Need an easy-to-make recipe reminiscent of a tasteful take-out meal? Crockpot Beef with Broccoli fits the bill completely! This dish features tender slices of beef floating in a savory sauce and paired with crunchy broccolis, delivers enormous flavor and can be prepared while practically still sitting on the couch! Just spend some time tossing everything into your pot, and your kitchen and aromas will do it toiling! So apt for those busy weekdays or when little prepping dinners or little preparation is just what you need to grab! Dive into the simple and tasty delight!
Ingredients
For the Beef and Sauce:
- Beef sirloin, flank steak, or chuck roast (1 ½ lbs, thinly sliced against the grain)
- Beef broth (1 cup)
- Low-sodium soy sauce (½ cup)
- Brown sugar (¼ cup)
- Sesame oil (2 tbsp)
- Rice vinegar (2 tbsp)
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
- Fresh ginger (1 tbsp, grated)
- Red pepper flakes (¼ tsp, optional, for a bit of heat)
For Thickening and Adding Broccoli:
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp)
- Water (2 tbsp)
- Broccoli florets (4 cups, fresh or frozen)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce and Beef
In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 2: Add the Ingredients to the Crockpot
Place the sliced beef in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef, ensuring all the slices are coated.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, mixing well to combine with the sauce. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Add the Broccoli
While the sauce is thickening, steam or microwave the broccoli florets until they are crisp-tender. Add the cooked broccoli to the slow cooker, stirring gently to coat with the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the beef and broccoli hot over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
For full satisfaction, serve with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or noodles.
Leftover items should be sealed in a cool container and put in the refrigerator for storage. They must be consumed within 3 days.
Freezing: freeze cooled down before sealing in the air-safe container. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Helpful Notes
To add more of an earthy flavor to the sauce, drizzle in a tablespoon of hoisin sauce or oyster sauce.
If you wish to enjoy a mushy form of broccoli, bring this directly after 30 minutes into the slow cooker.
Consider using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce if you want a gluten-free meal.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
Ming Tsai suggests using light and dark soy sauce to create complex flavors.
Rachael Ray suggests a dollop of fish sauce for the flavor enhancement.
Guy Fieri recommends marinating the beef slices in the sauce for at least 30 minutes pre-cooking for a nice flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to use a different cut of beef?
Sure, you could use flank steak, sirloin steaks, or chuck steaks. For the best tasting dish, be sure to have your beef sliced thinly across the grain.
What can I do to make this recipe spicier?
If you want to make it spicier, go for more red pepper flakes, or a splash of sriracha or chopped chilies.
Could I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Simply drop it into the slow cooker minutes before serving.
What if I don’t have sesame oil?
Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil as an alternative; however, sesame oil will go together with the beef excellently.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
You may opt to brown the beef using the Sauté setting before adding the remaining ingredients and setting the pressure setting to “Pressure Cook (or Manual)” for 15 minutes and quick releasing it, stirring the cornstarch slurry in and allowing everything to cook until thickened.
What can I do to prevent the broccoli from going mushy?
If at all preferred, either steam or nuke the broccoli on its own so that it is still crisp tender and add it as late as possible.
Can other vegetables be added?
Most definitely! Feel free to incorporate cubed bell peppers, snow peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the dish.
What could I possibly serve with Beef and Broccoli?
Pair with white rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a ketogenic option.
How do I reheat leftovers the right way?
(reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium heat with an additional small amount of water) or (reheat in the microwave in short bursts with a splash of water) to bring back to life.
Is it all right to double the recipe?
Yes, gentlemen, double the ingredients! But be sure to check if your crockpot is large enough for all that double the volume.
Enjoy your day with a good, hearty meal and get that Chinese takeout feel by sauteing some Crockpot Beef and Broccoli!
