Slow Cooker Recipe for Beef and Broccoli
# Ditch the Takeout: Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a tasty and filling meal without the inconvenience of takeout expenses and long waits, this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is your answer. This dish unites tender beef with bright broccoli in a flavorful, sweet sauce, creating an excellent weeknight dinner choice. Serve it alongside rice or noodles, and you’ve got a potential new family favorite!
## Why You’ll Adore This Recipe
### Taste
Beef and broccoli is a cherished classic in Chinese cooking, and understandably so. This slow cooker iteration features succulent beef cooked in a luscious sauce that strikes a balance between sweetness and savoriness, highlighted by notes of garlic and ginger.
### Difficulty Level
This recipe is remarkably simple to make. There’s no need for constant attention; just place all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
### Key Preparation Tip
To achieve the most tender beef, it’s essential to slice the flank steak **against the grain**. Identify the long fibers in the meat and cut perpendicular to them. This method ensures the beef stays tender and easy to eat.
### Cooking Advice
If you like your broccoli with a tender-crisp bite, try steaming it separately and adding it to the dish about 15 minutes before serving. This approach helps retain some crunch while still allowing you to savor the flavors of the sauce.
### Budget Friendly Tip
To make your meal go further, consider including additional vegetables like bell peppers, julienned carrots, snow peas, or onions. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also increase the dish’s nutritional content.
### Substitutions
For a low-carb option, serve the beef and broccoli atop cauliflower rice instead of regular rice or noodles.
## What’s in Beef and Broccoli?
– **Beef**: Flank steak or skirt steak is ideal for this recipe, but chunks of beef stew meat are also a good substitute.
– **Broccoli**: Fresh broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces are perfect. Frozen broccoli can be used too; just be aware that it may become softer than fresh.
– **Hoisin Sauce**: This Chinese barbecue sauce, derived from soybeans, imparts a sweet, savory, and salty taste to the dish, making it an excellent addition for stir-fries and marinades.
### Variations
Feel free to experiment! Toss in sliced green or red bell peppers, water chestnuts, baby corn, or peas into the slow cooker towards the end of cooking. Top with sliced almonds, green onions, or sesame seeds for an extra flourish.
## Quick Tips
– **Prep Ahead**: Slice the beef and prepare the sauce the night before, storing them separately. In the morning, simply combine everything in the slow cooker.
– **Time Saver**: Opt for microwave steam-in-bag broccoli for a quick and hassle-free addition. Just steam until crisp and mix into the crockpot.
– **Add Some Heat**: If you appreciate a bit of spice, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha when you add the broccoli.
## Leftovers and Storage
– Store any leftover portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
– For extended storage, place individual servings in a zippered bag and freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
## Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is not only a splendid way to savor a classic dish at home but also saves you both time and money. With its deep flavors and tender components, it’s bound to be a regular in your weeknight dinner lineup. Enjoy your meal, and remember to leave a comment and rating if you give it a try!
### Recipe Overview
– **Prep Time**: 15 minutes
– **Cook Time**: 1 hour 30 minutes
– **Total Time**: 1 hour 45 minutes
– **Servings**: 6
### Nutritional Information (per serving)
– **Calories**: 372
– **Protein**: 32g
– **Carbohydrates**: 43g
– **Fat**: 8g
– **Fiber**: 3g
This dish is not just flavorful but also loaded with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any family dinner. Enjoy!
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