Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Looking for an easy and delicious dinner option? You’re in luck! This recipe for slow cooker beef and broccoli is a real winner.
Tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce come together to make a meal that will leave your taste buds happy.
All you have to do is toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do its thing.
When you come back, you’ll be rewarded with a dish that requires minimal effort but packs a ton of flavor.
Get ready to impress yourself with this tasty creation!
Origins
Trace the origins of Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli by picturing a bustling Chinese restaurant, with chefs crafting dishes. This dish has been enjoyed for centuries since it first originated in the Guangdong province of China. There, locals stir-fried thinly sliced beef with fresh broccoli in a savory sauce.
Over time, this combination made its way to the West, where it gained popularity as a slow cooker recipe. Slower cooking enables the flavors to blend together, creating tender beef and perfectly cooked broccoli.
Therefore, when you enjoy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, remember its long-standing history and cultural significance.
Ingredients
To make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, you’ll need to gather a few ingredients. Here is a list of what you’ll need:
- Beef: Approximately 1.5 to 2 pounds of flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced.
- Broccoli: 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets.
- Sauce: A mixture of ½ cup of low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup of brown sugar, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger.
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup of water for thickening.
Instructions
Begin by placing the thinly sliced beef and fresh broccoli florets into the slow cooker. This tasty recipe will have you indulging in tender beef and perfectly cooked broccoli with minimal effort.
Follow these steps to make a fulfilling meal:
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Blend soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and beef broth in a small bowl. Pour the mixture over the beef and broccoli in the slow cooker.
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Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.
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In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
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Serve the beef and broccoli over cooked rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions, if desired.
With these steps, you’ll have a flavorful and comforting beef and broccoli dish ready to enjoy in no time.
Tips for Cooking
Maximizing the flavor and tenderness of your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is easy when you follow these helpful cooking tips. Choosing the right cut of beef is key for the best results. Chuck roast, flank steak, or sirloin are all great options for slow cooking. Marinating the beef overnight in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar can elevate the flavor and tenderize the meat. Make sure to cut the beef into thin slices against the grain to ensure tenderness. Here are some other tips to keep in mind:
| Tips for Cooking Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli |
|---|
| Choose the right cut of beef |
| Marinate the beef overnight |
| Cut the beef into thin slices against the grain |
Final Thoughts
To make the most delicious Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, keep these tips in mind.
Firstly, trim away any excess fat from the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. This will guarantee a tender and flavorful meat without any greasiness.
Secondly, don’t overcook the broccoli. Add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain its beautiful green color and crunchy texture.
Lastly, season the dish with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a classic Asian taste. Adjust the seasonings according to your preference, but be careful not to go overboard.
With these tricks, you can enjoy a satisfying Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef for this recipe. It may take more time to cook, so remember to adjust the cooking time. Be sure to thaw the beef completely before adding it to the slow cooker.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian-Friendly?
To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, replace the beef with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. You can still savor the delightful flavors of the slow-cooked broccoli by utilizing vegetable broth and soy sauce. Additionally, you can also add other vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers for more texture and flavor.
Can I Substitute the Soy Sauce With a Different Sauce?
Yes, you can replace the soy sauce with another sauce. Tamari, coconut aminos, and teriyaki sauce are some options you can try for a different flavor. Experiment and find what you like best!
What Can I Serve With Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli?
You can accompany slow cooker beef and broccoli with rice or noodles. Both options are great choices to pair with the dish and create a yummy base to absorb the delicious sauce. Enjoy!
Can I Double the Recipe if I Have a Larger Slow Cooker?
Yes, if you have a larger slow cooker, you can easily double the recipe. It’s a great choice if you need to make more servings or want to have leftovers for another meal.
