Greetings, my fellow foodies!
As someone who’s always on the lookout for easy and delicious dinner recipes, I’m excited to share my Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe with you!
It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend.
(And it’s incredibly easy to make)
The combination of tender beef, fresh broccoli, and flavorful sauce is sure to satisfy your cravings, and it’s a much healthier option than takeout.
With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious homemade meal that’s ready when you are.
But that’s not all! In this article, I’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this mouthwatering dish.
Along with tips for prepping ahead of time, storing leftovers, and customizing the recipe to your liking.
So let’s get started on our slow-cooking adventure and enjoy a stress-free dinner!
Essential Ingredients for your slow cooker beef and Broccoli
These are the building blocks of any dish, and that’s especially true for our slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe!
So, before you dive into the cooking process, let’s go over the essentials you’ll need to make this delicious meal:
Beef
Now, I’m not saying you need to splurge on the most expensive cut of beef, but let’s just say, you don’t want to skimp on this ingredient.
For that tender, juicy, and delicious taste, I recommend using either flank steak or sirloin steak.
Not only do they have great flavor, but they are also budget-friendly options for your cooking needs.
You’ll need around 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of beef, sliced into thin strips.
Broccoli
When it comes to broccoli. (fresh is best)
You’ll need around 4 cups of broccoli florets, washed and trimmed to perfection.
You’ll want to pay attention to the trimming part. No one likes chomping down on a stem that feels like chewing on a piece of wood.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is the star of the show in this recipe. It’s that salty, umami-packed ingredient that brings all the flavors together.
You’ll need 1/2 cup of soy sauce to make this sauce pop.
Brown Sugar
To balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce, you’ll be adding a little bit of sweetness with brown sugar.
You’ll need 1/4 cup of brown sugar that’s tightly packed.
(Not too much, not too little, but just the perfect amount of sweet-to-savory ratio)
Garlic
I like to think of garlic as the ultimate flavor booster. It adds that extra oomph to any dish, including this one.
You’ll need 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced.
If you love garlic as much as I do, feel free to add a little extra. (No judgment here)
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is the magic ingredient that thickens up the sauce.
You’ll need 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to get that perfect, silky consistency.
Beef Broth
To add even more flavor to the dish. You’ll need 1/2 cup of beef broth.
(If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead.)
Now, let’s talk about quality. Personally, I like to make sure that all my ingredients are fresh and of high quality.
This makes a huge difference in the taste and texture of the final dish.
For example, I prefer to use organic beef and broccoli when possible. It’s also important to use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the sodium levels in check.
Making this recipe a perfect addition to your healthy weekly meal preparation.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the beef for chicken or tofu – both are delicious alternatives!
So there you have it – everything you need to know about the ingredients for this amazing slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe.
Next up, let’s dive into the cooking process!
Begin cooking this delicious slow-cooker beef and broccoli
(Alrighty, it’s time to get cooking!)
Let’s whip up this slow cooker beef and broccoli dish and make our taste buds dance with delight!
- Prep the Beef: Grab your beef and a sharp knife, and get to slicing those strips! Make sure they’re nice and thin. (you don’t want any chewy beef!)
Don’t forget to sprinkle some salt and pepper on those babies for some added flavor.
- Prep the Broccoli: (It’s time to give some love to our broccoli!)
Chop it up into bite-sized florets and rinse them under some cold water. Pat them dry and you’re good to go!
- Mix the Sauce Ingredients: Grab a small bowl and start mixing together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and beef broth.
Give it a good whisk, and set it aside.
(Voila! You just made some sauce magic happen)
- Add Everything to the Slow Cooker: Now, it’s time to put everything together in the slow cooker!
Add your beef and broccoli and pour that delicious sauce all over it. Give it a good stir so everything is coated and happy.
- Cook the Beef and Broccoli: Now, here comes the easy part, set your slow cooker to low heat and let it cook for 4-5 hours, or crank it up to high heat and cook it for 2-3 hours.
(You can sit back and relax now, knowing that the slow cooker is doing all the work!)
- Thicken the Sauce: Alright, now it’s time to thicken up that sauce.
Grab a small bowl and mix together some cornstarch and cold water, then add it to the slow cooker and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes on high heat.
(Watch that sauce thicken up like magic!)
- Serve and Enjoy: (Now, the moment we’ve been waiting for – time to dig in!)
Serve up your slow cooker beef and broccoli over a bed of rice or noodles, and garnish with some sliced green onions or sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy.
And don’t forget, you can always mix it up and make this recipe your own by adding some sliced bell peppers or carrots for some extra veggies.
Or try using chicken or tofu instead of beef. (The options are endless!)
It’s a great meal to prepare for your family and relatives, and it’s sure to be a hit no matter what protein you use.
Before we wrap up, let me share some tips on how to prep ahead of time, store leftovers, and customize this recipe even further.
Easy-to-follow tips to make the most of your slow cooker beef and broccoli
Now, let’s talk about how to prepare this meal and how to get the most out of this delicious slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe.
I’ve got some tips to help you make this recipe even better! Here are the tips:
Prepare ahead of time
Let’s face it, you all have those days when you just don’t have time to cook. That’s why you will love to prep the ingredients for this recipe ahead of time.
(It’s super easy!) Just cut the beef and broccoli into bite-sized pieces, and mix the sauce ingredients together.
Store everything in separate containers in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
When you’re ready to eat, simply add everything to the slow cooker.
(And let it do its magic!)
Store leftovers properly
This slow-cooker beef and broccoli recipe makes great leftovers! If you’re like me and you love to cook in bulk, don’t be afraid to make a big batch.
Simply store any leftovers in a meal-prepping container in the fridge for up to four days.
When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
Customize your slow cooker beef and broccoli
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re a meat lover or just meal-prepping for a plant-based diet.
You can make this recipe work for you! Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Swap out the beef for chicken or tofu
- Add sliced bell peppers or carrots for extra veggies
- Add a splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil to the sauce for extra flavor
- Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
Personally, I love to experiment with different spices and seasonings to make this recipe my own.
Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or a teaspoon of ginger for some extra flavor.
Well, my friends, you’ve come to the end of our slow cooker beef and broccoli journey.
It’s been a fun and delicious ride, but it’s time to say goodbye. I hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe and all the tips I’ve shared with you.
Remember, meal prepping doesn’t have to be intimidating or time-consuming.
With a little bit of meal planning and some help from your trusty slow cooker, you can whip up quick and healthy dinner meals in no time.
And who knows, you might even discover a new favorite dish along the way.
So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and make it your own. Get creative with the ingredients and have fun in the kitchen.
And most importantly, enjoy the fruits of your labor (or should I say, the beef and broccoli of your labor).
Thank you again for joining me on this culinary adventure. Until next time, keep on cooking and keep on prepping!
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FAQ
Does beef go tender in a slow cooker?
Yes, beef can become tender in a slow cooker.
Slow cooking allows the beef to cook at a low temperature for a longer period of time, which can break down the connective tissue in the meat and make it more tender.
The slow cooking process also allows the flavors of the beef and other ingredients to meld together, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
Do you have to brown the beef before putting it in a slow cooker?
While it is not strictly necessary to brown the beef before putting it in a slow cooker, it can greatly enhance the flavor and appearance of the finished dish.
Browning the beef before slow cooking can help to develop a rich, caramelized flavor and color, which can add depth and complexity to the dish.
Additionally, searing the beef can help to lock in moisture and prevent it from becoming dry and tough during the slow cooking process.
What happens if you don’t sear meat before slow cooking?
If you don’t sear meat before slow cooking, it can still be cooked in the slow cooker, but it may lack flavor and color.
Searing the meat before slow cooking helps to develop a caramelized crust on the exterior of the meat, which can enhance the flavor and appearance of the finished dish.
Additionally, searing the meat can help to lock in moisture and prevent it from becoming dry and tough during the slow cooking process.
How long does raw beef take in a slow cooker?
The length of time it takes to cook raw beef in a slow cooker can vary depending on the cut of the beef and the recipe.
Generally, beef should be cooked on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours.
However, it’s important to check the internal temperature of the beef with a meat thermometer to ensure that it has reached a safe temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium.
Do you put water in a slow cooker?
It is generally recommended to add some liquid to a slow cooker, such as water, broth, or sauce.
This liquid can help to prevent the food from drying out and sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker, and it can also help to create a flavorful sauce or gravy.
However, the amount of liquid needed can vary depending on the recipe and the ingredients being cooked, so it’s important to follow the instructions carefully.