If you’re looking for a hearty, low-calorie meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this slow cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is a must-try! With tender beef chunks, a savory sauce, and crunchy broccoli, it’s the perfect fakeaway that’ll make you feel like you’re dining at your favorite restaurant, but without the calories. Plus, it’s so easy to make just pop everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic.
Method in Detail
To begin, gather all your ingredients, and get ready for some easy cooking! First, place the beef chunks, onion, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, ginger purée or paste, garlic cloves, chicken stock, black pepper, rice wine vinegar, and the cornflour-water mixture into the slow cooker. Stir everything together to ensure the beef is evenly coated and the flavors start to combine. This initial step is crucial as it sets the base for the entire dish, creating a rich, savory sauce that will infuse the beef as it cooks.
Next, cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. If you’re in a hurry, set it to high and let it cook for about 3 hours. Alternatively, if you have more time, you can set it to low and let it cook for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the beef, allowing it to absorb all the rich flavors from the sauce, making each bite succulent and full of flavor.
As the beef cooks and the sauce thickens, it’s time to add the broccoli. About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, add the chopped broccoli into the slow cooker. Stir it into the sauce, making sure it’s well coated. Cover the slow cooker again and let the broccoli cook for about 30 minutes, or until it’s tender yet still slightly crunchy. This ensures the broccoli retains its vibrant green color and doesn’t get overcooked.
While the beef and broccoli are finishing up in the slow cooker, it’s time to prepare the rice. Follow the instructions on the rice package or use your rice cooker to cook the rice. Typically, 125g of rice per person is a good serving size. The rice will serve as a perfect base to soak up all the delicious sauce from the beef and broccoli.
Finally, once the beef, broccoli, and rice are ready, it’s time to plate and serve. Spoon the rice onto each plate, and top with a generous portion of the beef and broccoli mixture. For an extra kick of flavor, garnish with some chopped chili before serving. The dish is now ready to enjoy full of tender beef, crunchy broccoli, and a savory, rich sauce.
Necessary Tools
- Slow Cooker
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Spoon for mixing
- Small bowl for mixing cornflour and water
- Rice cooker or pot to cook rice
Beef and Broccoli Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Slow Cooker Delight
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes3
hours3
hours10
minutesIngredients
400g thin beef steaks, cut into chunks
1 onion, cut chunky
5 tbsp dark soy sauce
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1-2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp ginger purée or paste
3 garlic cloves, sliced
350ml chicken stock (beef stock is too rich for this)
Crack of black pepper
1 tsp rice wine vinegar
1 heaped tbsp cornflour mixed with 1 tbsp water
1 head of broccoli
125g rice per person (for serving)
Directions
- Add all ingredients except the broccoli, rice, and chili to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours, letting the flavors develop and the beef become tender.
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the broccoli to the slow cooker and let it cook until it’s tender and bright green.
- While the beef and broccoli are finishing, cook the rice according to package instructions.
- Garnish with chili for an extra kick and serve with 125g rice per person.
Notes
- Don’t skip the step of mixing the cornflour with water before adding it to the slow cooker. This helps prevent any lumps in your sauce and ensures it thickens smoothly.
- Keep an eye on the broccoli while it’s cooking overcooking it can cause it to become mushy and lose its vibrant green color. You want it to be tender, but still have a bit of crunch!
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can adjust the cornflour mixture to suit your desired consistency. Just add a little extra cornflour-water mixture at the end if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is great on its own, but if you’re looking to jazz it up, you could serve it with a side of crispy spring rolls, a fresh cucumber salad, or some sautéed mushrooms. The soft rice is the perfect base to soak up all that flavorful sauce.
Fun Fact
Did you know that broccoli isn’t just good for you? It’s also a fantastic source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Plus, it’s great for keeping your bones strong and healthy. So, when you enjoy this recipe, you’re not only eating something delicious, but you’re also getting a health boost!
Conclusion
This Beef and Broccoli recipe is a fantastic, healthy dinner that’s super easy to make and perfect for a busy day. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you’ll have a meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just need a quick dinner option, this recipe checks all the boxes. Enjoy!
