Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli brings a comforting blend of tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, leaving you with a mouthwatering dish that’s ready to enjoy with your favorite rice.

The flavors of the beef are enhanced by a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin, and garlic, while the cornstarch slurry creates a velvety sauce that coats the beef perfectly. The broccoli adds a fresh, crunchy texture to this dish, making it a delightful and satisfying meal. It’s easy to customize with additional veggies or spices, and it’s perfect for meal prep or a weeknight family dinner.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup beef broth

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 pound broccoli florets

• Cooked rice, for serving

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef slices for about 2-3 minutes until browned.

2. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic to the slow cooker, then stir to combine.

3. Pour beef broth over the beef mixture in the slow cooker.

4. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until the beef is tender.

5. Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce, and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes.

6. While the beef cooks, steam the broccoli until tender, about 5 minutes.

7. Serve the beef and broccoli over rice, garnished with green onions if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (low) | Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 315 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli: A Comforting and Convenient Meal for Busy Days

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a beloved dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of tender beef with the freshness and crunch of broccoli, all simmered in a flavorful sauce. Perfectly suited for busy weekdays, this recipe makes use of the slow cooker to create a hassle-free meal that requires minimal attention. Whether you’re cooking for a family, hosting a gathering, or simply looking for an easy-to-make meal, this dish provides both comfort and convenience.

This recipe is a great example of how the slow cooker can make preparing meals easier without compromising on flavor. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit personal preferences, and its ease of preparation makes it an ideal option for those who have little time to cook but still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal. In this article, we’ll explore why Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is such a crowd-pleaser, tips for making the most of the recipe, and ways to personalize it.

Why Choose Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli?

1. Time-Saving Convenience

   The primary benefit of using a slow cooker is its ability to make meal preparation incredibly convenient. Slow cooker recipes like this one allow you to set it and forget it, making them perfect for busy individuals and families. You can prepare the dish in the morning, and by the time you get home, dinner is ready to be served. This is especially helpful when you have a hectic schedule and don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

2. Tender Beef Every Time

   One of the standout features of Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is how the beef becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking for several hours. The low and slow cooking method helps break down the tough fibers in the beef, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender. Whether you’re using flank steak, sirloin, or another cut, the slow cooker ensures that your beef is always soft and succulent.

3. Balanced Flavor

   The combination of savory beef, slightly sweet soy sauce, and a hint of hoisin creates a sauce that is both rich and flavorful. The garlic and red pepper flakes provide an extra layer of depth, adding a touch of spice that enhances the overall dish without overpowering it. The freshness of the broccoli adds a vibrant contrast, making it a satisfying meal that balances protein and vegetables in each bite.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

   Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is also an excellent choice for meal prepping. The recipe makes enough for multiple servings, and it keeps well in the fridge for several days. If you’re looking to prepare meals in advance, this dish can easily be reheated without losing its flavor or texture, making it a great option for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

5. Healthy and Nutritious

   While Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is undoubtedly delicious, it’s also a healthy choice. Beef is a good source of protein, iron, and other essential nutrients, and when paired with broccoli, you get a nutrient-dense meal that is high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. This dish provides a balanced mix of macronutrients and is perfect for those looking to incorporate more veggies into their diet.

Tips for Making the Perfect Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

1. Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

   While flank steak is a popular choice for this dish, you can also use other cuts of beef, such as sirloin or chuck roast. The key is to choose a cut that will become tender when slow-cooked. Cuts with a bit of marbling tend to yield the best results, as the fat helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful. Be sure to slice the beef thinly to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more effectively.

2. Adjusting the Sauce for Your Taste

   The sauce for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, and beef broth, with a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. If you prefer a sweeter or more savory sauce, feel free to adjust the proportions of the ingredients. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar for an extra layer of acidity or switch out the hoisin for a more traditional oyster sauce for a different flavor profile.

3. Broccoli Tips

   Broccoli is a key ingredient in this dish, but it’s important not to overcook it in the slow cooker. Add the broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure it remains bright and crisp. If you prefer a softer texture, you can add it earlier, but keeping it separate and steaming it until just tender is a great way to preserve its nutrients and vibrant color.

4. Thickening the Sauce

   As the beef cooks, it releases juices that combine with the other ingredients to form a delicious sauce. If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can use a cornstarch slurry to thicken it. Simply mix cornstarch with a small amount of water and stir it into the slow cooker near the end of the cooking time. Let it cook for an additional 15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.

5. Serving Suggestions

   Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is best served over steamed rice, but it also pairs well with noodles, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also top it with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sesame oil to add more flavor and texture to the dish. Serve it with a side of sautéed vegetables or a light salad for a well-rounded meal.

Variations of Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

One of the great things about Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is that it can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Add Other Vegetables
   While broccoli is the star of the show, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms. Simply chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the slow cooker along with the beef. This will give you more variety in each bite and increase the overall nutritional value of the dish.

2. Make It Spicy
   If you love spicy food, consider adding more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce to the slow cooker. This will give your beef and broccoli a spicy kick that will complement the savory sauce.

3. Make It Vegetarian
   If you’re following a vegetarian or plant-based diet, you can easily substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before adding it to the slow cooker. Tofu will absorb the delicious sauce, creating a flavorful and satisfying plant-based dish.

4. Use Different Proteins
   While beef is the traditional protein in this recipe, you can switch it out for chicken, pork, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked through and tender.

Conclusion:

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and nutrition. It’s a meal that fits into any busy lifestyle while still providing a comforting, wholesome dish that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or as part of your meal prep routine, this dish offers unbeatable convenience without sacrificing taste. The slow cooker ensures the beef turns out tender, the broccoli stays crisp, and the flavors meld together beautifully.