Are you ready for a delicious, hassle-free meal? This Savory Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli recipe is your answer. With tender beef and bright broccoli cooked in a savory sauce, dinner has never been easier. I’ll show you how to prepare, cook, and even store this tasty dish. Let’s dive into the ingredients and make your weeknight meals something special!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli
– 1.5 lbs flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
– 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
– 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 1 tablespoon minced ginger
– 3 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
These ingredients create a rich flavor. The flank steak is tender and soaks up the sauce. Broccoli adds color and nutrition. Low sodium sauces help keep the dish balanced.
Optional Garnishes and Serving Suggestions
– 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
– Cooked rice, for serving
Chopped green onions add a fresh touch. Serving over rice makes it filling and hearty. You can also add sesame seeds for crunch.
Nutritional Information
This dish serves about 4-5 people. Each serving has around:
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 40g
– Fat: 10g
– Fiber: 4g
This meal is a great source of protein and fiber. It helps keep you full and satisfied. The balance of flavors and nutrition makes it a winner for any dinner table.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Sauce Mixture
Start by gathering your mixing bowl and all the sauce ingredients. You need:
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 1 tablespoon minced ginger
– 3 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 cup beef broth
Whisk these together until smooth. This sauce packs flavor and helps tenderize the beef.
Cooking the Beef
Next, slice your flank steak thinly against the grain. This cut is key for tenderness. Place the beef in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the meat. Use your hands or a spoon to toss it well. Make sure every piece gets coated. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for five hours. The beef will become tender and soak up all the flavors.
Adding the Broccoli
With 30 minutes left on the timer, it’s time for the broccoli. Add four cups of broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Stir gently to mix them with the beef and sauce. Cover again and let it cook. In about 30 minutes, the broccoli will turn bright green and be tender. When it’s done, give everything a good stir to mix the sauce evenly.
Tips & Tricks
How to Slice Flank Steak
Slice flank steak thinly. This method helps the meat cook evenly and stay soft. Always cut against the grain. You can tell the grain by looking at the lines in the meat. If you cut with the grain, the meat can be tough. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Aim for pieces about 1/4 inch thick. This makes it easy to chew and soak up all the sauce.
Enhancing Flavor with Additional Ingredients
To boost flavor, you can add extra ingredients. Try adding some red pepper flakes for heat. A splash of rice vinegar adds a nice tang. You can also mix in chopped bell peppers or carrots for more color and crunch. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add freshness at the end. Just remember, too many flavors can clash, so choose wisely!
Cooking on Different Settings
You can cook this dish on different settings based on your time. If you’re in a hurry, use the high setting. Cook the beef for about 3 hours. If you have more time, the low setting is best. This takes about 5 hours but makes the meat super tender. Always check the beef for doneness before serving. The broccoli should be bright green when you add it in the last 30 minutes.
Variations
Substituting Different Cuts of Beef
You can switch flank steak for other cuts. Sirloin or chuck roast works well too. Each cut gives a unique flavor and texture. Sirloin is leaner, while chuck is richer. Adjust the cooking time if you use a thicker cut. Always slice against the grain for best results.
Vegetarian or Vegan Alternatives
Want a plant-based dish? Use tofu or tempeh instead of beef. Press the tofu to remove water. Cut it into cubes, then sauté until golden. Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a tasty sauce. This way, you keep the savory flavor.
Gluten-Free Options
For a gluten-free meal, swap soy sauce for tamari. It gives the same salty flavor without gluten. Ensure all sauces and broth are labeled gluten-free too. You can serve this over quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. These options keep your meal light and flavorful.
Storage Info
How to Properly Store Leftovers
Store your leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the beef and broccoli fresh. Let them cool first before sealing. Place them in the fridge. They last for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing.
Reheating Tips
When you want to reheat, use a microwave or a pan. For the microwave, place your portion on a plate. Heat for about 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway for even warmth. On the stovetop, use low heat and add a splash of broth. This keeps the beef moist.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze, place your beef and broccoli in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. Your meal can stay good for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe. Just add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This way, it cooks evenly and stays bright green. Frozen broccoli is a great time-saver. It also keeps the dish easy and quick.
How do I ensure the beef is tender?
To make sure your beef is tender, slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. Cutting against the grain breaks up the muscle fibers. This helps the beef stay soft during cooking. Cooking on low heat for five hours also helps. Low heat allows the meat to slowly get tender and juicy.
What to serve with Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli?
Serve this dish over cooked rice for a full meal. The rice soaks up the tasty sauce. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables for extra color. Try some sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for garnish. These add a nice crunch and look great on the plate.
In this post, we explored how to make Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli. We covered essential ingredients, easy instructions, and handy tips. You learned about variations and proper storage for leftovers. Always remember to slice your beef well to keep it tender. This dish is easy to tailor to your taste, whether you want gluten-free or vegan options. With these steps, you can enjoy a delicious meal that fits your needs. Try it out, and make it your own!
