Are you looking for a quick and tasty dinner? Look no further! My Crockpot Beef and Broccoli recipe is packed with savory flavors and simple ingredients. With just a little prep, you can let your slow cooker do the work. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through easy steps and helpful tips to make a delicious meal your family will love. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Tender & Flavorful: The slow cooking process ensures the flank steak becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while absorbing all the savory flavors from the sauce.
- Easy Preparation: With just a few minutes of prep work and a crockpot, this dish practically cooks itself, making it perfect for busy weekdays.
- Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with broccoli, this dish provides a nutritious boost along with protein, making it a balanced meal option.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste preferences for a personalized dish!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs flank steak, sliced against the grain
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup beef broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (plus 1 tablespoon for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
For this dish, I love using flank steak. It has great flavor and gets very tender in the crockpot. The broccoli brings a nice crunch and bright color. The beef broth adds depth. Soy sauce or tamari gives it that rich umami taste. Brown sugar rounds out the flavors, making it sweet and savory.
Don't forget the cornstarch! It helps to thicken the sauce. Garlic and ginger are must-haves for a punch of flavor. Sesame oil adds a lovely nuttiness. Finally, sesame seeds make the dish look pretty when you serve it over rice or noodles.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
- Slicing the flank steak: Start with 1.5 lbs of flank steak. Slice it against the grain into thin strips. This helps the beef stay tender.
- Measuring out liquids and seasonings: In a bowl, measure 1 cup of beef broth and ¼ cup of soy sauce. Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. Finally, pour in 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Whisk these together until well mixed.
Cooking the Dish
- Layering ingredients in the crockpot: Place the sliced flank steak at the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef. Make sure all the meat is coated well.
- Cooking times for low and high settings: Cover the crockpot. Cook on low for about 6-7 hours. If you're short on time, cook on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be tender when done.
Finishing Touches
- Thickening the sauce with cornstarch: About 30 minutes before the dish is ready, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. This creates a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Adding broccoli at the right time: Add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the crockpot during the last 15 minutes. Stir gently to combine. Cover again to let the broccoli steam and become tender.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Flavor
Marinating the beef makes a big difference. I suggest marinating it for at least an hour. You can mix soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a bit of brown sugar. This helps the beef soak up all the great flavors. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a little more.
Enhancing Texture
To avoid mushy broccoli, add it near the end of cooking. I recommend adding broccoli florets in the last 15 minutes. This keeps them bright and crisp. For the best sauce, use cornstarch to thicken it. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir this into the sauce about half an hour before it's done. This gives you a nice, thick sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Cooked rice or noodles go great with this dish. They soak up the sauce well. For a touch of color, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. You can also add chopped green onions for a fresh look. Serve it all in deep bowls for a cozy feel. A drizzle of extra sesame oil adds flavor and shine.
Pro Tips
- Cutting the Beef: Always slice the flank steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Broccoli Timing: Add the broccoli during the last 15 minutes to retain its bright color and crunch.
- Thickening the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, allow the cornstarch slurry to simmer for a few minutes after adding it to the crockpot.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with jasmine rice or udon noodles for a more authentic Asian-inspired meal.
Variations
Protein Alternatives
You can switch flank steak with chicken or tofu. Chicken will cook fast. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. For tofu, choose firm or extra-firm. Cut it into cubes for the best texture.
Adjust your cooking time based on the protein. Cook chicken on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Tofu needs less time. Cook it on low for about 3 hours.
Flavor Variations
Add fun veggies to your dish! Bell peppers bring sweetness, while carrots add crunch. Slice them thin to cook well in the crockpot. You can mix them in at the same time as broccoli.
Want more heat? Add chili flakes or a splash of sriracha. Start with a small amount, then taste. You can always add more if you like it spicy!
Dietary Adjustments
Make this dish gluten-free easily. Swap soy sauce for tamari. It has the same great taste without gluten.
For low-sodium options, use low-sodium beef broth and soy sauce. You can also cut back on the brown sugar for a healthier twist. If you want it low-carb, skip the rice or noodles and serve it over steamed veggies instead.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your beef and broccoli, store any leftovers properly. Here are some best practices:
- Refrigeration: Place the cooled dish in an airtight container. This keeps the food fresh for up to 3-4 days. Always label your container with the date.
- Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the leftovers. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Properly sealed, it can last up to 3 months. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Instructions
When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you have a couple of easy options.
- Microwave: This method is quick and simple. Place your portion in a bowl. Cover it loosely with a lid or wrap. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Check that it is hot all the way through.
- Stovetop: For better texture, use the stovetop. Place your beef and broccoli in a pan over medium heat. Stir it gently. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Keep these tips in mind to ensure your dish stays flavorful and enjoyable!
FAQs
How long does Crockpot Beef and Broccoli take to cook?
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli takes 6-7 hours on low and 3-4 hours on high. Cooking on low gives the beef more time to become tender. If you're in a hurry, high will still yield great results.
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. However, it may change the texture. It can make the broccoli softer. If using frozen, add it during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. This helps it warm through without getting too mushy.
What can I serve with Crockpot Beef and Broccoli?
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli pairs well with several sides. Here are some ideas:
- Steamed rice: White or brown rice absorbs the sauce well.
- Noodles: Rice noodles or egg noodles are great choices.
- Vegetable stir-fry: Lightly stir-fried veggies can add freshness.
- Salad: A simple green salad can balance the meal.
These options enhance your meal's flavor and texture.
This blog post guided you through making Crockpot Beef and Broccoli. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and cooking tips. You learned how to adjust flavors and textures to enhance the dish. We also discussed variations for different diets and the best storage solutions.
Now you can create a delicious meal with ease. Enjoy your cooking and share this flavorful dish with friend
Savory Slow-Cooked Beef & Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs flank steak, sliced against the grain
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup beef broth
- 0.25 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- to taste cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- In a crockpot, place the sliced flank steak at the bottom.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the crockpot, ensuring the meat is well coated.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
- With 30 minutes left in cooking, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
- Add broccoli florets to the crockpot during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Stir gently to combine, then cover to allow the broccoli to steam and become tender.
- Once cooked, serve the beef and broccoli over cooked rice or noodles and sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.
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