Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli
Try this Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli recipe.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup fat free beef broth
- 1 lb uncooked lean and trimmed boneless top round roast sliced thin and cut into bite-sized pieces (i bought it pre-sliced thin into cutlets at wegmans and then just had to cut it into pieces)
- 1 tablespoonâ sesame oil (found by the other asian pr
- 2 cups frozen broccoli florets/pieces unthawed
- Carbohydrate 40.0951833844267 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0402500000809062 g
- Fiber 0.289250001366794 g
- Protein 3.13510000851646 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0052625000089297 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (1 cup) serving (182g)
- Sodium 1574.90917117529 mg
- Sugar 39.8059333830599 g
- Trans Fat 0.0112375000225337 g
- Calories 167 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine the broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil and garlic in your slow cooker and stir together to combine.
- Add the uncooked beef pieces and mix until the beef is covered by the liquid.
- Turn crock pot temperature to low and cover.
- Cook for 4 hours (check if done at 4 hours, add more time if needed) until the beef is cooked through.
- Remove 4 tablespoons of the liquid from your slow cooker to a bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
- Once combined, add the cornstarch mixture back into the slow cooker and mix in thoroughly.
- Add the frozen broccoli and stir in.
- Re-cover the slow cooker and cook on low for another half hour.
My Favorite Weeknight Slow Cooker Meal: Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like an impossible task. Between work, carpools, and all the other demands on my time, I often find myself scrambling for quick, convenient options that often lack the nutritional value and satisfying taste I crave. That's why I've become such a huge fan of slow cookers. They’re a lifesaver! They allow me to prepare hearty, flavorful meals with minimal effort and prep time, leaving me more time for the things that truly matter. This Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli recipe is a perfect example. It’s incredibly easy, requires minimal hands-on time, and the result is a restaurant-quality meal that the whole family loves.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It utilizes readily available ingredients, most of which I usually keep stocked in my pantry or freezer. The slow cooker does all the hard work – tenderizing the beef to perfection and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The result is incredibly tender beef, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a savory sauce that’s both rich and satisfying. It’s a complete meal, packed with protein and vegetables, and a welcome break from takeout or frozen dinners. I’ve adjusted the original recipe slightly based on my preferences and what I have available, but the core components remain the same. The key is to make sure the beef is properly seared before adding it to the slow cooker to achieve a deeper, more delicious flavor.
This isn’t just a weeknight dinner; it's a versatile recipe perfect for meal prepping. I often double the recipe and store the leftovers in individual containers for quick lunches throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and the flavors only intensify after a day or two in the refrigerator. That's a huge time saver for me, considering my hectic schedule. I can grab a healthy, flavorful lunch from the fridge without needing to spend precious time preparing it. The convenience is unmatched.
Beyond the convenience and delicious taste, I appreciate the health benefits of this meal. Beef is a great source of protein, essential for energy and maintaining muscle mass, especially important for a woman like me who's always on the go. Broccoli is brimming with vitamins and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet that's vital for my overall health and well-being. The recipe is relatively low in fat, making it a guilt-free indulgence that fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle.
One thing I often adjust is the amount of brown sugar. I sometimes reduce it slightly, depending on my preference for sweetness. And I’ve experimented with adding other vegetables like sliced carrots or mushrooms to add more variety. The slow cooker is incredibly forgiving, so feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. The most important thing is that it’s a delicious and convenient meal that brings my family together. It reminds me that even amidst the chaos of a busy life, I can still prioritize nourishing my family with healthy, homemade food.
Tips for Success:
- Use lean beef: This helps keep the dish healthier and prevents excessive fat.
- Don't overcook the broccoli: It should be tender-crisp, not mushy. Adding it towards the end ensures perfect consistency.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to add more soy sauce, garlic, or ginger for a bolder flavor profile.
- Serve with rice or quinoa: This adds extra carbohydrates and completes the meal.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded nutritious meal.
In conclusion, this Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to efficient cooking and healthy eating. It's a recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen, helping me navigate the demands of motherhood and work while still prioritizing delicious, nutritious meals. It's a recipe I wholeheartedly recommend to other busy women who are looking for a time-saving, healthy, and satisfying dinner option.
