Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: crockpot beef and broccoli! Seriously, it’s a hug in a bowl. The best part? It’s so simple to make! I toss everything into my trusty crockpot in the morning, and by dinner, my house is filled with this mouthwatering aroma that makes your belly rumble. The beef gets all tender and juicy, soaking up that savory sauce while the broccoli stays vibrant and fresh, giving it that perfect crunch. It’s a dish that feels fancy enough for company but is easy enough for a busy weeknight. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this deliciously flavorful meal—your family will be asking for seconds and thirds! So, let’s dive into how to make this amazing dish!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds beef, sliced thin
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
How to Prepare Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens. First things first, you’ll want to grab your crockpot—it’s about to become your best friend. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity, so don’t worry if you’re not a kitchen whiz. Just follow my lead!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by placing the thinly sliced beef right into the bottom of your crockpot. Don’t be shy; make sure it’s spread out a bit so it cooks evenly.
- Now, in a mixing bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. This is where the flavor starts to build! Stir everything together until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour that delicious mixture over the beef in the crockpot, making sure all those lovely slices are well coated. It already smells amazing, doesn’t it?
- Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Seriously, just let it do its thing while you go about your day!
- About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, it’s time to add in the broccoli. Just toss those florets right on top of the beef. They’ll steam beautifully and keep their vibrant color. Yum!
- Finally, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot to thicken that savory sauce just before serving. This step is key to getting that perfect consistency!
- Once everything is cooked and smelling heavenly, serve it hot over rice or noodles. Your family will be lining up for seconds!
And there you have it! Simple, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Enjoy every bite of your homemade crockpot beef and broccoli!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy meal that practically cooks itself—just set it and forget it!
- Flavor-packed with tender beef and vibrant broccoli, every bite is a delight.
- Healthy and gluten-free, making it a great option for various dietary needs.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead.
- Versatile enough to serve over rice, noodles, or even on its own!
- Leftovers are just as delicious, making it a great dish to enjoy again.
- Impressive enough for guests, yet simple enough for a family dinner.
- Filled with wholesome ingredients, so you know you’re feeding your loved ones well.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make this delicious crockpot beef and broccoli, let me share some of my top tips to ensure you absolutely nail it every time!
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: If you have a little extra time, consider marinating the beef overnight in the soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. It really enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
- Customize Your Broccoli: Feel free to adjust the amount of broccoli to suit your taste. If you love broccoli, go ahead and add more! Just keep in mind that it cooks down a bit, so don’t be shy.
- Beef Cut Matters: Use a tender cut of beef, like flank steak or sirloin, for the best results. It’ll soak up all that yummy sauce while staying juicy and tender.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can always add a bit more cornstarch slurry. Just remember to mix it well before adding to the crockpot to avoid lumps!
- Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Using fresh ginger and garlic makes a noticeable difference in flavor compared to the jarred stuff. Trust me, it’s worth it!
- Rice or Noodles: Serve this dish over your favorite rice or noodles, but don’t forget to keep some extra broth on hand to drizzle over the top. It adds an extra layer of flavor!
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, don’t worry—they’re just as delicious the next day! You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re sure to impress with your crockpot beef and broccoli. Enjoy the cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of this delightful crockpot beef and broccoli. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 30g
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and good-for-you ingredients. It’s a great way to enjoy a satisfying meal without all the guilt. So dig in and feel good about what you’re eating!
FAQ Section
Got questions about crockpot beef and broccoli? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my best answers to help you out.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli works just fine. Just add it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking, just like you would with fresh. It’ll still get that nice tender texture!
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, definitely! Feel free to throw in some bell peppers, snap peas, or even carrots. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as some veggies may require a bit longer to get tender.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
I recommend using a tender cut like flank steak or sirloin. These cuts absorb the flavors beautifully and stay nice and juicy after slow cooking!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef and sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the crockpot when you’re ready to cook. It’s a great make-ahead meal!
What should I serve with crockpot beef and broccoli?
Serving this dish over rice or noodles is classic, but you could also try it with quinoa or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Pair it with some fresh spring rolls or a simple salad for a complete meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious leftovers of crockpot beef and broccoli fresh and tasty! First off, once you’ve enjoyed your meal, let any leftovers cool to room temperature. Then, transfer them into an airtight container. This will help keep all that flavor locked in!
You can store your leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. They should be good for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to dig back in, you can reheat your crockpot beef and broccoli on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you’re using the stovetop, just heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. You might want to add a splash of beef broth or water to keep the sauce nice and saucy—nobody likes dry leftovers!
If you choose the microwave, pop it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until it’s hot. Stir in between to ensure even heating. And voilà! You’re back to enjoying this comforting dish in no time!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious crockpot beef and broccoli, let’s talk about how to make the meal even more delightful! Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions that really complement the dish and elevate your dining experience.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: This is the classic go-to! The fluffy texture and subtle aroma of jasmine rice soak up all that savory sauce perfectly. You can’t go wrong here!
- Lo Mein Noodles: For a fun twist, serve your beef and broccoli over chewy lo mein noodles. They add a great texture and are fantastic at capturing all those tasty flavors!
- Cauliflower Rice: If you’re looking for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a fantastic substitute. It’s light, healthy, and still pairs beautifully with the beef and broccoli.
- Spring Rolls: Fresh or fried spring rolls make a delightful side! They’re a great way to add some crunch and freshness to your meal. Pair them with a tasty dipping sauce for an extra kick!
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a sesame vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the beef. It’s refreshing and adds a nice crunch!
- Sesame Seeds: Don’t forget to sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving. They add a lovely nutty flavor and a bit of elegance to your dish.
With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a well-rounded meal that not only tastes amazing but also looks beautiful on your table. Enjoy every bite of your comforting feast!
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Crockpot Beef and Broccoli: 7 Reasons You’ll Crave It
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful crockpot beef and broccoli dish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef, sliced thin
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Place beef slices in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour the mixture over the beef.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add broccoli to the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water; stir into the crockpot to thicken sauce.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of broccoli to your preference.
- For extra flavor, marinate beef overnight.
- Serve with sesame seeds on top for garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: crockpot beef and broccoli
