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Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli: Best 30-Min Prep

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This easy slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe is a busy weeknight lifesaver. With just 30 minutes of prep, you get incredibly tender beef and crisp-tender broccoli in a rich, garlicky ginger sauce that’s better than takeout.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2–3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado or canola), for searing

Instructions

  1. Prep the Beef: Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Cut into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear the Beef: Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Transfer seared beef to the slow cooker.
  3. Build the Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in beef broth and soy sauce, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 1 minute, then pour over beef in slow cooker.
  4. Add Sweetness and Aroma: Add brown sugar, sesame oil, and rice vinegar to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
  6. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, remove beef from slow cooker and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Turn slow cooker to HIGH. Pour slurry into hot liquid while whisking constantly. Cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  7. Add the Broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the thickened sauce; stir to coat. Return beef to slow cooker and gently stir. Cover and cook on HIGH for 5-7 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
  8. Serve: Serve immediately over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

Searing the beef is crucial for flavor. Pat the beef dry for a better sear. Cook on LOW for the most tender results. Add broccoli at the end to keep it crisp-tender. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker beef and broccoli, easy beef and broccoli, crockpot beef and broccoli, weeknight dinner, takeout fakeout, beef and broccoli recipe

Find it online: https://grubella.com/easy-slow-cooker-beef-and-broccoli-best-30-min-prep/