broccoli, this dish is both satisfying and nourishing.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or noodles, or enjoy it on its own for a lighter meal; either way, it’s sure to impress.

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Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Beef Flank Steak: Choose about 1.5 pounds of flank steak for its tenderness; slice it thinly against the grain for best results.
Fresh Broccoli: Use one large head of fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while still achieving that umami flavor.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the savory notes; use about two tablespoons.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic enhances flavor significantly; use four minced cloves for robust taste.
Ginger: A teaspoon of freshly grated ginger will add an aromatic spice that complements the dish beautifully.

For the Sauce:

Cornstarch: This helps thicken the sauce; mix two tablespoons with water before adding it to the slow cooker at the end.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch mixed with water until well combined.

Step 2: Slice the Beef

Thinly slice your flank steak against the grain into strips. This step ensures tenderness when cooked.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Place sliced beef in your slow cooker. Pour marinade over the meat ensuring each piece is well coated.

Step 4: Cook on Low

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low heat for about six hours or until the beef is tender.

Step 5: Add Broccoli

About thirty minutes before serving, stir in fresh broccoli florets. Cover again to allow them to steam until bright green and tender.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer to plates over rice or noodles if desired. Drizzle extra sauce on top for added flavor!

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Cutting Technique: Always slice your beef against the grain; this reduces toughness and enhances mouthfeel.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to include additional vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for varied flavors.
Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days; reheating is quick!

Enjoy making this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe! It’s not just about feeding yourself but also about creating delightful memories around food!

Mistakes to avoid

Not Browning the Beef: One common mistake when preparing Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is skipping the browning step for the beef. Browning adds depth and flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste. When you sear the beef in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker, you create a rich crust that locks in juices. This simple step elevates your dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Always take a few extra minutes to brown your meat; the results are worth it!
Using Frozen Broccoli: Another pitfall is using frozen broccoli instead of fresh. While frozen options can be convenient, they often lose their texture and flavor during cooking. To maintain that vibrant crunch and fresh taste, opt for fresh broccoli florets. Add them to the slow cooker towards the end of cooking time, allowing just enough time to soften without becoming mushy. This will ensure your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli remains deliciously vibrant.
Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Overcrowding can compromise cooking efficiency and lead to uneven results. If you stuff too many ingredients into your slow cooker, they may not cook evenly or properly. Instead, adhere to recommended portion sizes and consider cooking in batches if necessary. This ensures that each ingredient cooks thoroughly, allowing flavors to meld beautifully in your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli.

Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture of jasmine rice complements the savory sauce, making each bite delightful.
Egg Noodles: For a heartier option, serve this dish over egg noodles. They absorb the sauce beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor.
Quinoa: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, quinoa offers a nutty flavor that contrasts well with the rich beef and broccoli.

FAQs

What can I substitute for broccoli in Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli?

If you want to switch things up in your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, consider using snap peas, bell peppers, or even bok choy. These vegetables cook well in a slow cooker and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Just chop them into similar sizes as broccoli florets to ensure even cooking. Keep in mind that different vegetables may require varying cooking times, so adjust accordingly to achieve the desired tenderness.

Can I use frozen broccoli in Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe. Frozen vegetables are often blanched before freezing, which helps retain their nutrients. However, add them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from becoming mushy. This approach will keep your dish vibrant and delicious while still saving you prep time.

How long can I store leftovers of Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli?

Leftover Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring all air is removed. It will maintain its quality for about three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave until warmed through.

Can I make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli ahead of time by marinating the beef overnight with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings. In the morning, place everything into your slow cooker and let it do its magic throughout the day. This convenience makes it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for lunches. The flavors will deepen as they cook together, providing an even richer taste.

Conclusion for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

In summary, this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is an easy yet satisfying meal that you can prepare with minimal effort. With simple ingredients like beef strips, fresh broccoli, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, you create a flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Remember that serving suggestions like jasmine rice or quinoa enhance your dining experience significantly. This recipe not only saves time but also allows for flexibility with ingredient substitutions based on what you have at home. Enjoy making this comforting dish that brings together family around the dinner table!

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a delightful and nutritious dish that seamlessly combines tender beef and fresh broccoli in a savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy-to-follow recipe allows you to prepare a comforting meal with minimal effort. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you focus on other tasks. In a few hours, you’ll be welcomed by the mouthwatering aroma of a delicious dinner that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Serve over fluffy rice or noodles for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Author: Mason Recipes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Category: Main
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 pounds beef flank steak
1 large head of fresh broccoli
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with water)

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch mixed with water until combined.
Slice the Beef: Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain into strips.
Combine Ingredients: Place sliced beef in the slow cooker and pour marinade over it, ensuring every piece is coated.
Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low heat for about six hours or until the beef is tender.
Add Broccoli: Stir in fresh broccoli florets thirty minutes before serving; cover to steam until bright green.
Serve: Transfer to plates over rice or noodles if desired, drizzling extra sauce on top.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For enhanced flavor, consider browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. Feel free to add other vegetables such as snap peas or bell peppers for added nutrition. Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers for up to three days.

Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe