Effortless Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef: A Flavorful Family Favorite
Craving a takeout classic without the takeout guilt (or the takeout price)? Look no further than this incredibly easy and delicious Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef recipe. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or anytime you want a comforting and flavorful meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker transforms inexpensive cuts of beef into tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness, while the broccoli adds a touch of freshness and nutrients. This recipe is also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the sweetness, spiciness, and even the type of protein you use to your liking.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef
* **Effortless:** Dump-and-go simplicity. Seriously, it’s that easy!
* **Tender Beef:** The slow cooking process breaks down tough cuts, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful beef.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses inexpensive cuts of beef, making it a cost-effective meal.
* **Family-Friendly:** A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
* **Customizable:** Easily adaptable to your dietary needs and preferences.
* **Meal Prep Champion:** Perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious slow cooker broccoli beef:
* **Beef:** 2 pounds of flank steak or chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat.
* **Broccoli:** 4 cups of broccoli florets, fresh or frozen.
* **Soy Sauce:** 1/2 cup of low-sodium soy sauce (adjust to taste).
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar (light or dark).
* **Oyster Sauce:** 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce (optional, but adds a rich umami flavor).
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves of garlic, minced.
* **Ginger:** 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon of ground ginger).
* **Cornstarch:** 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
* **Water:** 2 tablespoons of cold water.
* **Beef Broth:** 1/2 cup of beef broth (or water).
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat).
* **Sesame Seeds:** For garnish (optional).
* **Green Onions:** For garnish (optional), chopped.
* **Cooking Oil:** 1 tablespoon (vegetable or canola oil) for searing.
**Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:**
* **Beef:** Flank steak is a great choice for its flavor and texture, but chuck roast is more economical and works just as well. Just be sure to trim any excess fat from the beef before cooking. Other cuts like sirloin or round steak can be used, but may require adjustments to the cooking time.
* **Broccoli:** Fresh or frozen broccoli florets can be used. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them first.
* **Soy Sauce:** Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the saltiness of the dish. You can always add more salt to taste later.
* **Brown Sugar:** Light or dark brown sugar can be used interchangeably. Dark brown sugar will impart a slightly richer, molasses-like flavor.
* **Oyster Sauce:** While optional, oyster sauce adds a significant depth of flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, you can omit it or substitute it with a teaspoon of fish sauce or a tablespoon of hoisin sauce.
* **Ginger:** Fresh ginger is preferred for its brighter flavor, but ground ginger can be used as a substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon of ground ginger for every tablespoon of grated fresh ginger.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can omit them altogether.
* **Beef Broth:** If you don’t have beef broth, water can be used as a substitute, although the flavor will be slightly less rich.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious slow cooker broccoli beef:
**Step 1: Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)**
* While this step is optional, searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker will add a significant amount of flavor and improve the texture of the final dish.
* Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
* Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes).
* Season the beef with salt and pepper.
* Sear the beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Sear on all sides until browned.
* Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
**Step 2: Prepare the Sauce**
* In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, beef broth, and red pepper flakes (if using).
**Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker**
* Place the seared beef in the slow cooker.
* Pour the sauce over the beef.
* Stir to coat the beef evenly.
**Step 4: Cook the Broccoli Beef**
* Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
**Step 5: Add the Broccoli**
* During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker.
* Stir to combine and ensure the broccoli is submerged in the sauce.
* Cover and continue cooking until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
**Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)**
* If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
* Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir well.
* Cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy**
* Serve the slow cooker broccoli beef over rice, quinoa, or noodles.
* Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional).
## Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef
* **Don’t Overcook the Broccoli:** Add the broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar. You can also use a sugar substitute.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
* **Spice it Up:** Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier dish, or add a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
* **Use a Slow Cooker Liner:** For easy cleanup, use a slow cooker liner.
* **Shred the Beef:** For a different texture, shred the beef with two forks after it’s cooked.
* **Adjust the Salt:** Taste the sauce before serving and add salt to taste if needed. Remember that soy sauce is already salty, so be careful not to over-salt.
## Serving Suggestions
This slow cooker broccoli beef is delicious served over a variety of bases:
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice are all great options.
* **Quinoa:** A healthy and protein-packed alternative to rice.
* **Noodles:** Egg noodles, rice noodles, or ramen noodles all work well.
* **Cauliflower Rice:** A low-carb option for those watching their carbohydrate intake.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** A comforting and unexpected pairing.
**Side Dish Ideas:**
* **Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls:** Adds a crispy and savory element to the meal.
* **Wonton Soup:** A light and flavorful soup to complement the richness of the beef.
* **Asian Coleslaw:** A refreshing and crunchy salad to balance the flavors.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Green beans, snap peas, or bok choy are all great options.
## Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Store leftover slow cooker broccoli beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the broccoli beef in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out.
* **Freezing:** While the beef freezes well, the broccoli may become slightly mushy after thawing. To freeze, allow the broccoli beef to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Variations and Adaptations
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to your dietary needs and preferences.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative that has a similar flavor profile.
* **Low-Carb/Keto:** Reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
* **Vegetarian/Vegan:** Substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and omit the oyster sauce. You can also add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and eggplant.
* **Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or a finely chopped chili pepper to the sauce.
* **Different Protein:** Try using chicken, pork, or even shrimp instead of beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Add Pineapple:** For a sweet and tangy twist, add a can of drained pineapple chunks to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
* **Add Water Chestnuts:** For added crunch, add a can of drained water chestnuts to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving (depending on serving size and ingredients used).
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
**Note:** This is just an estimate. The actual nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use and your serving size. For accurate nutritional information, it’s best to use a nutritional calculator and input the exact ingredients and quantities you used.
## Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef Recipe
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 6-8 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high
**Serves:** 6-8
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds flank steak or chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
* 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
* 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons cold water
* 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
* Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
* Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Sear the Beef (Optional):** Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper. Sear in batches until browned on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. **Prepare the Sauce:** In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, garlic, ginger, beef broth, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. **Combine Ingredients:** Place seared beef in the slow cooker. Pour sauce over beef. Stir to coat.
4. **Cook:** Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until beef is very tender.
5. **Add Broccoli:** During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets. Stir to combine. Cover and cook until broccoli is tender-crisp.
6. **Thicken Sauce (Optional):** Whisk cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Pour into slow cooker and stir. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.
7. **Serve:** Serve over rice, quinoa, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions (optional).
Enjoy your delicious and effortless Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef!