Crockpot Beef & Broccoli
Ditch the takeaway! This Crockpot Beef & Broccoli is a doddle to make, packed with flavour and healthier too! Tender beef, fresh broccoli, ready when you are. Give it a go!
Alright, let’s dive into this. ever get that takeaway craving? that's the question i was asking myself the other day.
I was thinking about how to recreate those authentic flavors in a healthier way. that's when i knew a crockpot beef and broccoli was the perfect answer.
Crockpot Beef & Broccoli: Better Than Takeaway!
Forget phoning your local Chinese for that takeaway fix! This recipe is dead easy. You get that amazing flavour without the grease. It's a proper crowd-pleaser!
A Classic Dish Reimagined
Beef and broccoli is a chinese-american classic. originating from cantonese cuisine, it’s a popular comfort food. this slow cooker version is super simple.
It takes about 4- 6 hours on low or 2- 3 hours on high. this recipe makes about six servings, perfect for a family meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
The beef becomes incredibly tender. plus, the broccoli retains a little bite. it is a healthy and satisfying meal. this healthy dish is brilliant for busy weeknights.
Honestly, what makes this crockpot beef and broccoli so good is the combination of savoury, sweet, and umami flavours. it’s so satisfying!.
What You'll Need to Make It Amazing
Time for the magic. firstly, beef chuck roast, cut into cubes. secondly, onions, garlic, and ginger to build that aromatic base.
Thirdly, broccoli florets to add fresh flavor. the recipe also calls for beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
Oh my gosh!
Let’s not forget about a bit of red pepper flakes for a little kick. It reminds me of a spicy Ramen Miso .
Right, let's talk about the goodies and gear you'll need for this sensational crockpot beef and broccoli . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward – nothing too cheffy, promise!
Crockpot Beef & Broccoli Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Alright, here's the shopping list. Don't skimp on quality where it counts!
- Beef Chuck Roast: 2 lbs (900g) , cubed. You want a nice, marbled piece for that melt-in-your-mouth goodness. If it's got visible marbling and isn't too lean, you're onto a winner.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp . Just your regular stuff will do.
- Onion: 1 medium , chopped. About a cup, roughly.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. The fresher the better, innit?
- Ginger: 1 tsp , grated. That's fresh, mind you!.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional, for a cheeky kick).
- Beef Broth: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Low sodium is key to control the saltiness.
- Soy Sauce: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Again, low sodium, yeah?
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (60ml) , packed.
- Cornstarch (Cornflour): 2 tbsp . This is to thicken the sauce.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tbsp . This is essential for that authentic flavour, trust me!.
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tbsp .
- Broccoli: 1 large head , cut into florets (about 4 cups). You want bright green, firm florets. If they're yellowing or feel a bit soft, give them a miss.
Seasoning Notes
Listen up, flavour fans!
- Essential spices: Ginger and garlic are your best friends here.
- Flavour boosters: A splash of sesame oil is key . Don't skip it!
- Quick swaps: No rice vinegar? A dash of white vinegar will do in a pinch.
Oh my gosh, and if you're feeling a bit adventurous? A dash of sriracha in the sauce adds a lovely warmth. Honestly, it's banging.
Right now, you can easily create vegetarian meals, such as the famous ramen vegetarian , with some simple tweaks. you can prepare even healthy ramen recipes , ramen miso , healthy ramen , miso ramen , with just the right amount of ingredients, and it is in fact a great vegetarian meal prep .
You can use these same seasoning combinations for your ramen recipes or a quick ramen bowl meal and can turn into one of your favourite vegetarian recipes dinner .
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, keep it real.
- Slow cooker: 6-quart is ideal.
- Skillet (Frying Pan): For searing the beef. Not essential, but recommended.
- Measuring cups & spoons: Obvious, innit?
- Knife & chopping board: To chop those veggies.
Honestly, that's it! No need for fancy gadgets or anything. If you don't have a skillet, you can technically skip the searing step. But trust me, it adds flavour.
And there you have it! With the right ingredients and a bit of prep, your crockpot beef and broccoli will be ready to rock your world. Now get cooking, you legend!
Right, let’s get down to business. here's how to make the best crockpot beef and broccoli , better than any takeaway! honestly, this is dead easy and tastes amazing.
Perfect for a chilly evening.
Prep Like a Pro
First, the mise en place . it sounds fancy, but it just means getting everything ready. chop 2 lbs of beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes.
Then, chop one medium onion. mince two cloves of garlic and grate one teaspoon of fresh ginger. get your broccoli ready.
Cut one large head of broccoli into florets. you know, prepping like this, really cuts down on cooking stress.
Here’s a top tip: chop the onion and garlic at the same time to save time. safety first! keep your knives sharp and your fingers out of the way.
We don't want any kitchen mishaps, do we?
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli: Step-by-Step
Here’s the simple bit. You will love it!
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet. Sear the beef in batches. Season with salt and pepper. Browning is your friend.
- Sauté the onion until soft (about 5 minutes ). Add garlic and ginger. Cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Transfer the beef, onion, garlic, and ginger to your slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup beef broth, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Make sure it’s smooth.
- Pour that lovely sauce over the beef.
- Cover and cook on low for 4- 6 hours , or on high for 2- 3 hours . The beef should be super tender.
- Add the broccoli for the last 30 minutes . Cook until it’s tender-crisp. No one likes mushy broccoli.
- Serve over rice or noodles! Garnish with sesame seeds and spring onions, if you’re feeling fancy.
Pro Tips for Crockpot Perfection
Alright, here's some extra guidance.
Don't overcook the broccoli. That’s the golden rule.
Searing the beef really does make a difference, so don't skip it if you can.
If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with a little cold water. Stir it into the crockpot for the last 15 minutes . That’ll thicken it right up.
You can easily transform this into a delicious ramen bowl . simply serve the crockpot beef and broccoli over a bed of hot ramen noodles .
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some miso ramen broth for an extra layer of flavour. for a vegetarian twist, substitute the beef with tofu and use vegetable broth.
There are so many ramen recipes out there to explore! it is also an ideal opportunity to integrate the meal into a vegetarian meal prep .
If you want a healthy meal, use whole wheat noodles and add loads of veggies to your ramen recipes .
Honestly, this crockpot beef and broccoli is a proper crowd-pleaser. And, its also good to find new Healthy Ramen Recipes . Enjoy, mate!
Right then, let's talk recipe notes for this brilliant crockpot beef and broccoli . honestly, these tips and tricks are game changers.
They elevate this from just another weeknight dinner to something proper special.
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Crockpot Beef & Broccoli
Right, lets dive in to the details. Think of this as leveling up.
Serving It Up: Presentation and Pairings
Plating matters, doesn't it? for a bit of extra flair, serve your crockpot beef and broccoli in a bowl. garnish it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some sliced spring onions.
It just makes it look that bit more appetising, you know?
As for sides, steamed jasmine rice is the obvious choice. but, honestly, egg noodles would be amazing too. oh! or, if you're feeling adventurous, how about serving this alongside some crispy spring rolls for a mix of textures? that's a shout.
If you're thinking drinks, a light, crisp lager or even a chilled glass of dry white wine would work a treat.
Storing Like a Pro: Keeping It Fresh
Refrigerating is a doddle. Just pop any leftovers into an airtight container and they'll be good in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing is also an option. let it cool completely first, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. it'll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to eat it, just defrost it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating? easy peasy. you can either microwave it until heated through or reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Add a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry. job done.
Twists and Turns: Variations on a Theme
Fancy making it vegetarian ? use firm tofu, cubed and pressed. marinate it in the sauce. add mushrooms or carrots for added flavour.
Maybe you like a ramen bowl , try adding the beef and broccoli to a ramen miso broth for a twist on a classic, or add it to your ramen recipes collection.
If you're craving something healthy ramen recipes , consider using shirataki noodles instead of rice to cut down on carbs.
This makes your ramen recipes a whole lot healthier, like a healthy ramen . it is a really easy vegetarian meal prep recipe.
For a seasonal swap, try using butternut squash instead of broccoli in the autumn. it adds a lovely sweetness that complements the savoury sauce.
You will have some exciting vegetarian recipes dinner .
Nutrition Nuggets: A Quick Look
Okay, so roughly speaking, each serving packs about 450 calories. you're looking at around 40g of protein, 25g of fat, and 20g of carbs.
Of course, this is just an estimate. it all depends on the specific ingredients and portion sizes. the protein from the beef helps with muscle repair.
Broccoli is packed with vitamins and fibre. a win-win, really!
Honestly, give this recipe a go. It's so simple and satisfying. And with these tips, you're practically guaranteed a cracking meal! You might just never order takeaway again. Well, maybe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Crockpot Beef and Broccoli ahead of time? What's the best way to store leftovers?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavours often meld even better overnight. Store leftover Crockpot Beef and Broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave until heated through. Just be aware the broccoli might soften a bit more upon reheating – it’s still perfectly edible though!
My sauce turned out a bit thin. How can I thicken my Crockpot Beef and Broccoli?
No worries, happens to the best of us! The easiest way is to make a slurry. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch (cornflour) with an equal amount of cold water until smooth. Stir this into the Crockpot Beef and Broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking, with the lid off, and let it simmer until the sauce thickens to your liking. If it's still not thick enough, repeat the process with another tablespoon of cornstarch slurry.
I'm watching my sodium intake. Any tips for making Crockpot Beef and Broccoli healthier?
Good on you for being mindful! Definitely use low-sodium beef broth and soy sauce. You can also reduce the amount of soy sauce slightly and compensate with a bit more rice vinegar or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavour. Serve with brown rice instead of white for added fibre. Also, make sure you trim off any excess fat from the beef before cooking.
Can I use frozen broccoli in this Crockpot Beef and Broccoli recipe?
While fresh broccoli is preferred for the best texture, you can use frozen broccoli in a pinch. Add it to the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking, rather than 30, as it cooks more quickly. Be aware that frozen broccoli tends to release more water, potentially thinning the sauce slightly. You might need to use the cornstarch slurry trick mentioned earlier to thicken it up.
What kind of beef is best for Crockpot Beef and Broccoli, and can I use a different cut?
Chuck roast is the gold standard for Crockpot Beef and Broccoli due to its marbling and ability to become wonderfully tender during long, slow cooking. However, you could also use brisket or even a sirloin tip roast, although these might require slightly different cooking times. Just make sure to cut the beef into similarly sized pieces for even cooking. And don't skimp on that sear, it adds a proper depth of flavour!