Enjoy the rich and savory flavors of Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef, a simple yet delicious dish perfect for any night of the week. Tender slices of beef, cooked to perfection in a flavorful sauce, combined with fresh broccoli, make this a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak, thinly sliced and chopped into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup beef broth
- ⅔ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons cold water
Directions:
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Grease the inside of a slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the steak, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and chili flakes to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours.
- Thicken Sauce: Minutes before serving, uncover the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until dissolved. Add this mixture to the slow cooker and stir. Cover and allow to cook for another 20-25 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Prepare Broccoli: Just before serving, place the broccoli in a large container, fill with ½ inch of water, and place the lid on in an offset manner to vent. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Drain, then stir the broccoli into the slow cooker.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
- Servings: 4
Serving and Storage Tips:
Once you’ve prepared your delicious Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef, here are some tips to enhance your serving experience and ensure leftovers stay fresh:
- Garnish for Flavor: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top just before serving to add a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the savory sauce. A side of steamed edamame or a simple cucumber salad complements the dish nicely.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce if needed.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring all air is removed to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Meal Prep: Consider doubling the recipe and freezing half for a quick and easy meal another day. It’s a time-saving strategy that ensures you always have a hearty meal ready to go.
By following these tips, you can make the most out of your Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef, whether serving it fresh or storing it for later enjoyment. Enjoy the convenience and delicious flavors of this comforting dish!
Variations:
Here are some creative ways to customize your Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef recipe to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the flank steak with extra-firm tofu or seitan. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. Follow the same cooking instructions, adjusting cooking times as needed for tofu or seitan.
- Spicy Twist: Increase the heat by adding more red chili flakes or a splash of sriracha sauce to the cooking mixture. For those who love spicy food, this variation adds an extra kick without compromising on flavor.
- Asian-Inspired Flavors: Enhance the dish with additional Asian ingredients like grated ginger, oyster sauce, or a dash of rice vinegar. These ingredients can bring out deeper, more complex flavors in the sauce.
- Extra Vegetables: Mix in other vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots along with the broccoli. This adds more color, texture, and nutrients to the dish, making it even more wholesome.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. This reduces the overall carb content while still providing a satisfying meal.
- Hoisin Sauce Addition: For a slightly sweeter flavor profile, add a tablespoon or two of hoisin sauce along with the soy sauce. It adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Citrus Twist: Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lime or orange juice just before serving. This brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing citrus note to the dish.
- Crockpot to Instant Pot: Convert this slow cooker recipe to an Instant Pot version by following the same ingredient list but adjusting the cooking method. Cook on high pressure for 10-15 minutes with a quick release for tender meat and vegetables.
These variations allow you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients while keeping the essence of the Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef intact. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option, a spicier dish, or simply want to add more vegetables, these ideas will help you customize the recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
FAQs :
- Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, you can use cuts like sirloin or chuck roast instead of flank steak. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the beef becomes tender.
- Can I skip the cornstarch for thickening? Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip this step or use less cornstarch mixed with water.
- How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free, especially if using broth or sauces.
- Is it necessary to microwave the broccoli separately? Microwaving broccoli separately helps it maintain its color and texture. Alternatively, you can steam it on the stove or add it directly to the slow cooker earlier in the cooking process.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and place them in the slow cooker insert the night before. Refrigerate it overnight and start cooking it the next day.
- What should I do if the sauce is too salty? If the sauce is too salty, you can dilute it by adding a bit of water or unsalted broth. Adjust seasoning by adding a bit more brown sugar or a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors.
- Can I freeze leftovers of Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef? Yes, leftovers can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth to the sauce if needed to revive the flavors.
- Can I double this recipe? Yes, you can double the ingredients to serve a larger crowd or to have extra leftovers for future meals. Ensure your slow cooker can accommodate the increased volume.
- What can I serve with Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef? Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. Pair it with a side of stir-fried vegetables, steamed edamame, or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.
These FAQs address common queries about preparing, storing, and customizing Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef to help you make the most out of this delicious dish.
This Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef recipe is a convenient way to enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table.