Here’s a complete recipe profile for Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli, a savory, slow-cooked favorite that blends Asian flavors with comforting ease.
Introduction
Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli is a beloved takeout-inspired dish made easy at home. With melt-in-your-mouth beef, a savory-sweet garlic soy sauce, and crisp-tender broccoli, this recipe offers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Served over steamy rice, it’s the ultimate in comfort and convenience.
Origin and Cultural Significance
While not authentically Chinese, beef and broccoli is a staple in American-Chinese cuisine. It likely originated in Chinese-American restaurants in the early 20th century, where chefs adapted traditional stir-fry techniques and local ingredients to cater to Western palates. The use of broccoli—a Western vegetable not typically used in traditional Chinese cooking—illustrates the fusion of cultures. This slow-cooker version modernizes the classic for today’s home cook seeking flavor without the fuss.
Ingredients Quantity
- 1 pound boneless beef chuck roast, sliced into thin strips
- 1 cup beef consommé (or beef broth)
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cooled sauce from the crock pot (for thickening)
- Fresh broccoli florets, as desired
- Hot cooked rice, for serving (brown rice recommended)
Optional Additions
- Red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat
- Grated ginger for extra zing
- Sliced mushrooms or snap peas for variety
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- Green onions, sliced, for a fresh crunch
Tips for Success
- Slice beef thinly against the grain for tender results.
- Use fresh broccoli, adding it only in the last 30 minutes to keep it vibrant and crisp-tender.
- Thicken the sauce properly—if it doesn’t thicken in the crock pot, finish it on the stovetop.
- Don’t skip sesame oil, which adds authentic depth and nuttiness.
- Cook rice separately and keep it warm for serving.
Instructions
- Place Beef in Crock Pot:
Arrange the sliced beef evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker. - Mix Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together beef consommé, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Pour over the beef. - Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or until beef is tender. - Thicken Sauce:
In a small bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cooled sauce from the crock pot. Stir into the crock pot, mixing well. If sauce doesn’t thicken, transfer to a saucepan and boil until thickened. - Add Broccoli:
Stir fresh broccoli florets into the thickened beef mixture. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until broccoli is tender. - Serve:
Spoon the beef and broccoli mixture over hot cooked rice (brown rice for added nutrition). Enjoy immediately.
Description
This dish features silky, tender beef in a rich, slightly sweet soy-garlic sauce that clings beautifully to each bite. The broccoli adds fresh crunch and color, creating a satisfying balance of textures. With fluffy brown rice soaking up the flavorful sauce, each spoonful is deeply comforting and crave-worthy.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings and 1 cup brown rice)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Sugar: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
Values will vary with portion size and ingredient brands.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, offering big flavor with little hands-on time. It’s a fantastic alternative to takeout—budget-friendly, customizable, and made with whole ingredients. For families, it’s a dinner everyone can agree on, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
- Choose lean beef cuts like sirloin or round for lower fat content.
- Swap soy sauce for low-sodium or coconut aminos to reduce sodium.
- Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for added fiber and nutrients.
- Load up on vegetables—add bell peppers, mushrooms, or bok choy for variety and nutrition.
Healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up comfort—just making smart, satisfying swaps that nourish and delight.
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