Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Try this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe, or contribute your own.
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1.2 lbs steak (i used flank steak) cut into strips
- 1/2 cup white or yellow onions diced
- fresh ginger grated (optional)
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth warmed
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce (i like kikkoman)
- 1/3 upbrown sugar packed
- 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2-3 tablespoons cornstarch to thicken
- 3-4 cups fresh broccoli steamed (see note)
- white rice prepared
- garnish (red pepper flakes sesame seeds)
- Carbohydrate 2.6232 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 3.46867500684734 g
- Fiber 0.387250007390976 g
- Protein 0.686575 g
- Saturated Fat 0.520865000972322 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (190g)
- Sodium 93.685 mg
- Sugar 2.23594999260902 g
- Trans Fat 0.160335000301283 g
- Calories 43 calories
Step-by-step
- Add steak, onions, garlic and fresh ginger into the slow cooker. (I prefer using my small slow cooker with this recipe)
- In a medium size bowl stir together broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until brown sugar has dissolved.
- Pour mixture into slow cooker and stir.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until steak is tender to your liking.
- Stir in cornstarch to thicken the sauce. (Alternatively you can scoop out ½ cup of broth mixture and mix it with cornstarch to create a thick sauce and then pour this back into the slow cooker to prevent lumps. I never do this though)
- Taste and adjust seasonings if desired (sometimes I'll add in some powdered onion and powdered garlic, black pepper, sriracha and salt, depending on the type of broth & soy sauce I use)
- To serve, place rice on a plate and top with beef and broccoli.
- Garnish with red pepper flakes and sesame seeds if desired.
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the never-ending to-do list, the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes – they're my secret weapon for effortless weeknight meals. This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a perfect example. It’s packed with flavor, requires minimal prep time, and allows the slow cooker to do all the hard work while I tackle everything else.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. I love how the slow cooker magically transforms tough flank steak into incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites. The savory sauce, a delightful blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil, coats the beef and broccoli perfectly, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and savory flavors. The addition of a touch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick that elevates the dish without being overpowering.
One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of broth and soy sauce to suit your taste preferences. I often like to add a dash of powdered onion and garlic for extra depth of flavor. The garnishes are another area for customization – sesame seeds and red pepper flakes are classic choices, but you could also try chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame oil for an added layer of flavor and texture.
This dish is more than just a quick and easy meal; it’s a delicious and healthy option for the whole family. The lean beef provides a good source of protein, while the broccoli offers a boost of vitamins and fiber. It’s a perfect balance of comfort food and healthy eating, making it a regular fixture on our dinner table. Serving it over fluffy white rice completes the experience, providing the perfect base for the flavorful beef and broccoli.
Beyond the Recipe: Making Slow Cooker Meals Work for You
The time saved using a slow cooker is invaluable. I often prep this recipe in the morning before heading off to work, knowing that a delicious, home-cooked meal awaits us when we return. The slow cooker’s low and slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld and deepen over time, resulting in a richer, more flavorful dish than you could achieve through faster cooking methods. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a comforting, satisfying meal without the fuss.
Beyond this particular recipe, I encourage you to explore the world of slow cooker possibilities. There are countless recipes available online and in cookbooks, catering to all tastes and dietary preferences. From hearty stews and chili to flavorful curries and pulled pork, the slow cooker can handle it all. It’s a kitchen appliance that truly deserves a place in every busy person’s culinary arsenal.
So, next time you're short on time but craving a delicious and healthy meal, reach for your slow cooker and give this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli a try. It's sure to become a new family favorite. Remember, even amidst the chaos of daily life, taking the time to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal can make all the difference.
Tips for Success:
- Use high-quality ingredients. The better your ingredients, the better your dish will taste.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Serve with your favorite sides. White rice is a classic choice, but you could also serve it with quinoa or brown rice.
- Make it ahead of time. This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a perfect option for meal prepping.
