Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli – Alrightwithme

I love discovering new ways to make takeout favorites right in my own kitchen. Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli – Alrightwithme is a wonderful way to enjoy this classic dish without the fuss of dining out. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe offers a delicious blend of flavors with minimal effort. Its slow-cooked goodness makes it ideal for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while your crock pot does all the work.
• Flavorful: A delightful combination of beef stock, soy sauce, and garlic creates a rich, savory sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over cooked white rice or on its own for a delicious low-carb meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the beef and nutrients from broccoli, it’s a wholesome choice for dinner.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking seamless and enjoyable. With just a few essential items, you can create this flavorful dish effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, infusing flavors over hours while you focus on other tasks.
• Cutting board and knife: Essential for safely preparing your ingredients with ease.
• Measuring cups: Ensure accurate proportions for consistent results every time.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker.

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 2 lb thinly sliced sirloin steak or boneless beef chuck roast

For the Sauce

• 1 cup beef stock
• 1/2 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For Thickening

• 4 tbsp cornstarch
• 4 tbsp water

For Vegetables

• 1 bag (12 oz) frozen broccoli florets

For Serving (Optional)

• Cooked white rice

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 330 minutes
Total Time: 345 minutes

How to Make Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli – Alrightwithme

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by placing the thinly sliced sirloin steak or boneless beef chuck roast into your slow cooker.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the beef stock, reduced sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Stir until well mixed.

Step 3: Add Sauce to Slow Cooker

Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Ensure all pieces are well coated.

Step 4: Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Allow it to cook for about 5.5 hours (330 minutes).

Step 5: Thicken Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, mix together the cornstarch and water. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.

Step 6: Add Broccoli

Add the frozen broccoli florets. Cover again and let them cook in the sauce for an additional 30 minutes until heated through.

Step 7: Serve

Once everything is cooked through, serve your savory beef and broccoli over warm cooked white rice if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli – Alrightwithme

Serving Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli is simple yet satisfying. This dish pairs well with various sides that enhance its rich flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Cooked White Rice

• Serving the beef and broccoli over a bed of cooked white rice creates a delightful combination, soaking up the savory sauce.

Add Steamed Vegetables

• Adding steamed vegetables like carrots or snap peas provides color and nutrition, balancing the dish perfectly.

Top with Sesame Seeds

• A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nice crunch and an appealing visual element to your plate.

Garnish with Green Onions

• Chopped green onions on top bring freshness and a mild onion flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

How to Perfect Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli – Alrightwithme

To ensure your Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Beef: Select thinly sliced sirloin steak or boneless beef chuck roast for tender and flavorful results.
• Marinate for Flavor: For extra flavor, consider marinating the beef in soy sauce and garlic before cooking.
• Thicken Sauce Effectively: Mix cornstarch with water before adding it to the crock pot to avoid lumps in the sauce.
• Cook on Low: Cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours lets the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in tender beef.
• Add Fresh Broccoli Later: If using fresh broccoli, add it during the last hour of cooking to maintain its bright color and crisp texture.

Best Side Dishes for Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli – Alrightwithme

Pairing side dishes with your Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice
   A fragrant rice option that absorbs flavors from the beef and broccoli sauce wonderfully.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side that complements savory dishes.

3. Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing salad made with cucumbers tossed in rice vinegar adds a crunch that balances richness.

4. Stir-Fried Bok Choy
   Quick-cooked bok choy offers a crunchy texture and slight bitterness that contrasts nicely with the savory beef.

5. Quinoa Pilaf
   A nutritious alternative to rice, quinoa pilaf can be flavored with herbs or spices for added depth.

6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   Sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized provide a sweet contrast to the savory elements of this dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly skip the marinade: Not marinating the beef can lead to a lack of flavor. Spend some extra time letting your beef soak in the soy sauce and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Boldly ignore the cooking time: Cooking for too long can make the beef tough. Ensure you set your crock pot to the right time; 5-6 hours on low is usually ideal.
• Boldly add too much liquid: Overloading with broth can dilute flavors. Stick to the recipe’s measurements for best results.
• Boldly forget about thickening: If you leave out the cornstarch slurry, your dish may turn out watery. Mix cornstarch with water and stir it in towards the end of cooking to achieve a nice sauce consistency.
• Boldly overlook frozen vegetables: Using fresh broccoli instead of frozen can lead to overcooking. Frozen florets are pre-blanched and will maintain their texture better during slow cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days.

Freezing Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli – Alrightwithme

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli – Alrightwithme

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in an oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container; heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally, until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli, you’re not alone!

How do I make Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

What can I serve with Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli?

This dish pairs wonderfully with cooked white rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes! You can substitute chicken breast or thighs for the beef for a lighter option while still enjoying great flavors.

How do I store leftovers of Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer as described above.

Final Thoughts

Savory Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit any busy weeknight. With options for customization, such as adding different vegetables or spices, this dish is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a homemade takeout favorite. Give it a try today!