The aroma wafting through your kitchen as you pull the lid off your slow cooker will make you feel like a culinary wizard. Imagine tender beef soaking in a savory sauce, mingling with vibrant broccoli—the perfect harmony of flavors and textures that’ll have your taste buds throwing a party. savory garlic butter steak bites This slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe is not just “dinner”; it’s an experience, one that transports you straight to a cozy Chinese restaurant where the only thing missing is the lazy Susan spinning around!
Jump to:
- Ingredients for slow cooker beef and broccoli
- How to Make slow cooker beef and broccoli
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs :
- What is the best cut of beef for slow cooker beef and broccoli?
- How long should I cook slow cooker beef and broccoli?
- Can I use frozen vegetables in my slow cooker beef and broccoli?
- What sides go well with slow cooker beef and broccoli?
- Conclusion for slow cooker beef and broccoli :
- 📖 Recipe Card
Perhaps you have memories of family dinners or takeout nights when this dish made its grand entrance, igniting excitement at the dinner table. You can almost hear the clinking of chopsticks and laughter echoing in the background. This delightful meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re hosting friends—guaranteeing that everyone leaves with full bellies and happy hearts.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe combines ease of preparation with incredible flavor, making dinner a breeze.
- The vibrant colors of the dish make it an eye-catching centerpiece for your table.
- It’s versatile enough for meal prep or special occasions, ensuring delicious leftovers too!
Ingredients for slow cooker beef and broccoli
For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking; it becomes tender and flavorful after hours in the crockpot.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets: Use fresh florets for a crisp texture; frozen ones can work too if you’re in a rush!
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium to keep the flavors balanced without overpowering saltiness.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic brings aromatic depth—just be careful not to confuse them with those cute little garlic bulbs!
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and spice; feel free to adjust based on how bold you like it.
For the Sauce:
- Brown Sugar: This sweetener balances out the savory soy sauce, creating a rich flavor profile.
- Sesame Oil: A drizzle of this oil adds an irresistible nutty flavor that makes everything better.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make slow cooker beef and broccoli
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by cutting your beef chuck roast into bite-sized pieces, about one inch thick. Pat them dry with paper towels—this helps achieve that lovely caramelization later on.
Step 2: Mix Your Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until combined. It should smell heavenly at this point; if it doesn’t, you might want to check if your kitchen’s been cursed!
Step 3: Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Place those glorious beef pieces into your slow cooker first. Pour half of your sauce over them (save some for later) and give everything a good stir to coat.
Step 4: Add Broccoli
After cooking on low for about five hours (or until fork-tender), add your broccoli florets right before serving. They’ll steam beautifully in just ten more minutes—no mushy veggies here!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer everything to plates—or bowls if you’re feeling extra cozy—and drizzle with remaining sauce. Voilà! You’ve just created a masterpiece worthy of applause (or at least some satisfied grunts from hungry mouths).
This slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe isn’t just about filling stomachs; it’s about creating memories around the table. So grab those chopsticks or simply dive in with forks because this dish is ready to steal the show!
You Must Know
- Slow cooker beef and broccoli is a dish that combines tender beef with vibrant broccoli in a savory sauce.
- This recipe simplifies your meal prep while delivering a restaurant-quality experience right at home.
- Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results when making slow cooker beef and broccoli, start by searing the beef to lock in flavors. While that cooks, chop your broccoli and prepare the sauce ingredients. Finally, combine everything in the slow cooker for a delicious finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your slow cooker beef and broccoli! Swap out the beef for chicken or tofu, try different vegetables, or add spices like ginger for an extra kick. You can also adjust the sweetness of the sauce to suit your palate.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover slow beef and broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For tender beef, choose cuts like flank steak or sirloin for the best texture.
- Don’t skip searing; it adds depth of flavor.
- Remember to add broccoli towards the end of cooking to keep it bright and crunchy!
Sometimes I whip up this slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe when friends come over; their smiles are priceless when they dig into my creation! The joy on their faces makes even my kitchen disasters worth it.
FAQs :
What is the best cut of beef for slow cooker beef and broccoli?
When making slow cooker beef and broccoli, flank steak or sirloin is ideal. These cuts are tender and absorb flavors well during cooking. Flank steak is particularly lean, while sirloin offers a bit more marbling, which adds richness to the dish. Slice the beef against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness when serving. By choosing the right cut, you enhance both texture and flavor in your slow cooker recipe.
How long should I cook slow cooker beef and broccoli?
For perfectly cooked slow cooker beef and broccoli, aim for 4 to 6 hours on low heat or 2 to 3 hours on high heat. Cooking it low and slow allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the beef tender. Overcooking can make the beef tough, so check for doneness as you approach these time frames. The broccoli should be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking to retain its vibrant color and crunch.
Can I use frozen vegetables in my slow cooker beef and broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in your slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe. However, it’s best to add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This prevents them from becoming overly soft and mushy. Fresh vegetables provide a better texture and flavor, but frozen ones can be a convenient option if you’re short on time or ingredients.
What sides go well with slow cooker beef and broccoli?
Slow beef and broccoli pairs wonderfully with various sides. Steamed rice—white or brown—is a classic choice that complements the dish’s savory flavors. You might also consider serving it with quinoa for a healthier alternative or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Additionally, stir-fried noodles make an excellent pairing, enhancing the Asian-inspired theme of this meal.
Conclusion for slow cooker beef and broccoli :
In summary, making slow cooker beef and broccoli is an easy way to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. By using tender cuts of beef like flank or sirloin, along with fresh or frozen vegetables, you can create a flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. flavorful cilantro lime rice Remember to monitor cooking times closely to ensure optimal tenderness. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a quick and flavorful dish that brings the taste of your favorite Chinese restaurant straight to your kitchen. Tender beef chuck roast simmers in a savory sauce, complemented by vibrant broccoli florets. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Pat dry the beef pieces to ensure proper caramelization.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Place the beef in the slow cooker and pour half of the sauce over it, stirring to coat.
- Cook on low for about 5 hours; then add broccoli during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Drizzle remaining sauce over the dish and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
