Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is a delightful and comforting dish that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine right to your dinner table. With tender slices of beef simmered in a savory sauce and bright green broccoli, this meal is not only satisfying but also simple to prepare. All you need is a crockpot, and in just a few hours, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready to serve. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting friends and family.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350
- Protein: 28 grams
- Carbohydrates: 28 grams
- Fat: 12 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 650 mg
Why Make This Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is a fantastic dish for many reasons. It’s incredibly easy to make, allowing you to set it and forget it while the flavors meld together. The beef becomes tender and juicy, absorbing the savory soy sauce and sweet brown sugar. The broccoli adds a wonderful crunch and vibrant color, making your meal not only tasty but visually appealing as well. Perfect for anyone looking to impress without spending too much time in the kitchen!
How to Make Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef, sliced (such as flank steak or sirloin)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a crockpot, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and beef broth.
Step 2: Mixing
Stir the mixture well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly combined, coating the beef in the sauce.
Step 3: Cooking
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the beef is tender and fully cooked through.
Step 4: Finishing
About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the crockpot. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, add it to the crockpot, and cook until the sauce has thickened. Finally, serve the beef and broccoli over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
This dish is best served over a fluffy bed of white or brown rice. The rice absorbs the delicious sauce, enhancing every bite. You can also serve it with steamed rice noodles for a different twist. Pair your Beef and Broccoli with a side of egg rolls or a fresh green salad for a more complete meal.
How to Store Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
Leftover Crockpot Beef and Broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
- Choosing the Right Beef: Flank steak and sirloin are great choices for this recipe, but you can also use chuck roast. Just ensure the beef is sliced thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic and ginger will elevate the flavors of your dish significantly.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, don’t skip the cornstarch. Make the slurry right before adding it to the pot.
- Avoid Overcooking Broccoli: To maintain the vibrant green color and crunchy texture, add the broccoli later in the cooking process.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Modify the amount of brown sugar according to your taste. For a less sweet dish, reduce the sugar slightly.
Delicious Variations
- Add bell peppers: Toss in sliced bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
- Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for some heat.
- Different proteins: Substitute beef with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Juicy mushrooms: Adding sliced mushrooms can enhance the umami flavor of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen broccoli? While fresh broccoli works best, you can use frozen. Just add it in the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- How can I make it gluten-free? Use tamari in place of soy sauce, and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free.
- What can I serve instead of rice? Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or steamed noodles are excellent alternatives.
- Can I cook it on high? Yes, you can cook on high for about 2-3 hours, but low and slow is ideal for tenderness.
- Is this recipe good for meal prep? Absolutely! It lasts well in the fridge and reheats beautifully for quick meals throughout the week.
Conclusion
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli is a delicious, effortless meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or inviting friends over, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and tender texture. Give it a try, and enjoy the delectable taste of homemade comfort food that fills your home with an irresistible aroma. You’ll find that this recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also makes your life a little easier!
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Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful and comforting dish featuring tender beef slices simmered in a savory sauce with bright green broccoli, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef, sliced (such as flank steak or sirloin)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions
- In a crockpot, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and beef broth.
- Stir the mixture well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the beef is tender and fully cooked through.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the crockpot. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, add it to the crockpot, and cook until thickened. Serve over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds.
Notes
To maintain the vibrant green color of the broccoli, add it later in the cooking process. Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar based on your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
