Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is a comforting and easy way to enjoy a classic Chinese takeout favorite at home. Tender slices of beef simmered in a flavorful sauce with fresh broccoli make for a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. beef chuck roast, sliced thinly across the grain
• 1 cup beef stock (or beef broth)
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp. sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. dried ground ginger (or 1 Tbsp. fresh grated)
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 12 oz. broccoli florets (about 3 cups)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk together the beef stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ground ginger until well combined.
2. Step 2: Lay the sliced beef at the bottom of the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the beef. Mix the beef slices gently to coat evenly with the sauce.
3. Step 3: Cook on HIGH for 3 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours, until the beef is tender and cooked through.
4. Step 4: Remove ¼ cup of the sauce from the slow cooker and whisk it together with the cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the slow cooker and stir well. Add the broccoli florets, then continue cooking on HIGH for 30 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Step 5: Serve the beef and broccoli hot with your choice of sides such as steamed rice or noodles.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, marinate the beef slices in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Swap broccoli for other vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers for variety.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water during the final thickening step.

Storage

Store leftover beef and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the beef. The sauce may thicken further when chilled; stir in a splash of water when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use flank steak or sirloin sliced thinly instead of chuck roast for a leaner option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as these cuts cook faster.

Is it necessary to use cornstarch?

Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce to give it that glossy finish typical of beef and broccoli dishes. You can skip it for a thinner sauce, but the texture and coating on the broccoli will be less pronounced.