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Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli

Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli
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Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli is a flavorful and effortless weeknight dinner that combines tender, juicy beef with crisp-tender fresh broccoli simmered in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal prep and cooking effort, perfect for busy schedules and adaptable for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef

  • 1 lb thinly sliced beef chuck or flank steak

Vegetables

  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey (or erythritol for keto)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp cold water
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness and even cooking, helping it absorb the sauce flavors perfectly.
  2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and beef broth to create the savory-sweet base sauce.
  3. Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the thinly sliced beef at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the beef to coat it well.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and flavorful. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain consistent temperature.
  5. Add and Thicken with Broccoli: About 30 minutes before serving, add fresh broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker. This will thicken the sauce and let the broccoli steam to crisp-tender perfection.
  6. Finish with Sesame Oil and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and broccoli is cooked, drizzle sesame oil over the dish and gently stir. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Use thin, uniform slices of beef to ensure even cooking and tender texture.
  • Add broccoli late in cooking to keep it crisp and vibrant.
  • Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to the slow cooker to avoid lumps in the sauce.
  • Searing the beef beforehand is optional but can add extra flavor.
  • Cooking on low heat yields the best tenderness and flavor depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, beef and broccoli, easy dinner, healthy, gluten free, crockpot, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/slow-cooker-beef-broccoli/