This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is super easy to make! Tender beef and fresh broccoli swim in a tasty, sweet sauce that’s perfect over rice. It’s a dish that brings home a cozy feeling.
You won’t believe how simple it is! Just toss everything in, set it, and forget it. When dinner time arrives, your house smells amazing, and you’re ready to eat! Can’t get better than that!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a leaner option, sirloin or flank steak can be used, but adjust cooking times as they cook faster.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli provides great texture and flavor, but frozen broccoli works just as well. It’s often pre-cut and can easily be added in the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to reduce salt content. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative!
Brown Sugar: You can substitute with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a different sweetness profile. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
Sesame Oil: This adds rich flavor, but you can replace it with olive oil or peanut oil if you don’t have it on hand.
Ginger: Fresh ginger is best for its flavor, but ground ginger can be a quick alternative. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger if you go this route.
How Can I Make Sure My Beef Turns Out Tender?
The key to tender beef in this recipe is cooking it low and slow. Start by cutting the beef into uniform chunks, which helps it cook evenly. The slow cooker should be set to low for 6-7 hours or high for about 3-4 hours. Check for tenderness; the beef should shred easily with a fork.
- Mix your sauce well, ensuring the brown sugar dissolves before adding it to the beef.
- Don’t skip the tablespoon of rice vinegar! It helps balance the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Adding the broccoli at the end ensures it remains bright green and crisp, not mushy.
- When making the slurry with cornstarch, mix it with some of the cooking liquid to avoid clumps and allow for even thickening.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Dish:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus cooking time of 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. With this method, you’ll have plenty of time to relax while your delicious beef and broccoli dish slowly comes together in the slow cooker!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the sugar is dissolved. This will be your delicious sauce!
2. Prepare the Beef:
Take the beef chunks and place them in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the beef, making sure all the pieces are nicely coated. This will give your beef amazing flavor as it cooks!
3. Slow Cook the Beef:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the beef is so tender that it just falls apart. No rush, just let it work its magic!
4. Add the Broccoli:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the broccoli florets. If you are using frozen broccoli, add it in the last 20 minutes of cooking. This way, your broccoli will be perfectly tender and vibrant!
5. Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid to create a slurry (this will help thicken the sauce). Stir this slurry back into the slow cooker and let it cook for an additional 15 minutes. You’ll have a nice thick sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over your rice!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the tender beef and broccoli over cooked white rice, and garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro. Dig in and enjoy your homemade meal!
Can I Use Flank Steak Instead of Chuck Roast?
Absolutely! Flank steak is a great alternative as it’s leaner and cooks quickly. Just remember to slice it against the grain after cooking for the best texture. You might want to reduce the cooking time by about an hour to prevent it from becoming tough.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Recipe?
Sure! Feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. If using fresh vegetables, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking; frozen vegetables should be added in the last 20 minutes to keep them vibrant and crisp.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, you can add a splash of beef broth or water while reheating to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free version (like tamari) and check that your beef broth is gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy the flavors without worrying about gluten!
