If you’re seeking a delicious and hassle-free meal that’s both hearty and healthy, look no further. Our crockpot beef broccoli recipe is the perfect blend of savory beef and nutritious broccoli simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but it’s also a surefire crowd-pleaser that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch, mixed with 3 tablespoons of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipments
- Crockpot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Crockpot Beef Broccoli Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Thinly slice your beef chuck roast on a cutting board using a sharp knife. It’s important to slice the beef against the grain to ensure tenderness. Rinse the broccoli florets under cool water and set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and sesame oil, stirring until well blended.
Step 2: Combine Beef and Sauce
Place the sliced beef into your crockpot. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This marinade will infuse the beef with rich flavors as it cooks. Season the mixture lightly with salt and pepper, keeping in mind that soy sauce is often quite salty. Stir to combine, and cover the crockpot with its lid.
Step 3: Start Cooking
Set your crockpot on the low setting and allow the beef to cook for approximately 4–5 hours. The slow cooking process allows the tough fibers in the beef to break down, resulting in an irresistibly tender dish. You can occasionally check to ensure the beef is submerged in the marinade, but avoid lifting the lid too frequently as this will release steam and prolong the cooking time.
Step 4: Add Broccoli
Once the cooking time is nearly complete, about 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the crockpot. Gently stir them into the beef and sauce to ensure they are evenly distributed. This step will keep the broccoli vibrant and slightly crisp while still absorbing the umami-rich flavors of the sauce.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with an equal amount of water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the crockpot, stirring well to combine. Leave the lid slightly ajar and let the mixture cook for another 15–20 minutes. The sauce will gradually thicken, coating the beef and broccoli in a glossy, savory glaze.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Broccoli
Serve your crockpot beef broccoli over warm steamed rice for a complete meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions for added flavor and aroma. This dish is also complemented well by a side of pickled vegetables or a light salad to balance the savory flavors.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For tender beef, it’s important to slice thinly against the grain and use the correct cut of meat like chuck roast. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste. Consider using low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness, especially when serving with salted accompaniments. If preferred, add a splash of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce to enrich the dish with extra depth and sweetness.
Beef Up Your Meal: A High Protein Twist
Pump up the protein content in this delightful crockpot recipe by incorporating some cashews or almonds. Adding a handful of roasted nuts not only bumps up the protein but also adds a delightful crunch to your beef broccoli. Additionally, consider blending in some silken tofu 30 minutes before serving for velvety softness that’s rich in protein.
Guilt-Free Indulgence: Low Carb Adaptation
If you’re watching your carb intake, there’s no reason to miss out on this classic dish. Instead of serving over rice, try cauliflower rice. The creamy texture and subtle nuttiness of cauliflower rice soak up flavors beautifully, leaving you satiated without the carbs. Alternatively, experiment with zucchini noodles for a fresh, low-carb twist.
Storage Instructions
To store leftovers, allow the crockpot beef broccoli to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a touch of water to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove or microwave.
FAQs
- Can I use a different cut of beef? – Yes, flank steak or sirloin could be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly for tenderness.
- Can I add other vegetables? – Absolutely! Carrots and bell peppers make great additions to this dish.
- What if my sauce is too thick? – Simply add a little water or beef broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- How do I make the dish gluten-free? – Use gluten-free soy sauce and verify that all ingredients used are labeled gluten-free.
Why You Need This Crockpot Beef Broccoli in Your Recipe Arsenal
This crockpot beef broccoli recipe is much more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and pleasure to your table. Share this delightful recipe with your loved ones and dive into a world of flavor that will make you the hero of your kitchen! We would love to hear your experiences—leave a comment below or share your version on social media. Bon appétit!
Crockpot Beef Broccoli
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck roast
- broccoli florets
- soy sauce
- brown sugar
- garlic
- sesame oil
- cornstarch
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
Steps
- Slice the beef against the grain to ensure tenderness. Rinse and set aside the broccoli florets.
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. Stir until mixed well.
- Place the sliced beef into the crockpot. Pour the sauce over the beef, stirring to coat. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Set the crockpot to low and cook for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Add broccoli florets and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to ensure tenderness.
- Mix cornstarch with water and add to the crockpot. Cook for another 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens.