Save A comforting, wholesome dish featuring tender beef & broccoli simmered in a savory sauce, served over fluffy brown rice & fresh greens for a balanced meal.
This slow-cooker beef & broccoli has become my go-to when everyone wants both comfort & nourishment on busy days. The aroma while it cooks all afternoon fills the house & always makes dinner anticipation extra special.
Ingredients
- Beef & Marinade: 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) beef chuck or flank steak thinly sliced, 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1-inch (2.5 cm) piece fresh ginger grated, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Sauce: 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth (low-sodium), 2 tbsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp water
- Vegetables: 4 cups (300 g) broccoli florets, 4 cups (120 g) mixed greens (spinach kale or Swiss chard) washed & roughly chopped, 2 scallions thinly sliced (for garnish), 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
- Rice: 1 1/2 cups (285 g) brown rice, 3 cups (720 ml) water, 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef:
- In a large bowl combine sliced beef with soy sauce brown sugar oyster sauce sesame oil garlic ginger & black pepper. Toss well to coat.
- Slow-Cook the Beef:
- Transfer beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add beef broth & stir gently to combine.
- Cook Until Tender:
- Cover & cook on low for 4 hours or until beef is tender.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- After 4 hours whisk cornstarch & water together in a small bowl. Stir slurry into the slow cooker.
- Add Broccoli:
- Add broccoli florets to the slow cooker stir gently & cover. Continue cooking on low for 45 min to 1 hour until broccoli is crisp-tender & sauce thickens.
- Make the Rice:
- Meanwhile in a medium saucepan bring water & salt to a boil. Add rice reduce heat to low cover & simmer 35 to 40 min until tender. Fluff with a fork.
- Add Greens & Finish:
- Just before serving stir mixed greens into the slow cooker & let wilt for 2 to 3 min.
- Serve:
- Serve beef & broccoli mixture over brown rice. Garnish with scallions & sesame seeds if desired.
Save The kids love piling their bowls high & sprinkling extra sesame seeds on top making it a meal everyone personalizes together.
Required Tools
You'll need a slow cooker (4 to 6 quart), large mixing bowl, saucepan with lid, chef's knife, cutting board, measuring cups & spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains soy (soy sauce oyster sauce) & shellfish (oyster sauce). Use gluten-free tamari & oyster sauce alternatives as needed & check all labels.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approx 485 calories, 13 g total fat, 56 g carbohydrates, 36 g protein.
Save This dish offers all the savory & fresh flavors of a takeout classic with the wholesome ease of slow-cooked homemade magic.
Recipe FAQ
- → How to keep the beef tender during cooking?
Simmering beef on low heat in a slow cooker for several hours gently breaks down fibers, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
- → When should broccoli be added for best texture?
Broccoli is added towards the end of cooking to keep it crisp-tender and avoid overcooking.
- → Can other rice varieties be used?
Yes, jasmine or white rice can be substituted for brown rice, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary.
- → How to adjust flavors for gluten-free diets?
Replace soy and oyster sauces with gluten-free tamari and oyster sauce alternatives to maintain flavor without gluten.
- → What garnishes enhance the dish?
Thinly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds add aroma, texture, and subtle nutty notes to the dish.
- → Are there options for a lighter or vegetarian version?
Chicken or tofu can replace beef for lighter or vegetarian preferences, adjusting cooking times accordingly.