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Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef is a rich and savory dish that's perfect for any night of the week. Tender slices of beef cooked in a flavorful sauce, combined with fresh broccoli, make this a wholesome and satisfying meal that's incredibly easy to prepare.
INGREDIENTS
- Flank Steak: 1 ½ pounds, thinly sliced and chopped into 2-inch pieces for tender bites of beef.
- Beef Broth: 1 cup to create a rich base for the sauce.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: ⅔ cup for a savory, umami flavor without too much salt.
- Brown Sugar: ⅓ cup to add a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon for a deep, nutty flavor.
- Minced Garlic: 1 tablespoon to add a pungent and aromatic flavor.
- Red Chili Flakes (optional): ¼ teaspoon for a bit of heat.
- Broccoli Florets: 4 cups for a fresh and healthy addition.
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons to thicken the sauce.
- Cold Water: 4 tablespoons to mix with the cornstarch for the thickening slurry.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Grease the inside of a slow cooker. Add 1 ½ pounds of thinly sliced and chopped flank steak, 1 cup of beef broth, ⅔ cup of low sodium soy sauce, ⅓ cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and ¼ teaspoon of red chili flakes (optional). Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and tenderizes the beef.
- Step 2:
- Minutes before serving, uncover the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 4 tablespoons of cold water until dissolved. Add this mixture to the slow cooker and stir. Cover and allow to cook for another 20-25 minutes until the sauce thickens. This step ensures a perfectly thickened sauce that coats the beef and broccoli.
- Step 3:
- Just before serving, place 4 cups of broccoli florets in a large container, fill with ½ inch of water, and place the lid on in an offset manner to vent. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Drain, then stir the broccoli into the slow cooker. This step keeps the broccoli bright green and crisp-tender.
- Step 4:
- Serve hot and enjoy the rich, savory flavors of this Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef dish. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor and a touch of color.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Helpful Notes
- To make the dish gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative instead of regular soy sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Jamie Oliver suggests slicing the beef against the grain for the most tender results.
- Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends using fresh garlic for the best flavor instead of pre-minced garlic.
- Chef Ina Garten advises using low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.