Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck roast, sliced into thin strips
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons water
– 4 cups broccoli florets
– Cooked white rice, for serving
– Optional garnish: toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Directions:
1. Place your thinly sliced beef in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil until well combined. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours, or until the beef is cooked through and tender.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl until the cornstarch is dissolved. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker to help thicken the sauce.
5. Add the broccoli florets on top of the beef and sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low, or until the broccoli is cooked to your preferred tenderness.
6. Serve over white rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Variations & Tips:
– Time-Saving Tip: Use frozen broccoli florets to skip the chopping, and add them right into the slow cooker.
– Sweetness Adjustments: If you like it a tad sweeter, feel free to adjust the brown sugar to taste. Conversely, for a less sweet version, start with less sugar and add more if it’s needed.
– Protein Variations: Although I prefer beef chuck roast for its tenderness, you can also use flank steak or even pre-cut stir-fry beef to save some prep time.
– Spice it Up: A drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a lovely warm zing to the dish for those who like a bit of heat.
– Veggies Galore: Not a broccoli fan? Swap it out for snap peas, bell peppers, or baby carrots for an equally scrumptious veggie experience.
Nothing wins the evening like a thought-out meal that practically cooked itself while you were conquering the day. This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a testament to set-it-and-forget-it magic, perfect for anyone wanting to dine well amidst a busy schedule. Now, go ahead, and relish the extra time you’ve just reclaimed!
