Follow Me On Social Media!
Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
When you think of comfort food, few dishes can bring a smile to your face quite like a bowl of beef and broccoli. This classic dish, often found on takeout menus, combines tender beef in a savory sauce with crispy broccoli. This wholesome meal brings both flavor and nutrition to your dinner table. By using a crock pot, you can infuse these ingredients with rich flavors and let them simmer slowly over hours, resulting in a dish that tastes like it took hours—yet takes only a few minutes of your time to prepare. Plus, it frees you from standing over the stove. Let’s dive into why you should make this delicious dish and how to prepare it perfectly.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli at home:
- Easy Preparation: This recipe uses a crock pot, which means you can set it and forget it. Just throw in your ingredients, and let the slow cooker do the work!
- Tasty and Nutritious: Packed with protein from the beef and vitamins from the broccoli, this dish makes for a well-rounded meal.
- Cost-Effective: Making this dish at home can save you money compared to ordering takeout. You can make a large batch that can last for several meals.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well and can be portioned out for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Flexibility: You can adjust the ingredients according to your taste preferences, making it a versatile recipe to fit various diets.
How to Make Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
Now that you are convinced of its merits, let’s talk about how to make this savory dish that is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
- No ingredients found
Directions:
-
In the insert of a 6-quart crock pot (slow cooker), whisk together the following until well combined:
- Beef stock
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Sesame oil
- Minced garlic
This will be the flavorful base for the beef to cook in.
-
Place the thinly sliced sirloin steak or boneless beef chuck roast into the sauce mixture in the slow cooker. Toss the slices to ensure every piece is well coated in the sauce.
-
Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for about 5 hours until the beef is tender and flavorful.
-
Once the beef is fully cooked and tender, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
-
Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well, making sure it is evenly distributed. This will help the sauce thicken up nicely as it simmers.
-
Scatter the frozen broccoli florets evenly over the beef and sauce in the slow cooker. Gently stir to combine everything.
-
Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low, allowing the broccoli to become tender and the sauce to thicken further. I like to give it a gentle stir halfway through to make sure the broccoli heats evenly.
-
Spoon the beef and broccoli mixture over warm cooked white rice, if desired, and enjoy your meal hot. For an extra special touch, garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions.
How to Serve Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
Serving Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli is simple. Traditionally, this dish pairs well with warm white rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Over Rice: Spoon the tender beef and broccoli mixture over a bed of fluffy white rice for a complete meal.
- With Noodles: For a noodle dish, try serving over steamed or stir-fried noodles instead of rice; this adds an additional texture.
- Garnish: Consider topping your dish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for an extra burst of flavor.
- Side Dishes: Pair with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
How to Store Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
Storing your leftovers properly is essential for maintaining freshness and flavor. Here are some tips:
- Refrigerator: Allow the beef and broccoli to cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Place the cooled beef and broccoli in a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheating: To reheat, if frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat in a microwave or on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
Tips to Make Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
- Use High-Quality Meat: Choose fresh, high-quality beef for the best flavors.
- Slice Thinly: Make sure your beef is sliced thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce and brown sugar based on your preference. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more brown sugar; for a saltier flavor, increase the soy sauce.
- Broccoli Timing: Add fresh broccoli instead of frozen if you prefer; just add it closer to the end of the cooking time, as it cooks faster than frozen veggies.
Variation
While this recipe is delightful as is, here are a few variations you can try:
- Add Heat: If you enjoy some spice, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers to the sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the tofu gets heated through.
- Additional Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for more color and nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, while sirloin steak or boneless beef chuck roast are great choices, you can also use flank steak or even ground beef. Just be aware that cooking times may vary based on the cut.
2. Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook this recipe on high for about 3 hours if you are short on time. Just keep an eye on the beef as it cooks, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Certainly! Substitute soy sauce with tamari or any gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Make sure all your other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
Making Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli at home is a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty meal without excessive effort. This dish promises to deliver both comfort and satisfaction, perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy the rich flavors and the ease of slow cooking, making every bite a delightful experience.
Print
Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 345 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A comforting and nutritious dish of tender beef and crispy broccoli, cooked slowly in a savory sauce using a crock pot.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb sirloin steak or boneless beef chuck roast, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 lb frozen broccoli florets
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- In a 6-quart crock pot, whisk together beef stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Place the thinly sliced beef into the sauce mixture and toss to coat.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 5 hours until beef is tender.
- Whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry; pour into the slow cooker and stir.
- Scatter the frozen broccoli over the beef mixture and gently stir.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low.
- Serve the beef and broccoli over warm cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
Use high-quality meat and slice it thinly for maximum tenderness. Adjust seasonings based on personal preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 330 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: slow cooker, beef and broccoli, comfort food, meal prep, easy recipe
