– **Title**: Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, sliced thinly against the grain
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 1/4 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Cooked rice for serving
– Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
– Green onions, sliced for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, beef broth, cornstarch, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper to create the marinade.
2. Place the sliced beef in the slow cooker, pour the marinade over the beef, and stir to coat all the pieces evenly.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Stir to combine with the beef and sauce.
5. Once the broccoli is tender and the dish is heated through, serve over cooked rice.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak and sirloin are great choices because they’re tender and flavorful. If you prefer a leaner option, you could use chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are key for crunch and color. If fresh isn’t available, you could use frozen broccoli, just add it later since it’s already blanched.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds depth, but you can use low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt. For a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos.
Sesame Oil: This oil adds a rich, nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, peanut oil or canola oil can work, but the flavor will change. Try to find some for the best results!
How Do You Make Beef Tender in a Slow Cooker?
The key to tender beef is cooking it low and slow. Here’s how to nail it:
- Cut the beef into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t rush the cooking time; the longer, the better! Keep it on low for 6-8 hours for perfect tenderness.
- When adding the broccoli, do it in the last 30 minutes to keep it bright and crunchy.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1.5 lbs beef (flank steak or sirloin), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli will take about 10 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just set it and forget it for a flavorful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
In your slow cooker, combine the bite-sized beef pieces, soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir everything together until the beef is well-coated with the sauce. This will create a lovely flavor base for your dish!
2. Cook the Beef:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the beef to become tender and soak up all those delicious flavors.
3. Add the Broccoli:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the fresh broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to combine. This will help the broccoli cook just right—tender but still bright and flavorful!
4. Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker to help thicken the sauce. Stir it in and cover the cooker again, cooking for an additional 30 minutes. This will make your dish rich and delicious!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is ready, serve the beef and broccoli hot over steamed rice or noodles. Don’t forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for a lovely garnish, and feel free to adjust the seasoning with a little salt and pepper. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Beef in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s essential to thaw it completely before cooking. Thawing overnight in the fridge is the safest method. If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave’s defrost setting. Just make sure to cut the beef into bite-sized pieces after thawing for even cooking!
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. For a lower-sodium version, look for reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari. If you have no soy sauce on hand, mixing balsamic vinegar with a bit of water can give a similar flavor, though it’s less salty.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally for even heating.
How Can I Add More Vegetables?
Feel free to add other vegetables along with the broccoli! Sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas can be mixed in for additional color and nutrition. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure they remain crisp-tender.
