Description
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp sesame oil
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tbsp ginger (grated)
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup water
4 cups fresh broccoli florets (steamed)
Optional: diced bell peppers for extra flavor
Directions
Prepare the sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
Assemble in the slow cooker:
Place the beef pieces in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top. Stir to coat evenly.
Cook low and slow:
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
Thicken the sauce:
Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
Add the broccoli:
Steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp and stir them into the beef just before serving.
Serve & enjoy:
Pair with steamed rice or noodles for the perfect comforting meal!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 350 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results every time. First, ensure your beef stew meat is cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar is fully dissolved. Place the beef in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it, stirring to ensure every piece is coated. Cover and cook according to your schedule: LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. While the sauce thickens, steam your broccoli florets (and optional bell peppers) until tender-crisp. Gently fold the steamed vegetables into the slow cooker mixture just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with several sides. For a classic presentation, serve it over a bed of steamed white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Alternatively, try it with lo mein or udon noodles for a different texture. Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat and color. A simple side of cucumber salad or egg rolls can complete the meal, making it feel like a restaurant-quality dinner at home.
How-to Summary
To summarize: 1) Whisk sauce ingredients. 2) Coat beef in sauce in the slow cooker. 3) Cook on LOW 6-7 hrs or HIGH 3-4 hrs. 4) Thicken sauce with a cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes. 5) Stir in steamed broccoli just before serving over rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, while stew meat is ideal, you can use chuck roast or flank steak cut against the grain. Thinner cuts like flank steak will require less cooking time.
Can I add the broccoli directly to the slow cooker? It’s not recommended. Adding broccoli at the beginning will result in mushy, overcooked broccoli. Steaming separately preserves its color and texture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Easily! Substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dish in advance? Absolutely. You can whisk the sauce and cut the beef the night before. Store them separately in the fridge, then combine in the slow cooker in the morning.
How should I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best flavor and texture. Do not skip the step of creating a cornstarch slurry with cold water; adding dry cornstarch directly will cause lumps. Resist the urge to add the raw broccoli at the start of cooking, as it will become unpleasantly soft. Do not lift the lid frequently during cooking, as this releases heat and significantly increases cooking time. Finally, ensure you use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness of the final dish.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is a reliable, flavorful, and effortless path to a satisfying dinner. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can master a dish that rivals takeout, with the added comfort of knowing exactly what’s in your meal. It’s a versatile foundation perfect for busy weeknights, yielding tender beef and crisp broccoli in a rich, savory-sweet sauce that the whole family will love.