Oh my goodness, let me tell you – there’s just something magical about the ease of using a crockpot! I mean, you toss everything in, set it, and forget it while your home fills with the most mouthwatering aroma. My family can’t get enough of my crockpot beef and broccoli. It’s become a go-to weeknight meal that brings everyone to the table with big smiles. I still remember the first time I made it, the kids were so excited to see that beautiful green broccoli mingling with tender beef in a savory sauce. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself dreaming up excuses to make it again and again!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds of beef, sliced thinly
- 4 cups of broccoli florets
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
How to Prepare *Crockpot Beef and Broccoli*
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! First things first, grab your crockpot and place the sliced beef right at the bottom. Don’t worry about it being perfect; just spread it out a bit so it cooks evenly. Now, in a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. This combination is where the magic happens—it’s going to make everything taste absolutely divine!
Once you’ve whisked that mixture until it’s nice and smooth, pour it over the beef in the crockpot. Seriously, just let it rain that flavorful goodness all over! Now, cover the pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. I usually opt for low and slow; it really helps the flavors to meld beautifully!
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to dig in, it’s time to add those gorgeous broccoli florets. This way, they’ll stay vibrant and crisp, not mushy! Oh, and here’s a little trick: in a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with just a bit of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot to thicken that luscious sauce. Finally, when everything’s done, serve it hot over rice or noodles. Trust me, your family will be begging for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! While I’m all about enjoying delicious food, I know it’s helpful to keep an eye on the nutritional side too. Here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect in each serving of this tasty crockpot beef and broccoli:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices. But hey, knowing what you’re eating can make enjoying this dish even better! Plus, with all that broccoli, you’re getting some great nutrients alongside that savory beef. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless cooking: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you!
- Rich, savory flavor: The combination of beef broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a mouthwatering sauce that you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
- Healthy and hearty: Packed with nutritious broccoli and lean beef, this dish is a wholesome choice for the family.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or add your favorite veggies to make it your own.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—just reheat and you’re good to go!
- Kid-friendly: The tender beef and vibrant broccoli make it appealing to even the pickiest eaters.
- Great for gatherings: Impress your friends with this delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that requires minimal effort.
Tips for Success
Alright, here are some of my top tips to make your crockpot beef and broccoli even more amazing! First off, don’t skimp on the fresh ingredients; using fresh broccoli really makes a difference in texture and flavor. You want that bright green crunch to pop against the tender beef!
If you find the sauce a bit too sweet for your taste, feel free to adjust the brown sugar. You can always start with less and add more if needed—better to err on the side of caution! And here’s a pro tip: if you want a hint of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes to spice things up. Lastly, if you’re prepping this for a meal prep, consider doubling the recipe so you can enjoy it for days to come. Trust me, it’s just as good on day two or three! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations
Oh, the possibilities are endless when it comes to mixing up your crockpot beef and broccoli! One of my favorite things to do is swap out the broccoli for other veggies that you love. Think snap peas, bell peppers, or even carrots for a splash of color and crunch. You can really get creative here!
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, try adding a splash of sesame oil or a bit of hoisin sauce to your broth mixture. It’ll give your dish a totally new depth of flavor! You can also experiment with different proteins—chicken or even tofu can work wonders in this recipe, especially if you want to switch things up for a lighter meal.
Feeling adventurous? Toss in some cashews or peanuts towards the end of cooking for that nutty crunch—so good! And if you love a bit of spice, don’t forget to add some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of sriracha to the mix. Seriously, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this dish. Just let your imagination run wild and make it your own! Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious crockpot beef and broccoli, let’s talk about how to serve it for the ultimate meal experience! The first thing that comes to mind is a big bowl of fluffy steamed rice. It’s a classic pairing that soaks up that rich, savory sauce and balances out all those wonderful flavors. Trust me, you’ll want every last drop!
If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, consider serving it over noodles. Whether it’s rice noodles, udon, or even some chewy egg noodles, they add a nice texture that complements the tender beef and crisp broccoli beautifully. I love mixing it up depending on my mood!
Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions on top for a pop of color and crunch. It really elevates the dish and makes it feel special! If you’re feeling fancy, a side of spring rolls or dumplings would be an excellent addition to your meal, making it feel like a feast!
And here’s a fun idea: if you have any leftover sauce, drizzle it over a simple salad of mixed greens. It adds a delightful zing to your veggies! No matter how you serve it, your family and friends will be raving about this dish for sure!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s chat about how to store those delicious leftovers of your crockpot beef and broccoli! First things first, once the dish has cooled down a bit, you’ll want to transfer it into an airtight container. This helps keep all that yummy flavor in and prevents any unwanted odors from sneaking in from the fridge. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure to label it with the date so you know when it’s time to enjoy it again!
If you’re planning to keep it longer, you can definitely freeze it! Just pack it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. I like to portion it out into individual servings for easy reheating later on. It should stay good in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Now, when it comes to reheating, my favorite method is to use the stovetop. Just toss it in a skillet over medium heat and stir occasionally until it’s heated through. This helps maintain the texture of the beef and broccoli. If you need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up, go for it! You can also microwave it if you’re in a hurry—just cover it with a microwave-safe lid and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed to your liking.
Whichever method you choose, your crockpot beef and broccoli will still taste fantastic! Enjoy those leftovers, because they’re just as good the next day!
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Crockpot Beef and Broccoli: 7 Steps to Pure Comfort
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and tasty crockpot beef and broccoli recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of beef, sliced thinly
- 4 cups of broccoli florets
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
Instructions
- Place sliced beef 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 florets.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir into the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar.
- Use fresh broccoli for better texture.
- Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: crockpot beef and broccoli, easy beef recipes, slow cooker meals, beef recipes
