Save to Pinterest A comforting, wholesome dish featuring tender beef & broccoli simmered in a savory sauce, served over fluffy brown rice & fresh greens for a balanced meal.
I first made this Slow-Cooker Beef & Broccoli on a busy weeknight when I wanted something healthy but low effort. The aroma while it cooked filled the house, and it was so satisfying to spoon everything over a warm bed of rice.
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, and black pepper. Toss well to coat.
- Start Cooking:
- Transfer beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add beef broth and stir gently to combine.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until beef is tender.
- Thicken Sauce:
- After 4 hours, whisk cornstarch and water together in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker.
- Add Broccoli:
- Add broccoli florets to the slow cooker, stir gently, and cover. Continue cooking on low for an additional 45–60 minutes, until broccoli is crisp-tender and sauce has thickened.
- Cook Rice:
- Meanwhile, cook the brown rice: In a medium saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35–40 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork.
- Add Greens:
- Just before serving, stir the mixed greens into the slow cooker and allow them to wilt for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Serve the beef and broccoli mixture over brown rice. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Save to Pinterest This meal has become a go-to in our family, especially during colder months when the slow cooker does all the work. Everyone gathers at the table for a warm, comforting dinner together.
Required Tools
Slow cooker (4–6 quart), large mixing bowl, saucepan with lid, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups & spoons.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 485, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 36 g.
Dietary Variations
Substitute chicken or tofu for beef, adjust cooking time as needed. Jasmine or white rice can be used for faster prep.
Save to Pinterest Finish with a scatter of sesame seeds and scallions before serving. Enjoy this nourishing meal any night of the week.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I ensure the beef stays tender?
Using thinly sliced beef chuck or flank steak and cooking it low and slow allows the meat to become tender without drying out.
- → Can I substitute other vegetables for broccoli?
Yes, vegetables like snap peas or green beans can be added, but adjust cooking time to maintain crispness.
- → Is it possible to use white rice instead of brown rice?
White or jasmine rice can be used for a quicker cooking option, though brown rice offers a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
- → How do I thicken the sauce during cooking?
Mixing cornstarch with water into a slurry and stirring it in towards the end of cooking effectively thickens the sauce.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Thinly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds add fresh flavor and a pleasant crunch when sprinkled on top.
- → Can I prepare a vegetarian version?
Substitute beef with tofu or mushrooms, adjusting cooking times as necessary to maintain texture and flavor balance.