Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe
This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality Beef and Broccoli experience, all from the convenience of your slow cooker! Forget takeout – this easy recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight, and it's surprisingly healthy, too. Let's dive into the ingredients and instructions.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain (this is key for tenderness!)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (16 ounce) package broccoli florets, fresh or frozen (no need to thaw if frozen)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium is recommended, but adjust to your taste)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended): For added flavor, sear the beef slices in a skillet over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes per side. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it creates a beautiful crust and deeper flavor. Set the seared beef aside.
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Sauté Aromatics (If Not Searing): If skipping the searing step, lightly sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a little sesame oil in the slow cooker (on sauté setting if available) until softened. This step adds depth of flavor and prevents the garlic from burning.
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Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the seared (or sautéed) beef, broccoli florets, beef broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using) to your slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and the broccoli is cooked through. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
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Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid and whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture back into the slow cooker and cook for another 15 minutes on low to thicken.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Tips for Success:
- Thinly Slice the Beef: This is crucial for tender beef. Slice against the grain for the best results.
- Don't Overcook the Broccoli: Broccoli can become mushy if overcooked. Adjust cooking time depending on your slow cooker and the type of broccoli you're using.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Make it a Meal Prep Masterpiece: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Considerations:
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