If you’re looking for a delicious, tender, and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort, this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is the perfect recipe for you. The combination of juicy beef, savory soy sauce, and sweet brown sugar creates a rich sauce that perfectly coats the meat and broccoli. Using the slow cooker makes this dish even more convenient, allowing the beef to become incredibly tender while you go about your day. Serve this with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck roast, boneless, sliced into thin strips
- 1 cup beef consommé or beef broth
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 cups of frozen broccoli florets (approximately one 14 oz package)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef chuck roast into thin strips, ensuring that they are even in size for uniform cooking.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef consommé or broth, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. This will form the savory-sweet sauce for the dish.
- Add to the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced beef in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef, ensuring that all the meat is evenly coated.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the beef is tender. The low and slow cooking process will help the beef absorb all the rich flavors from the sauce while becoming incredibly soft.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Add the Broccoli: After adding the cornstarch slurry, stir in the frozen broccoli florets. Cover the slow cooker again and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
- Serve: Once the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, serve the beef and broccoli over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for an extra pop of flavor and color if desired.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a simple yet incredibly flavorful meal that you can make with minimal effort. The combination of tender beef, sweet and savory sauce, and perfectly cooked broccoli makes it a family favorite. It’s an excellent option for busy weeknights or when you want to enjoy a takeout-style meal at home. Plus, with the ease of the slow cooker, you can set it up and let the magic happen while you focus on other things. Enjoy this comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!