Crock Pot recipes are a staple in many kitchens, and for good reason. One standout dish that has carved a niche for itself in the world of easy, hearty meals is Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli. This dish takes tender slices of beef, combines them with fresh broccoli, and envelops everything in a deliciously rich sauce. It’s a meal that brings comfort to your table without requiring hours of slaving away in the kitchen.
Why We Love This Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
One word that sums up this dish is convenience. The beauty of a crock pot recipe lies in its ability to create a hearty, delicious meal without requiring constant attention. Simply prepare the ingredients, set everything in your crock pot, and go about your day. When you return, a gourmet-quality meal awaits you.
Another reason this dish is so beloved is its versatility. The ingredients are simple and common, allowing you to whip it up without a trip to the specialty store. Whether you’re feeding a family or having friends over, this Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli recipe is an easy way to impress without the stress.
Finally, let’s not forget about taste! The combination of the soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar creates a rich and mouthwatering flavor profile. The tender beef and vibrant broccoli come together harmoniously, making every bite truly delicious. This meal is sure to become a staple in your household.
Ingredients about Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
For making this delectable dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 lb thinly sliced sirloin steak or boneless beef chuck roast
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1/2 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp water
- 1 bag (12 oz) frozen broccoli florets
- Cooked white rice (optional, for serving)
As you see, the ingredient list is manageable, consisting mostly of pantry staples. This makes it easy to gather everything you need before you start cooking.
How to Make Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Directions
Creating the Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli is a simple process that requires minimal effort for maximum flavor. Start by following these straightforward steps:
- Slice the Beef: Using a sharp knife, cut the beef into thin strips. Aim for even thickness to ensure that it cooks uniformly.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the beef stock, reduced sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended. This sauce is the key to ensuring your beef is flavorful and succulent.
- Combine in the Crock Pot: Place the sliced beef into the crock pot. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef, ensuring that all the pieces are well coated. This will allow the beef to soak up the flavors as it cooks.
- Slow Cook the Beef: Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the beef will become. During this time, the flavors will meld beautifully.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until you have a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture into the crock pot to thicken the sauce. This last step elevates your dish, turning a simple meal into something that feels gourmet.
- Add Broccoli: After stirring, add the frozen broccoli florets to the pot and mix gently. Cover the crock pot and let it cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the broccoli is heated through. This will ensure that the broccoli maintains its bright color and crisp texture.
- Serve and Garnish: Finally, serve the savory beef and broccoli over cooked white rice. For a finishing touch, garnish the dish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions, if desired. This not only adds a contrasting color but also an extra layer of flavor.
How to Serve Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
Serving Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli is an experience in itself. You can place a generous scoop of the beef and broccoli mixture over a bed of cooked white rice. The soft rice complements the rich sauce and tender beef beautifully.
Feel free to sprinkle sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions on top for an added touch. This small addition brightens up the dish visually and adds a bit of crunch.
Another option is to serve it with a side of steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which pairs beautifully with the flavors of the beef and broccoli. If you prefer a lower-carb meal, consider serving it as a standalone dish without the rice.
For gatherings or potlucks, this dish can easily be made in larger quantities. It’s perfect for serving a crowd. Just double or triple the recipe, and you’re ready to feed a group with minimal fuss!
Expert Tips: Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
To ensure that your Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Cut Meat Against the Grain: When slicing your beef, make sure to cut against the grain. This helps to break down the muscle fibers and results in more tender pieces of meat.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to modify the level of soy sauce and brown sugar to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a less sweet dish, consider reducing the amount of brown sugar slightly.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: If you have fresh garlic or ginger on hand, consider incorporating those into the sauce for a more robust flavor.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary based on your crock pot and the thickness of the beef. Check for doneness towards the end of the cooking time to prevent overcooking.
- Keep Broccoli Bright: When adding the broccoli, make sure not to overcook it. The goal is to have it tender but still vibrant in color. You want that beautiful green hue to shine through.
- Feel Free to Customize: Experiment with additional vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch. Adjust the ingredients according to what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
How to Store Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
Leftovers of this delightful dish can be stored easily, making it perfect for meal prep or lunch the next day. Allow the beef and broccoli to cool to room temperature. Transfer the leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate them.
When stored properly, the Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli can last for up to three days in the fridge. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags to maintain freshness.
When reheating, it’s best to do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or beef stock to loosen it up!
Variation of Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to add your own flair based on personal taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. These not only add flavor but also boost the nutritional profile of your meal.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra level of flavor.
- Alternative Proteins: While beef is traditional, you can easily substitute it with chicken or turkey for a lighter option. Cooking times may vary, so keep that in mind.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free variant, steer clear of soy sauce and utilize tamari or coconut aminos instead. Both are excellent alternatives that maintain the dish’s savory quality.
- Rice Alternatives: If you want to ditch the rice, serve the beef and broccoli over cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. This not only maintains a similar texture but also adds a healthy twist.
FAQ: Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
What is Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli?
Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli is a delightful dish featuring tender slices of beef and vibrant broccoli florets cooked in a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar. It’s a popular choice for a comforting meal that is easy to prepare in a slow cooker.
How long does Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli need to cook?
Cooking times vary based on your crock pot. If cooking on low, aim for 6-8 hours, while high settings require about 3-4 hours. Adjust based on how tender you’d like your beef to be.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh broccoli, you can use that instead. Just add it during the last 20 minutes of cooking to ensure it stays crisp and vibrant.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli is excellent for meal prep. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days or freeze portions for later use.
Can I customize this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add extra vegetables, adjust seasonings, or substitute different proteins according to your tastes. The recipe is versatile enough to accommodate your culinary creativity!
Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 2 lbs thinly sliced sirloin steak or boneless beef chuck roast
- 1 cup beef stock
- ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 Tbsp cornstarch
- 4 Tbsp water
- 1 bag (12 oz) frozen broccoli florets
- for serving cooked white rice (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the beef into thin strips for even cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine beef stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Whisk until well blended.
- Place sliced beef in the crock pot and pour the sauce mixture over it, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir into the crock pot to thicken the sauce.
- Add frozen broccoli to the pot and cook for another 20-30 minutes until heated through.
- Serve over cooked white rice, garnished with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.
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