Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *crockpot beef and broccoli*! It’s hands-down one of my favorite go-to meals for those busy weeknights when I just can’t even think about spending hours in the kitchen. Seriously, the ease of tossing everything into the crockpot and letting it do its magic is a game changer. The beef comes out so tender, and the broccoli is perfectly cooked, all swimming in this flavorful sauce that’s just to die for! I remember making this for family dinners, and watching everyone dig in with big smiles on their faces. Trust me, this dish not only fills your belly but also warms your heart! It’s comfort food at its best.
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound beef sirloin, sliced thin
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh is best!
- 1/2 cup soy sauce, low sodium if you prefer
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, adjust to taste for sweetness
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, because who doesn’t love garlic?
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced, for that zing!
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, to thicken up the sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil, for a nutty flavor
How to Prepare *Crockpot Beef and Broccoli*
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by placing the sliced beef sirloin right at the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure to spread it out a bit so it cooks evenly!
- Next, add those beautiful broccoli florets on top of the beef. I love how vibrant the green looks against the meat; it just feels healthy, doesn’t it?
- Now, grab a bowl and combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil. Give it a good stir until the sugar starts to dissolve. This sauce is where all the magic happens!
- Pour that delicious sauce over the beef and broccoli, making sure everything is coated nicely. Yum!
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 5 hours. This is the part where you can just forget about it and go about your day. I love that!
- About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, mix the cornstarch with a little water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot to thicken the sauce. It’ll make everything so luscious!
- Once it’s all done, serve it hot over rice or noodles. The sauce is so good, you’ll want to drench everything in it!
Tips for Success
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a bit more brown sugar. But if you’re watching your sugar intake, you can scale it back a tad. Taste as you go; it’s all about personal preference!
- Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh broccoli if you can. Frozen works in a pinch, but fresh really adds that vibrant crunch and flavor that makes this dish stand out.
- Beef Quality: Use good quality beef sirloin for the best texture. It’s the star of the show, after all! You want it to be tender and flavorful, so don’t skimp here.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Cooking on low for the full 5 hours is key to getting that melt-in-your-mouth beef. If you’re in a hurry, resist the urge to crank up the heat; it won’t have the same tender results.
- Mixing the Cornstarch: Be sure to mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry before adding it to the crockpot. This prevents clumping and helps thicken the sauce perfectly!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to throw in some sliced bell peppers or carrots along with the broccoli for extra color and nutrition. Just remember to add them at the same time as the broccoli!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a general guide! For each serving of this delicious *crockpot beef and broccoli*, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Just remember, it’s always a good idea to double-check the nutrition labels on your ingredients if you’re keeping an eye on your dietary needs! Enjoy your meal without any guilt!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving *crockpot beef and broccoli*, the options are practically endless, but I have a couple of favorites that really make this dish shine! First off, I always recommend serving it over a fluffy bed of rice. The sauce is so savory and delicious, you’ll want every grain to soak it up! Jasmine or basmati rice are my go-tos, but any rice you love will do just fine.
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try tossing it with some noodles instead! Lo mein or even rice noodles make for a delightful twist. Just imagine the tender beef and crunchy broccoli mingling with those soft noodles—it’s pure comfort in a bowl!
And don’t forget to add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some sliced green onions on top for a nice pop of color and added flavor. It’s the little touches that make all the difference! You can also whip up a side of steamed dumplings or a fresh cucumber salad to balance out the meal. Trust me, you’ll have a feast that everyone will rave about! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While I love using beef sirloin for its tenderness, you can also try flank steak or even chuck roast. Just remember that some cuts may need a little longer to become tender, so adjust your cooking time accordingly!
Can I add other vegetables?
For sure! Bell peppers, snap peas, or even sliced carrots can be great additions. Just toss them in with the broccoli during the last hour of cooking to keep them crisp and vibrant. Yum!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce, this *crockpot beef and broccoli* is gluten-free! Just double-check the labels to ensure everything you’re using meets your dietary needs.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prep everything in the crockpot the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you when you get home!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It’s great to have a quick meal on hand for those busy nights! Just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Convenient: Toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavorful and Savory: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a mouthwatering sauce that’s hard to resist.
- Tender Beef: Cooking low and slow ensures that the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender every time.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh broccoli and lean beef, it’s a nutritious meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily add other veggies or adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is always a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Great for Leftovers: It reheats well, so you can enjoy it again for lunch or dinner the next day!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this *crockpot beef and broccoli* is super easy! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it as well! Just make sure to portion it out into freezer-safe containers, and it’ll last for up to 3 months. Trust me, having this on hand for a quick meal is a lifesaver!
When you’re ready to reheat, I recommend thawing it in the fridge overnight if it’s frozen. For reheating, you can simply pop it in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If you prefer, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. Just be careful not to overheat, as that can toughen the beef. You want it to be just warm enough to enjoy without losing that delicious flavor and texture!
Z nadrukami
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli: 7 Comforting Family Meals
- Całkowity Czas: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A simple crockpot recipe for tender beef and broccoli in a savory sauce.
Składniki
- 1 pound beef sirloin, sliced thin
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instrukcje
- Place the sliced beef in the crockpot.
- Add the broccoli florets on top of the beef.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir into the crockpot.
- Serve hot over rice.
Uwagi
- Adjust the sweetness by changing brown sugar amount.
- Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Use fresh broccoli for best results.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 5 hours
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Crockpot
- Kuchnia: Chinese
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 9g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 7g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Słowa kluczowe: crockpot beef and broccoli
