If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying, this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is the perfect option. This dish combines tender strips of beef with the vibrant crunch of broccoli, all simmered in a savory sauce that’s packed with umami flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food that you can set and forget, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or even casual weekend dinners.
Simple Yet Flavorful Beef and Broccoli
Slow cooking is one of the easiest ways to ensure that beef comes out tender and juicy. As the beef simmers in the slow cooker, it absorbs all the rich, savory flavors of the sauce, creating a dish that’s flavorful without much effort. The broccoli, added toward the end of cooking, remains crisp-tender, providing a fresh contrast to the beef.
What makes this recipe even more appealing is how adaptable it is. You can easily adjust the flavors to suit your taste by adding more or less of the ingredients in the sauce. Plus, this dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, making it a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli will become a favorite. With minimal prep time and the slow cooker doing most of the work, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready to enjoy with your family.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients that work together to create the perfect balance of flavors. Here’s everything you’ll need:
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Beef – Use flank steak or sirloin for this recipe. These cuts of beef are tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce well.
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Broccoli – Fresh broccoli florets are ideal for this dish. They hold up well in the slow cooker and retain a nice texture without becoming mushy.
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Soy Sauce – A key ingredient for that deep umami flavor. You can use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to control the salt levels.
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Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves, minced, bring an aromatic depth to the sauce.
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Ginger – Fresh ginger adds a fragrant, zesty note to balance the richness of the beef.
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Brown Sugar – Adds a slight sweetness to counteract the savory flavors of the soy sauce and beef.
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Cornstarch – This is used to thicken the sauce towards the end of cooking, giving it a glossy, velvety texture.
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Beef Broth – A little beef broth helps create the base of the sauce and enhances the beef’s flavor.
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Sesame Oil – Adds a slight nuttiness and depth of flavor to the dish.
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Green Onions (optional) – Garnish with chopped green onions for added color and a subtle fresh bite.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
This dish is incredibly simple to make, requiring just a few basic steps to bring everything together. Here’s how to prepare it:
Step 1:
Start by slicing the beef into thin strips, about ¼ inch thick. This will help the beef cook quickly and absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
Step 2:
Place the beef strips into the slow cooker. Add the soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, and beef broth. Stir everything together to coat the beef evenly.
Step 3:
Set your slow cooker to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, depending on your available time. The beef will become tender and infused with the savory sauce.
Step 4:
Once the beef is tender, whisk the cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well to thicken the sauce.
Step 5:
Add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker and stir them in with the beef. Cover and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes on low or until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.
Step 6:
Once the broccoli is done, give everything a final stir. Serve the beef and broccoli over steamed rice or noodles, and garnish with green onions for an added pop of freshness.
Enjoy this delicious, effortless dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
How Long to Cook Beef and Broccoli
Cooking times for beef and broccoli in the slow cooker can vary depending on the thickness of the beef and your slow cooker model. Here are some general guidelines for perfect results:
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Low Setting – Cook for 4-5 hours. This allows the beef to become tender and soak up all the flavors from the sauce, while the broccoli stays crisp-tender when added at the end.
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High Setting – Cook for 2-3 hours. If you’re short on time, the high setting will work well, but keep an eye on the beef to ensure it doesn’t become overcooked.
Be sure to check the beef with a fork to make sure it’s tender, and check the broccoli to ensure it hasn’t become mushy. The broccoli should be cooked through but still bright green and slightly crisp.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, storing them properly ensures you can enjoy this dish later. Here’s how to store your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli:
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Refrigerator – Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
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Freezer – You can freeze the beef and broccoli for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container or freezer bag. Store for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips for Perfect Beef and Broccoli
Here are a few tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli turns out perfectly every time:
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Use the Right Cut of Beef – Flank steak or sirloin are best for slow cooking because they’re tender and flavorful. Avoid tougher cuts like chuck roast, as they may not yield the same melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Thicken the Sauce to Your Liking – If the sauce is too thin, simply whisk in a little more cornstarch slurry. For a thinner sauce, you can add a bit more beef broth.
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Don’t Overcook the Broccoli – Add the broccoli toward the end of cooking to keep it crisp-tender. Overcooking will result in mushy broccoli.
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Adjust Seasonings – Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt and sweetness if necessary. If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
By following these simple tips, you’ll have a delicious, flavorful dish that’s perfect every time. Enjoy your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different vegetable instead of broccoli?
Yes, you can replace the broccoli with other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or green beans. However, keep in mind that the cooking times will vary depending on the vegetable. For best results, add the vegetables towards the end of the cooking time to keep them crisp.
2. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this dish on the stovetop. To do so, cook the beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, then add the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and beef broth. Simmer the beef until tender, then add the broccoli and cook until it’s tender but still vibrant green.
3. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
While fresh broccoli yields the best texture, you can use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have on hand. Keep in mind that frozen broccoli may become softer when cooked, so you’ll want to add it toward the very end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
4. How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, try incorporating red pepper flakes, a splash of hot sauce, or some finely chopped chili peppers into the sauce. Adjust the spice level to your liking for the perfect balance of heat and flavor.
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is the ultimate easy and flavorful dish, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting meal. Tender beef simmers in a savory sauce, and the broccoli retains its fresh crunch. It’s an all-around satisfying dish, and best of all, it’s made effortlessly in the slow cooker!
Ingredients
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1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
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4 cups broccoli florets
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1/2 cup beef broth
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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2 tablespoons cold water
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Green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Slice the beef into thin strips and place it in the slow cooker.
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Add the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
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Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.
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Whisk cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
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Add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker and stir. Cover and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
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Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with green onions, if desired.
Notes
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For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped almonds or sesame seeds on top before serving.
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This dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated.
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For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)