Discover the rich flavors and comforting warmth of slow-cooked beef and broccoli. This recipe combines tender chunks of beef chuck with the vibrant, verdant freshness of broccoli, all slow-cooked to perfection in a savory mix of beef broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It's an easy and satisfying dish that will leave your taste buds dancing and your stomach full.
While most ingredients in this recipe are standard pantry items, a couple might require a quick trip to the supermarket. Beef chuck, a type of meat commonly used in slow-cooked dishes, imparts a rich flavor and tender texture to the dish. You may also need to pick up some sesame seeds, which add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the tender beef and broccoli.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Beef chuck: A cut of meat that becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when slow cooked.
Yellow onion: Adds a sweet, caramelized flavor when cooked down.
Beef broth: Provides a savory base for the sauce.
Soy sauce: Adds umami and depth of flavor.
Sesame oil: Imparts a distinct nutty flavor.
Dark brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to thicken the sauce.
Garlic cloves: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste to enhance the flavors.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to coat the beef and broccoli.
Broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, vibrant component to the dish.
Sesame seeds: A garnish that adds crunch and flavor.
One reader, Boothe Light says:
This slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe is a game-changer! The beef was so tender and flavorful, and the broccoli was perfectly cooked. The sauce was rich and savory, and it all came together effortlessly. It's now a family favorite and a go-to for busy weeknights. Highly recommend!
Cooking Techniques for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
How to prepare the beef: Cut the beef chuck into bite-sized pieces, and thinly slice the yellow onion.
How to make the sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
How to thicken the sauce: Ladle out ¼ cup of the broth from the slow cooker and pour it into a bowl. Add the cornstarch, whisk until smooth, then return the broth mixture to the slow cooker. Gently stir to thicken the sauce.
How to cook the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker and cover with the lid. Increase the heat to high and cook for 20 minutes longer, or until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
How to serve: Serve the beef and broccoli warm over white or brown rice, and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
How To Make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Revisit an Asian-food classic with this beef and broccoli recipe! Prep it in just 10 minutes, then let the slow cooker cook up a tender and filling meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½lbsbeef chuck,sliced into thin 1½-inch long strips
- ½yellow onion,sliced into 2 portions
- ½cupbeef broth,or beef consomme, low sodium
- 1cupsoy sauce,low sodium
- 1tbspsesame oil
- ⅓cupdark brown sugar,slightly packed
- 3garlic cloves,minced
- salt and freshly ground black pepper,to taste
- 2½tbspcornstarch
- 3½cupsbroccoli florets,diced into bite size pieces
- sesame seeds,for garnish, optional
Instructions
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Add the beef and onion portions to a slow cooker.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar and garlic. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, to taste.
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Pour the mixture over the beef and onions in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on Low heat for 2½ to 3½ hours, until the meat has cooked through.
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Ladle out ¼ cup of the broth from slow cooker and pour into a bowl. Add the cornstarch, whisk until smooth, then return the broth mixture to slow cooker. Gently stir.
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Add in the broccoli pieces and cover the slow cooker with the lid. Increase to High heat and cook 20 minutes longer, or until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove the onion pieces.
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Serve warm over white or brown rice sprinkled with sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 383.58kcal
- Fat: 12.25g
- Saturated Fat: 3.98g
- Trans Fat: 0.43g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.71g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.24g
- Carbohydrates: 26.28g
- Fiber: 1.14g
- Sugar: 12.83g
- Protein: 44.90g
- Cholesterol: 107.16mg
- Sodium: 3717.40mg
- Calcium: 98.01mg
- Potassium: 1231.76mg
- Iron: 5.39mg
- Vitamin A: 96.88µg
- Vitamin C: 59.76mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
To ensure your beef is tender and flavorful, it's important to use the right cut. In this recipe, we use beef chuck which is perfect for slow cooking as it breaks down and becomes incredibly tender over a long cooking period. However, if you can't find beef chuck, you can substitute it with other cuts such as brisket or short ribs. Just remember, the key to a successful slow cooker beef and broccoli is to use a cut of beef that benefits from slow, low heat cooking.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-cut ingredients: Utilize pre-cut vegetables or pre-sliced meat to cut down on prep time.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that can be cooked in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup.
Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen organized to easily locate ingredients and cooking tools.
Follow the recipe: Read through the recipe and prepare all ingredients before starting to avoid any last-minute rushes.
Multi-task: Look for opportunities to multi-task, such as chopping vegetables while the meat is cooking, to save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe
beef chuck - Substitute with lamb shoulder: Lamb shoulder has a similar texture and richness to beef chuck, making it a great substitute for this slow cooker recipe.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onion can be used as a substitute for yellow onion, providing a slightly sharper flavor that complements the dish.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for beef broth to create a vegetarian-friendly version of the recipe.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, providing a similar umami flavor to the dish.
sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a substitute for sesame oil, providing a different but still flavorful base for the dish.
dark brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for dark brown sugar, adding a unique sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a convenient alternative with a slightly milder flavor.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute for cornstarch to thicken the sauce in the recipe.
broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower florets can be used as a substitute for broccoli, providing a similar texture and mild flavor to the dish.
Presentation Tips for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Elevate the plating: When presenting the slow cooker beef and broccoli, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Arrange the beef and broccoli in a balanced and artistic manner on the plate, ensuring that each element is showcased beautifully.
Garnish with sesame seeds: Sprinkle the dish with toasted sesame seeds to add a touch of texture and nuttiness. The contrast of the seeds against the rich colors of the beef and broccoli will enhance the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Incorporate negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the main components of the dish to stand out. This will create a sense of sophistication and refinement, drawing attention to the exquisite flavors of the slow-cooked beef and tender broccoli.
Utilize complementary colors: Consider the color wheel and opt for complementary hues when selecting the serving dish. This will create a visually striking contrast, making the dish stand out and appear even more enticing to the eye.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate, ensuring that the dish is presented with precision and attention to detail. This level of care and precision will demonstrate a high level of culinary expertise and artistry.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Beef and Broccoli
- Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering at low temperatures, making it perfect for slow-cooking beef and broccoli.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining the beef broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and garlic to create the flavorful sauce for the beef and broccoli.
- Whisk: Used for blending and mixing the ingredients together, ensuring the sauce is well combined before pouring it over the beef and onions in the slow cooker.
- Ladle: Used to remove a portion of the broth from the slow cooker to mix with cornstarch, helping to thicken the sauce.
- Saucepan: May be used to prepare the rice to serve with the beef and broccoli.
- Serving dish: Used to present the beef and broccoli over the rice, sprinkled with sesame seeds for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Beef and Broccoli
- Let the beef and broccoli cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze the leftovers, transfer the cooled beef and broccoli to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date and contents, so you can easily identify it later.
- When you're ready to enjoy the frozen beef and broccoli, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the thawed beef and broccoli in a skillet or wok over medium heat until it's warmed through and the sauce is bubbling. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to help loosen up the sauce.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the beef and broccoli in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely with a lid or plastic wrap, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through.
- If the sauce seems too thick after reheating, add a little beef broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Serve the reheated beef and broccoli over freshly cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds for a quick and easy meal.
Reheating Leftover Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
The best way to reheat leftover slow cooker beef and broccoli is to use the microwave. Place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat it on high for 1-2 minutes, or until it's heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the beef and prevents the broccoli from becoming overcooked and mushy.
Another great option is to reheat the beef and broccoli in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a tablespoon of water or beef broth to the skillet, then add the leftovers. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the dish is heated through. This method allows you to control the temperature and ensures that the beef and broccoli are evenly heated.
If you have time, you can also reheat the slow cooker beef and broccoli in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method takes a bit longer, but it helps to maintain the texture of the beef and broccoli.
For a quick and easy lunch, you can also enjoy leftover slow cooker beef and broccoli cold. Simply slice the cold beef and serve it over a bed of fresh salad greens, along with some of the leftover sauce and broccoli. This makes for a delicious and satisfying meal that requires no reheating at all.
Interesting Trivia About Beef and Broccoli
Beef and broccoli is a popular Chinese dish that originated in America, not China. It was created by Chinese immigrants in the United States and has since become a staple in many Chinese-American restaurants.
Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
This slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as beef chuck and broccoli, are relatively affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. The use of a slow cooker also helps to tenderize the meat, making it a great way to use more affordable cuts of beef. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome.
Is This Beef and Broccoli Recipe Healthy?
This slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes:
- Lean beef chuck, which is a good source of protein
- Broccoli, a nutrient-dense vegetable rich in vitamins and minerals
- Garlic and onion, which offer potential health benefits
However, there are some concerns:
- The high sodium content from the soy sauce
- The added sugar from the brown sugar
- The use of cornstarch, a refined carbohydrate
While this dish can be part of a balanced diet, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes and the frequency of consumption.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of soy sauce and replace some with low-sodium beef broth to decrease the overall sodium content
- Use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar, or simply reduce the amount of added sugar
- Opt for arrowroot powder or tapioca starch instead of cornstarch for a less processed thickening agent
- Increase the proportion of broccoli to beef for a more balanced and nutrient-dense meal
- Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients
Additionally, you could experiment with adding other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to boost the overall nutritional value of the dish.
Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe
This slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe is a delightful combination of tender beef and vibrant broccoli, infused with a savory and slightly sweet sauce. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. The use of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic adds depth to the dish, while the addition of cornstarch creates a luscious, velvety sauce. The final touch of sesame seeds adds a delightful nuttiness. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic takeout favorite in the comfort of your own home.
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Why trust this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe:
This slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The tender beef chuck is infused with the rich flavors of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic, creating a mouthwatering umami sensation. The addition of dark brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, perfectly complementing the savory elements. The inclusion of fresh broccoli florets not only adds vibrant color but also provides a healthy and nutritious component to the dish. With the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe promises a hassle-free and delicious meal that will surely impress your family and friends.
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