Description
This Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender slices of flank steak simmered with onions, garlic, and a savory soy-free stir-fry sauce. Cooked low and slow for hours, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, complemented perfectly by vibrant, just-cooked broccoli florets. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that's simple to prepare and perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 1½ pounds flank steak or stewing beef, sliced thin
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup beef stock
- ¼ cup soy-free stir-fry style sauce (or Worcestershire-based substitute)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Vegetables and Thickener
- 10-11 ounces broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
To Serve
- Cooked rice or noodles
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Add beef and base: Place the sliced beef, diced onion, minced garlic, beef stock, soy-free stir-fry sauce, and brown sugar into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and infused with flavors.
- Make slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a smooth slurry that will be used to thicken the sauce.
- Thicken: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker contents to thicken the sauce and improve the texture.
- Add broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Continue cooking until the broccoli is tender but still has a vibrant green color.
- Finish: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the beef and broccoli hot over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve and enjoy this delicious, easy-to-make slow cooker meal that combines tender beef with fresh broccoli and a flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Use a lean cut of beef like flank steak for the best texture and flavor.
- Adding broccoli towards the end prevents it from overcooking and losing its vibrant color and crunch.
- You can substitute the soy-free stir-fry sauce with a Worcestershire-based sauce to keep it gluten-free and soy-free.
- For thicker sauce, ensure to stir in the cornstarch slurry well and cook a few minutes longer if needed.
- Serve with freshly cooked rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
