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Better Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Better Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe - featured image
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Tender, deeply savory slow cooker beef and broccoli with a glossy, garlicky sauce that’s better than takeout. A budget-friendly weeknight dinner that’s perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds flank steak or sirloin, sliced thin against the grain
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (unseasoned)
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for searing)

Instructions

  1. Slice the beef against the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add sliced beef and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with vegetable oil. Working in batches, sear beef slices for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to slow cooker.
  4. In the same skillet, add beef broth, remaining 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Scrape up browned bits. Bring to a simmer, then pour over beef in slow cooker.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until beef is fork-tender.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, add broccoli florets to slow cooker. Stir gently. Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
  7. Using a slotted spoon, transfer beef and broccoli to a serving dish. Pour remaining liquid into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + cold water) into sauce. Cook 1-2 minutes until thickened and glossy. Pour over beef and broccoli.
  8. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Do not skip searing the beef—it creates deep flavor. Add broccoli at the end to keep it crisp-tender. Thicken sauce separately on the stovetop for best results. Leftovers keep for 4 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker beef and broccoli, beef and broccoli recipe, easy beef and broccoli, slow cooker Chinese food, flank steak recipe, weeknight dinner, meal prep

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/better-slow-cooker-beef-and-broccoli-recipe/