If you’ve been searching for a dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to make, look no further than slow cooker beef and broccoli.
This dish is a perfect balance of tender beef and crisp broccoli, all enveloped in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. It’s one of those meals that seems like it took all day to prepare, but with the magic of the slow cooker, it’s practically hands-off.
When you toss everything into the slow cooker, it’s as if you’re setting up a dinner that practically cooks itself, making this a weeknight favorite.
The beef becomes so tender it falls apart, and the broccoli retains its vibrant color while soaking up all the flavorful sauce. Served over steamed rice or noodles, this dish is comforting and filling, but light enough that it won’t leave you feeling sluggish.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
This dish is a total win in the flavor department, and here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:
- Tender Beef – Slow cooking the beef allows it to become super tender while absorbing all the savory goodness from the sauce.
- Quick Prep, Hands-Off Cooking – With just a bit of prep, you can toss everything in the slow cooker, and the rest is taken care of.
- Perfectly Balanced Sauce – The savory, slightly sweet sauce brings everything together in a way that makes each bite irresistible.
- Healthy and Satisfying – The broccoli adds a fresh crunch, balancing out the richness of the beef and sauce.
- Versatile – This dish is perfect with rice, noodles, or even on its own for a low-carb option.
If you’re looking for a hearty, flavor-packed meal that’s incredibly easy to make, this is the dish that will hit the spot.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Here are the main ingredients you’ll need:
- Beef (Flank Steak or Sirloin) – Tender cuts of beef, like flank steak or sirloin, work best for this dish. They soak up the flavor of the sauce and become super tender when slow-cooked.
- Broccoli – Fresh broccoli adds crispness and balance to the rich sauce. It soaks up the sauce while maintaining its bright green color.
- Soy Sauce – The salty base for the sauce, giving it a savory depth.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness that complements the soy sauce and helps balance the flavors.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic adds a fragrant, savory element to the sauce.
- Ginger – A bit of fresh ginger gives the dish a hint of spice and warmth.
- Cornstarch – Used to thicken the sauce, giving it that glossy, sticky texture that coats the beef and broccoli perfectly.
These simple ingredients create a dish that’s both flavorful and easy to make.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Making this beef and broccoli couldn’t be simpler. Here’s how you do it:
- Prepare the Beef – Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make the Sauce – In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a little cornstarch to create a thick, flavorful sauce.
- Add to Slow Cooker – Place the sliced beef in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it. Stir to coat the beef evenly.
- Cook – Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Add the Broccoli – About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli to the slow cooker, stirring gently. Continue cooking until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
Serve the beef and broccoli over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy the tender beef, crunchy broccoli, and savory sauce in every bite.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
While this dish is delicious on its own, adding a few sides can complete the meal:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Steamed Rice | A simple base that soaks up all the savory sauce. |
| Garlic Noodles | Soft noodles with garlic complement the beef and broccoli perfectly. |
| Asian Cucumber Salad | A light, refreshing side that balances the rich flavors of the stew. |
| Egg Rolls | Crispy, savory egg rolls are a great pairing for an Asian-inspired meal. |
| Stir-Fried Vegetables | A colorful medley of vegetables brings more freshness to the table. |
| Miso Soup | Light and savory, miso soup works well as a starter to a hearty meal. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
This dish is perfect for leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
How to Store Leftovers
- Let the stew cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if needed to loosen up the sauce.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- Slow Cooker: You can also reheat the beef and broccoli in the slow cooker on low for about 1 hour, adding a little extra sauce or water if necessary.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Here are a few tips for perfecting this dish:
- Use tender cuts of beef like flank steak or sirloin. These will cook up tender and soak in the flavor of the sauce.
- Add the broccoli at the right time. If you cook it too long, it may become too soft and lose its bright green color. Add it in the last 30 minutes to keep it crisp and vibrant.
- Adjust the sauce thickness. If you like a thicker sauce, mix a little more cornstarch with water and stir it into the slow cooker toward the end of cooking.
- Serve over your favorite starch. This dish goes great with rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes if you prefer something different.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Fresh broccoli works best because it retains its crispness. If you use frozen broccoli, add it during the last 10 minutes to prevent it from getting too mushy.
2. Can I use another cut of beef?
You can use other cuts like chuck roast or brisket, but make sure to cut the beef into small pieces to ensure it cooks properly.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a dash of chili flakes, sriracha, or hot sauce to the sauce to give it an extra kick.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish makes great leftovers and can be prepped a day ahead. Just store the beef and sauce separately from the broccoli, and combine them before reheating.
5. Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Yes! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even snap peas for extra texture and flavor.
This slow cooker beef and broccoli is a winning recipe that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table.
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Equipment
- Large Skillet For browning beef and sautéing garlic
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the beef and broccoli
- Wooden Spoon For stirring the stew
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast cut into chunks
- 3 medium carrots peeled and sliced
- 4 cups broccoli florets fresh
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup beef broth low sodium
- 1 teaspoon ginger fresh, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for browning beef
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the beef chunks for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onions, garlic, and carrots for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the brown sugar and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the soy sauce, beef broth, and ginger to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker with the beef.
- Add the salt, pepper, and stir everything together. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and cook until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant.
- Serve the beef and broccoli over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy your comforting, flavorful meal!
Notes
- For added flavor, try adding a dash of **sesame oil** or **chili flakes** to spice it up.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix **cornstarch** with water and stir it in toward the end of cooking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with **egg rolls** or **spring rolls** as an appetizer.
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