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Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Jessica
Discover the perfect Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe! Tender beef, savory sauce, and fresh broccoli for an easy, flavorful meal. Try it today!"
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs beef flank steak or chuck roast, cut into thin strips
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets about 1 large head of broccoli
  • ½ cup soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 cup beef broth or chicken broth for a lighter flavor
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch to thicken the sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar optional, for a hint of sweetness
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar for balance
  • Rice or noodles for serving
  • Pro Tip:
  • Slice the beef against the grain to ensure

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Beef
  • Slice the Beef: Begin by cutting the beef into thin strips against the grain. This ensures the beef remains tender during the slow cooking process.
  • Place in Slow Cooker: Add the sliced beef directly into the bottom of your slow cooker.
  • Step 2: Make the Sauce
  • Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together:
  • Soy sauce (1/2 cup)
  • Beef broth (1 cup)
  • Sesame oil (1 tablespoon)
  • Brown sugar (1 tablespoon, optional)
  • Rice vinegar (2 teaspoons)
  • Minced garlic (3 cloves)
  • Grated ginger (1 tablespoon)
  • Pour the Sauce: Once mixed, pour the sauce evenly over the beef in the slow cooker, making sure everything is coated.
  • Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef
  • Set the Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Let the beef cook for about 4-6 hours. The low and slow cooking process allows the beef to become tender and soak up all the delicious flavors.
  • Check for Doneness: After 4 hours, check the beef—it should be fork-tender and easy to shred.
  • Step 4: Add the Broccoli
  • Add the Fresh Broccoli: About 30 minutes before serving, add the fresh broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Stir them gently into the beef and sauce.
  • Cook Until Tender: Let the broccoli cook in the sauce for 30 minutes. It will turn bright green and stay slightly crisp, which adds a nice texture contrast to the tender beef.
  • Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
  • Make a Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch (2 tablespoons) with 1 tablespoon of water to create a smooth slurry.
  • Stir Into the Sauce: Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir it in. Let the sauce cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until it thickens to a rich, glossy consistency.
  • Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
  • Serve Over Rice or Noodles: For a complete meal, serve your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
  • Garnish: If you’d like, garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor and color.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving):
  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 18g
    • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Sugars: 7g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Potassium: 700mg
  • Vitamin A: 15% DV
  • Vitamin C: 60% DV
  • Calcium: 10% DV
  • Iron: 15% DV