Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Fakeaway Favourite
Ditch the takeout This Beef and Broccoli Crockpot is pure comfort slowcooked to perfection Easy weeknight dinner ready when you are Get the recipe ... Quick Meals
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Ditch Takeout, Grab the Crockpot
Fancy a beef and broccoli crockpot without the takeaway guilt? I know, right? Me too! Honestly, this recipe is a total game-changer. It delivers that classic sweet and savory flavor.
Brief Overview: From China to Your Crock
This dish is inspired by classic Chinese-American takeout. This recipe is dead easy, proper simple, and the result is absolutely banging.
Prep takes, like, 15 minutes. Then let it simmer away. It feeds about 4-6 people.
Main Benefits: Healthy-ish Comfort Food
Slow cooking means tender beef. The broccoli keeps some bite. Plus, it's a great source of protein and Vitamin C.
Perfect for a lazy Sunday dinner. You know? It’s a proper Crockpot family meals win because everyone loves it.
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli Fakeaway Favourite Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Let's talk Ingredients
Right, so you want Crockpot Beef And Broccoli ? Let's get the gear together. Grab some beef chuck. Broccoli. Then you need some soy sauce, brown sugar, and all the usual suspects.
Nothing too fancy!
Remember to trim your beef properly. I once didn't, and the sauce was a bit oily. Lesson learned!
Why This Recipe Rocks
Look, there's loads of Slow Cooker Recipes Beef out there. But this beef and broccoli slow cooker recipe is different.
It's foolproof. Plus, using the slow cooker Asian beef guarantees the beef is fall-apart tender. Also, it is one of the Easy Crockpot Dinners .
Honestly, this is the best Chinese takeout crockpot recipe you'll find. It is the perfect option for Easy weeknight dinners slow cooker .
Honestly, it's a life saver after a long day. A proper Crockpot Beef marvel.
Alright, let's get cracking on this beef and broccoli crockpot malarkey! Honestly, sometimes I just crave that Chinese takeout crockpot recipe flavour.
But I want it without the guilt and with way less effort, you know? This recipe is my go-to. It's just so easy – perfect for easy weeknight dinners slow cooker .
Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty-Gritty
Right then, let's get down to brass tacks with what you'll actually need. This beef and broccoli slow cooker recipe doesn't require a Michelin star kitchen, thankfully.
Main Ingredients: Beefy Goodness and Green Bits
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cubed. Honestly, chuck is your best friend here. It gets so tender in the crockpot . Make sure it's nicely marbled.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil. For searing the beef – don’t skip this, it adds so much flavour!
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is best, innit?
- 1 tsp ground ginger.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional). Fancy a bit of oomph ? Chuck these in.
- ¼ cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce. Trust me, go easy on the salt.
- ¼ cup (60ml) brown sugar, packed.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch. For thickening the sauce – magic, I tell you!
- ½ cup (120ml) beef broth.
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups). Add at the end , or it'll go mushy.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bombs Away!
Okay, this is where the magic happens. The soy sauce and brown sugar are the base. The rice vinegar adds that vital zing .
The ginger and garlic? Essential, honestly. And those red pepper flakes? Chef's kiss! If you want to swap things out, coconut aminos work instead of soy sauce.
Honey for brown sugar is an idea.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple, Stupid!
- A 6-quart (5.7-liter) slow cooker or crockpot . Obvs.
- A large skillet for browning the beef. Don’t overcrowd it!
- Measuring cups and spoons. Eyeballing is great, but accuracy helps.
- Cutting board and knife. Safety first, people!
And that's it! No fancy gadgets needed for this slow cooker dinner . This crockpot beef is a winner in my book.
You will find that creating easy crockpot dinners can become addictive, and that this is a fantastic option for crockpot family meals .
Get those slow cooker recipes beef ready, because you are going to love this!
Crockpot Beef And Broccoli: A Lazy Cook's Dream
Fancy some Crockpot Beef And Broccoli that tastes like proper Chinese takeout? But without the dodgy delivery guy and questionable hygiene? Sorted.
This recipe is so easy, even my nan could nail it, and she once set fire to a cheese toastie.
Honestly, if you're looking for easy Crockpot family meals , this is it.
Prep Steps: Gettin' Your Ducks in a Row
Right then, mise en place , yeah? Basically, get everything chopped and measured before you start. It's like packing your bag the night before a trip – less chaos later.
- Cube your 2 lbs of beef chuck into 1-inch chunks.
- Chop one onion and mince 2 cloves garlic.
- Get that broccoli (1 large head) into florets.
Top Tip: Want to save time? Buy pre-cut broccoli. No shame in that game!
The Magic: Step-by-Step
Alright, here’s how we turn humble ingredients into a beef and broccoli slow cooker recipe masterpiece. This is one of those Easy Crockpot Dinners you’ll keep coming back to.
- Sear the beef in a hot pan with 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Brown it in batches. This is key for flavour.
- Sauté the onion until soft, then add the garlic and ginger. Cook for a minute.
- Dump everything into your slow cooker (seared beef, onions, garlic, ginger).
- Whisk together the sauce ingredients (soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, beef broth).
- Pour the sauce over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Cook on Low for 4- 6 hours or on High for 2- 3 hours , until the beef is tender.
- Stir in the broccoli during the last 30 minutes .
- Serve over rice and enjoy your slow cooker dinner !
Ace It: Pro Tips
Want to take your Crockpot Beef And Broccoli to the next level? Course you do.
- Don't skip searing the beef. Honestly, it adds so much flavour, it's worth the effort.
- Add the broccoli at the end . Nobody likes mushy broccoli.
- Accidentally went overboard with the liquid? Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water. Stir it into the pot and cook for 15 minutes or until the sauce thickens. No biggie, happens to the best of us.
Honestly, this slow cooker Asian beef is a winner. It’s one of those Easy weeknight dinners slow cooker recipes that everyone loves.
Serve it up and bask in the glory of being a culinary genius. I promise you, this is a Chinese takeout crockpot recipe game changer! I swear, you will feel you're eating in angelsoni, London .
Recipe Notes for Your Beef and Broccoli Crockpot Adventure
Right, so you're tackling this beef and broccoli slow cooker recipe . Ace! Here are a few extra bits and bobs to make sure it's spot-on.
I have had a few easy crockpot dinners , and i can assure that you will not find any issues with this one
Serving Like a Pro
Honestly, presentation does matter, even for a simple slow cooker dinner . Plating this Chinese takeout crockpot recipe is easy. Think vibrant! Fluffy rice is a must, right? A sprinkle of sesame seeds and some chopped green onions on top just make it look chef's kiss .
For sides, egg rolls or spring rolls are always a win. Or, even stir-fried green beans. They add a bit of freshness.
Storing Your Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
Leftovers are the best, yeah? The beef and broccoli crockpot will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
If you fancy freezing it, that works too! Just let it cool completely first. Then, chuck it in a freezer-safe container.
It'll be good for up to 3 months . To reheat, microwave it or warm it up on the hob. Make sure it's piping hot all the way through.
Beef and Broccoli Slow Cooker Recipe Tweaks
Fancy a bit of a change? No worries! For a gluten-free version, just use tamari instead of soy sauce. If you're cutting carbs, cauliflower florets swap in great for the broccoli.
They give you that same yummy texture. Also, using honey or maple syrup will turn it into a sugar free meal.
Nutrition Basics for the Crockpot Beef
Okay, so here's the deal. Each serving of this crockpot beef and broccoli is roughly 450 calories. You're getting a good whack of protein (around 35g), which is great for muscles.
There's also some fat (20g) and carbs (30g). This also contains about 4g of fiber, and 700 mg of sodium.
The iron from the beef gives you energy and the broccoli brings those essential vitamins.
So there you have it. A cracking beef and broccoli crockpot recipe with all the insider tips. Get stuck in, have some fun, and don't be afraid to experiment.
I'm telling ya this is one of the easy weeknight dinners slow cooker and crockpot family meals you'll make again and again.
You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this beef and broccoli crockpot recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This crockpot beef and broccoli is perfect for meal prepping. You can cook the beef and sauce ahead of time, then add the broccoli during the last 30 minutes of reheating. Just think of it as your own personal, delicious time-turner, just like Hermione Granger's!
My beef turned out tough. What did I do wrong with my beef and broccoli crockpot?
Tough beef usually means it wasn't cooked long enough, or the cut wasn't ideal. Using beef chuck and ensuring a low and slow cook time (4-6 hours on Low) is key. Think of it like letting a good cuppa steep – patience is essential for the best flavour and tenderness. Also, be sure to cut the beef into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
How do I store leftover beef and broccoli crockpot, and how long will it last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it's cooled down completely before refrigerating. It's like putting away your Christmas decorations – proper storage is essential to keep it in tip-top condition! You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 2-3 months), but the broccoli might become a bit softer after thawing.
Can I use frozen broccoli in my beef and broccoli crockpot?
I wouldn't recommend it, as frozen broccoli tends to get quite mushy when slow-cooked. Fresh broccoli florets added during the last 30 minutes of cooking will maintain a better texture and overall result, much like the crisp snap of a perfectly cooked chip. However, if you are in a pinch, you can use frozen broccoli added at the very end.
Is this beef and broccoli crockpot recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
This recipe can be part of a balanced diet! To keep it healthier, use low-sodium soy sauce, trim excess fat from the beef, and serve with brown rice instead of white. Broccoli is a great source of vitamins, and lean beef provides protein. Portion control is key, just like enjoying a sensible portion of your favourite pudding!
I don't have rice vinegar, is there anything else I can use in my beef and broccoli crockpot?
Not to worry, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or even white wine vinegar! These will provide a similar tang to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar. Just use the same amount as the recipe calls for, and you'll be sorted. It's all about making do, just like during The Blitz!
