Embrace the comforting flavors of a classic Chinese-American dish with a delightful twist! This Mouthwatering Crock Pot Beef And Broccoli recipe makes weeknight dinners incredibly simple. Forget the hassle of complicated stir-fries; our slow cooker method ensures perfectly tender beef bathed in a rich, savory sauce. It’s a fuss-free way to enjoy a meal that’s even better than your favorite takeout.
Why You’ll Love This Mouthwatering Crock Pot Beef And Broccoli
You’re going to adore this easy slow cooker beef and broccoli for so many reasons! It truly delivers minimal effort with maximum flavor, making it a dream for busy schedules.
- Effortless Preparation: Simply combine ingredients, and let your slow cooker do all the hard work.
- Tender Beef Every Time: Slow cooking ensures the beef becomes incredibly melt-in-your-mouth tender. To understand the fascinating process behind this, explore the science of slow cooking meat.
- Rich, Savory Sauce: The homemade Asian-inspired sauce is packed with umami and a hint of sweetness.
- Healthier Takeout Alternative: Control your ingredients and skip the extra oil often found in restaurant versions.
- Budget-Friendly: Cooking at home is always kinder to your wallet than ordering in.
- Family-Friendly & Customizable: Adjust sweetness or spice to suit everyone’s taste buds, making this slow cooker beef and broccoli a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Gather these simple items to create your Mouthwatering Crock Pot Beef And Broccoli:
- 2 pounds round steak (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Sesame oil
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons cold water
- 1 Broccoli Crown (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Notes & Substitutions
- Beef: Round steak is fantastic for this recipe. You can also use stew meat, sirloin, chuck roast, or flank steak for your slow cooker beef and broccoli.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to manage salt levels. For gluten-free or low-carb options, substitute with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic works wonderfully too for convenience.
- Sweetener: Brown sugar provides a classic taste. Feel free to use honey or maple syrup as alternatives for a slightly different sweet note.
- Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil brings a deep, nutty aroma. Regular sesame oil is also fine if that’s what you have on hand.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are ideal for texture. If using frozen broccoli florets, add them directly to the slow cooker without thawing, but adjust the cooking time slightly.
- Optional additions: A dash of oyster sauce adds extra richness. A teaspoon of grated fresh ginger can also boost the aromatic depth.
Equipment
You’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools for this delicious meal.
- A slow cooker (any size from 4-quart to 7-quart will work well).
- Small mixing bowls for preparing the sauce and cornstarch slurry.
- A whisk to combine the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- A sharp knife and cutting board for preparing the beef and broccoli.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your own Mouthwatering Crock Pot Beef And Broccoli:
- Prepare the Beef: First, cut your round steak into uniform bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes it easy to eat. Place the prepared steak directly into your slow cooker.
- Whisk the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the beef broth, low sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Whisk these ingredients together until they are fully incorporated and the brown sugar has dissolved.
- Combine and Cook: Pour this flavorful sauce mixture evenly over the steak in the crock pot. Ensure all the beef is submerged or well-coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- Slow Cook: Cook the beef on the low setting for 5-6 hours, or on the high setting for 3 hours. The goal is for the beef to become incredibly tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Prepare Slurry: Once the beef is tender, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a separate small mixing bowl until smooth. This is your thickening slurry.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker with the beef and sauce. Mix well to combine. This will begin to thicken the sauce.
- Add Broccoli: Next, add the fresh broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Stir them gently into the thickened sauce and beef mixture.
- Final Cook: Cover the slow cooker again and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes. This final cooking time allows the sauce to fully thicken and the broccoli to become tender-crisp, while avoiding overcooking.
- Serve: Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds, if desired, and serve your delicious Crock Pot Beef And Broccoli immediately over steamed rice or your preferred side.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Browning Beef: While many slow cooker recipes suggest browning beef first, it’s completely optional for this Crock Pot Beef And Broccoli. The long cooking time ensures the beef gets tender and absorbs all the sauce’s flavor without this extra step.
- Thickening Sauce: For a perfectly thick sauce, make sure your cornstarch slurry is completely smooth before adding it. Whisk it vigorously just before stirring it into the hot liquid. If the sauce isn’t thick enough after 30 minutes, you can remove the lid and cook for another 15 minutes, or add a little more slurry.
- Broccoli Timing: Always add broccoli at the very end of the cooking process. This prevents it from becoming mushy and helps it retain its vibrant color and slight crispness.
- Meal Prep: You can chop your beef and broccoli ahead of time. For a freezer meal, combine raw beef and sauce ingredients in a freezer-safe bag, then thaw and cook in the slow cooker.
- Flavor Adjustments: Taste the sauce before adding the broccoli. Add extra soy sauce for more saltiness, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile Mouthwatering Crock Pot Beef And Broccoli pairs well with many side dishes and is great for meal prepping.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve it over fluffy steamed white or brown rice for a classic combination.
- For a low-carb option, try it with cauliflower rice.
- It’s also delicious over noodles like lo mein or ramen.
- Complete your meal with side dishes such as egg rolls or a light egg drop soup.
Storage & Reheating
- Store any leftover crock pot beef and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. Alternatively, warm gently in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce seems too thick.
Variations
- Different Vegetables: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas, sliced carrots, or bell peppers along with the broccoli for added color and nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the sauce ingredients if you enjoy a bit of heat.
- Garnish Ideas: Beyond sesame seeds, chopped green onions or fresh cilantro make excellent garnishes.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure you use certified gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) or coconut aminos to make this a delicious gluten-free meal.
Nutrition Information
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This information is provided for general guidance.
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 369kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 23g |
| Protein | 40g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 1038mg |
| Potassium | 977mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Vitamin A | 632IU |
| Vitamin C | 91mg |
| Calcium | 112mg |
| Iron | 5mg |
Mouthwatering Crock Pot Beef And Broccoli: Easy Slow Cooker Recipe
This easy slow cooker recipe features tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Instructions
- Place the steak in a slow cooker. Whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, and sesame oil in a separate bowl, then pour this mixture over the steak.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the beef is tender.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water, then stir this mixture into the slow cooker.
- Stir in the broccoli and continue to cook on low for about 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the broccoli is cooked through.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately, ideally over rice.
Notes
For best results, ensure beef is cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Serving over steamed rice is highly recommended to complement the savory sauce.
FAQ
- Do you have to brown stew meat before putting it in the crock pot? No, you do not need to brown the beef first for this recipe. The long cooking time in the slow cooker tenderizes the meat beautifully.
- How do you thicken crock pot beef and broccoli sauce? You thicken the sauce by stirring in a cornstarch slurry, which is a mixture of cornstarch and cold water, during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- When do you add frozen broccoli to a slow cooker? Add frozen broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking, just like fresh broccoli. There’s no need to thaw it beforehand.
- How long does it take for broccoli to cook in a crock pot on high? On high, broccoli will typically cook in about 15-20 minutes in a slow cooker, so adjust the timing accordingly if cooking other ingredients on high.
- What kind of beef is best for crock pot beef and broccoli? Round steak is excellent, but stew meat, sirloin, chuck roast, or flank steak also yield tender results in this slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe.
Conclusion
You now have all the tools and knowledge to create a truly delicious and effortless Mouthwatering Crock Pot Beef And Broccoli. This recipe is a game-changer for busy evenings, offering robust flavors with minimal hands-on time. Give this amazing slow cooker meal a try tonight and taste the difference. We’d love to hear how it turns out, so leave a comment below!
