Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef
This Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef is the perfect recipe for anyone looking for a healthy, flavorful meal that fits into various diets like Whole30, Paleo, and Keto. With minimal prep time and effortless cooking in the slow cooker, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. You’ll love how easy it is to make a nutritious dinner that satisfies your cravings for Asian-inspired flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with beef and fresh broccoli, it’s a nutritious option that aligns with Whole30 and Paleo diets.
- Flavorful Sauce: The combination of coconut aminos, garlic, and sesame oil creates a rich, savory sauce.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for serving over rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make it in advance and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. These will help ensure your cooking process is smooth and efficient.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Mixing Bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker: The star of this recipe; it allows for hands-off cooking while developing deep flavors.
- Cutting Board: A reliable surface for slicing your beef and chopping vegetables safely.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of dicing onions and slicing beef.
- Mixing Bowl: Useful for combining ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Sauce
- 1.5-2 lbs of beef roast sliced into strips against the grain (flank or strip steak can be used)
- 1 large white onion, diced in medium pieces
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 3 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tsp minced ginger
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp Chinese 5 spice powder
- 1/4 tsp pepper
For Thickening
- 2.5 tbsp arrowroot flour dissolved in about 1-2 tbsp of room temp. water
For Vegetables
- 4-5 cups broccoli florets
How to Make Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Add all ingredients into your slow cooker except for the arrowroot flour and broccoli. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Once the beef is done cooking, pour in the arrowroot flour mixture you’ve previously dissolved in water. Stir to combine it with the sauce.
Step 4: Add Broccoli
Add in the broccoli florets and stir again to mix everything well. Cover with the lid again.
Step 5: Final Cooking Phase
If needed, turn down to low if it’s not already set. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and broccoli softens. Adjust cooking time if you prefer softer broccoli.
Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef, perfect as a standalone dish or served over your favorite base!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef
Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re keeping it simple or aiming for a more elaborate meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.
With Cauliflower Rice
- Cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative that pairs perfectly with the flavors of broccoli beef.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Serve the beef and broccoli mixture in large lettuce leaves for a fresh and crunchy wrap.
On a Bed of Quinoa
- Quinoa adds extra protein and texture, making it a great base for this dish.
With Steamed Jasmine Rice
- Classic steamed jasmine rice complements the savory sauce of the slow cooker recipe beautifully.
As a Meal Prep Option
- Portion out servings into meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef
Perfecting this slow cooker recipe requires some tips to ensure great flavor and texture. Here are some helpful suggestions.
- Choose Quality Beef: Select a tender cut like flank or strip steak for the best results.
- Slice Against the Grain: Cutting the beef against the grain ensures it remains tender after cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Browning: If time allows, searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances flavor.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking time; overcooking can result in mushy broccoli.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will give your dish a more vibrant flavor compared to dried versions.
- Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences; adding chili flakes can give it an extra kick!
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef
Pairing delicious side dishes with Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement the main dish perfectly.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and flavorful, they make for a comforting side that balances well with the savory beef.
- Sautéed Green Beans: Crisp green beans tossed with garlic provide a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of broccoli beef.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their nutty flavor pairs nicely and adds an earthy component to your plate.
- Zucchini Noodles: A light, low-carb option that soaks up any leftover sauce beautifully.
- Cabbage Slaw: A tangy slaw adds crunch and brightness, perfect as a refreshing side.
- Brown Rice: Nutty brown rice complements broccoli beef while providing additional fiber and nutrients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to ensure your meal turns out perfectly.
- Using the wrong cut of beef: Choosing a tough cut can lead to chewy meat. Opt for flank steak or a tender roast for the best results.
- Not slicing against the grain: Cutting your beef against the grain ensures tenderness. Always check the grain direction before slicing.
- Overcooking broccoli: Adding broccoli too early can result in mushy florets. Add it towards the end of cooking for a perfect texture.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Each brand of beef broth and coconut aminos varies in saltiness. Taste and adjust before serving to achieve the desired flavor.
- Skipping ingredient prep: Prepping ingredients ahead saves time and ensures even cooking. Take a moment to chop and measure everything before starting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, stirring occasionally until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef that might help you with your cooking experience.
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Just add it during the last few minutes of cooking.
How do I make Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef spicier?
To add some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce while cooking.
Can I substitute coconut aminos?
Yes, if you’re not following Whole30 or Paleo diets, soy sauce can be used as a substitute.
What sides pair well with Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef?
Serve it with cauliflower rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How long does Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef last in the freezer?
It can last up to 3 months when stored properly in a freezer-safe container.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. This dish works well for meal prep or as a quick weeknight dinner option. Feel free to customize it by adding other vegetables or adjusting seasonings to your liking. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef is your go-to recipe for a healthy and flavorful weeknight dinner. This dish combines tender slices of beef with fresh broccoli, all enveloped in a rich sauce made from coconut aminos, garlic, and sesame oil. Perfect for meal prep or busy evenings, it aligns seamlessly with diets like Whole30, Paleo, and Keto. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, let it work its magic, and return to a mouthwatering meal that satisfies your cravings for Asian-inspired flavors. With minimal effort and maximum taste, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1.5–2 lbs beef roast (flank or strip steak), sliced
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 3 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tsp minced ginger
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp Chinese five spice powder
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2.5 tbsp arrowroot flour dissolved in 1-2 tbsp of room temp water
- 4–5 cups broccoli florets
Instructions
- Add sliced beef, diced onion, beef broth, coconut aminos, garlic, sesame oil, ginger, vinegar, salt, Chinese five spice powder, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
- Dissolve arrowroot flour in water and stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Add broccoli florets; cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
