There’s something magical about the aroma of Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli wafting through your home. Imagine tender beef simmering in a savory sauce, mingling with crisp broccoli, all while you relax and let the slow cooker do its magic. Your taste buds are already dancing in anticipation of that first bite, aren’t they? This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. For more inspiration, check out this hearty dinner recipes recipe.
Growing up, my mom used to make a version of this dish on chilly Sundays, filling our home with warmth and mouthwatering scents. It was the kind of meal that brought everyone together around the table, sharing stories and laughter. Now, I whip it up for my own family and enjoy those same moments. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an easy weeknight meal, this Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli is a winner every time.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe features incredibly tender beef with perfectly cooked broccoli in a deliciously rich sauce
- Preparation is a breeze—just toss everything into the crock pot!
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any dinner table
- Perfect for busy weeknights but versatile enough for entertaining guests
I still remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; their eyes lit up, and I felt like a culinary rock star!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Beef Chuck Roast: A well-marbled cut ensures tenderness during slow cooking; aim for about 2-3 pounds.
Fresh Broccoli: Choose bright green florets that are firm; they will hold their texture beautifully.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add an aromatic depth; use 4-5 cloves minced for maximum flavor.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth; about 1 tablespoon minced makes a world of difference.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is preferable to control saltiness while enhancing umami flavor.
Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances out the flavors; use about ¼ cup packed brown sugar.
Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty richness; 2 tablespoons will elevate the dish remarkably.
Cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent for the sauce; mix it with water before adding to achieve desired consistency.
Green Onions: Sliced green onions add freshness as a garnish at serving time; sprinkle generously!
Rice or Noodles: To serve alongside, choose steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep the Beef: Start by cutting your beef chuck roast into bite-sized pieces, trimming excess fat as needed. Season with salt and pepper for an extra flavor boost.
Add Aromatics and Sauce Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine minced garlic and ginger with soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir until well mixed.
Add Beef to Slow Cooker: Toss the seasoned beef chunks into the mixture in your crock pot. Ensure each piece is coated thoroughly with that tasty sauce.
Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours until the beef becomes tender and juicy.
Add Broccoli Towards End of Cooking Time: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in fresh broccoli florets into the crock pot to retain their color and crunchiness.
Thicken Sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth; then stir it into your crock pot during the last few minutes of cooking.
Serve your Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli over fluffy rice or noodles and watch everyone dig in! The savory aroma will have taste buds tingling long before they take their first bite. Enjoy every moment around your dinner table—it’s all about creating memories one delicious meal at a time!
You Must Know
- One secret to a delightful Crock Pot Beef And Broccoli is to use fresh ingredients
- The vibrant greens and tender beef create a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen
- Plus, this dish is perfect for meal prep, allowing for delicious leftovers all week long
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the beef for extra flavor, then layer everything in the crock pot for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version, or add sesame seeds for crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always cut the beef against the grain for tenderness
- Use a low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness
- Stir in broccoli near the end of cooking for vibrant color and crispness
When I first made Crock Pot Beef And Broccoli, my friends devoured it, asking for seconds and thirds. Their delighted faces were priceless!
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Yes, but add it during the last 30 minutes to avoid mushiness.
What kind of beef should I use?
Flank steak or sirloin works best for tenderness and flavor.
How can I thicken the sauce?
Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the crock pot during cooking.
Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 40 minute
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli is a delightful, hearty dish featuring tender beef simmered in a savory sauce paired with crisp broccoli. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this slow-cooked meal fills your home with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the table. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s your go-to recipe for creating memorable moments around the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 lb fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with water (for thickening)
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
- Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper.
- In the slow cooker, combine garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil; stir well.
- Add the seasoned beef to the slow cooker, ensuring it’s coated in the sauce.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until beef is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add fresh broccoli florets to maintain their crunch.
- If desired, thicken the sauce by stirring in cornstarch mixed with water during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Serve over fluffy rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 355
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, consider searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. Substitute tamari for gluten-free options or sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added crunch.
