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Cozy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce

cozy slow cooker beef and broccoli - featured image
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Tender, fall-apart beef and perfectly cooked broccoli in a rich, savory garlic sauce, all made effortlessly in the slow cooker. This better-than-takeout recipe is a weeknight winner that even broccoli skeptics will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast or stew meat, sliced into thin strips (about ¼-inch thick)
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads)
  • Cooked white rice or brown rice, for serving
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Slice the beef into thin strips, about ¼-inch thick. For easier slicing, freeze the beef for 20 minutes first. Cut against the grain.
  2. (Optional but recommended) Sear the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef strips in batches for about 2 minutes per side until browned. Deglaze pan with a splash of beef broth and add to slow cooker.
  3. Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, beef broth, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Place beef strips in the slow cooker. Pour sauce over and stir to coat. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, add broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Stir into the sauce, cover, and cook on HIGH for 20 to 30 minutes until tender but still bright green.
  6. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Remove lid, switch slow cooker to HIGH, and pour in slurry. Stir gently and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes until sauce thickens.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

For best results, slice beef against the grain and do not add broccoli at the beginning. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker beef and broccoli, garlic sauce, easy weeknight dinner, better than takeout, beef and broccoli recipe, slow cooker recipe

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/cozy-slow-cooker-beef-and-broccoli-with-garlic-sauce/