Ingredients and preparation
To make a delicious Beef and Broccoli Crock Pot dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and tender meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ½ lbs beef chuck roast – sliced into thin strips
- 4 cups broccoli florets – fresh or frozen
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup soy sauce – low sodium preferred
- ¼ cup oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic – minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch – mixed with 2 tbsp water to form a slurry
- Cooked white rice – for serving
- Sesame seeds – optional, for garnish
- Green onions – optional, for garnish
Before you begin cooking, it’s important to prepare your ingredients properly. Start by slicing the beef chuck roast into thin strips, which will help it cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce. If you’re using fresh broccoli, cut it into bite-sized florets. If you’re using frozen broccoli, there’s no need to thaw it beforehand, as it will cook perfectly in the crock pot.
Next, prepare the sauce by combining the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl. Stir well to ensure the sugar dissolves and the flavors are evenly distributed. This sauce will serve as the base for your dish, infusing the beef with a rich, savory taste as it slow cooks.
Step-by-step cooking instructions
Now that your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these simple steps to create a tender and flavorful Beef and Broccoli Crock Pot dish:
- Step 1: Sear the beef (optional) – While this step is optional, searing the beef strips in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the crock pot can enhance the flavor. Sear the beef for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned. This will help lock in the juices and give the meat a richer taste. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and move directly to the crock pot.
- Step 2: Add the beef and sauce to the crock pot – Place the sliced beef into the crock pot. Pour the prepared sauce (beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil) over the beef. Stir to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the sauce. Cover the crock pot with the lid.
- Step 3: Slow cook the beef – Set your crock pot to low heat and cook for 5-6 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The beef should become tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce as it cooks. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this can release heat and extend the cooking time.
- Step 4: Add the broccoli – About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the broccoli florets to the crock pot. If you’re using fresh broccoli, it will steam and cook to a tender-crisp texture in the remaining time. If you’re using frozen broccoli, simply add it directly to the pot without thawing. Stir the broccoli into the sauce and beef to ensure it’s well-coated.
- Step 5: Thicken the sauce – Once the broccoli is added, mix the cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) and pour it into the crock pot. Stir well to combine. This will help thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy, rich consistency. Let the dish cook for the remaining 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the broccoli to cook through.
- Step 6: Check for doneness – After the cooking time is complete, check the beef for tenderness. It should be easy to pull apart with a fork. The broccoli should be tender but still slightly crisp. If the sauce hasn’t thickened to your liking, you can let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes with the lid slightly ajar to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
Tips for serving and storage
When it comes to serving your Beef and Broccoli Crock Pot dish, presentation and timing can make all the difference. For the best results, serve the dish immediately after cooking while the beef is tender and the broccoli retains its vibrant color and slight crispness. Pair the dish with a bowl of steamed white rice or even brown rice for a healthier option. The rice will soak up the savory sauce, making each bite more flavorful.
For an added touch, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top just before serving. The sesame seeds add a subtle nutty flavor and a bit of crunch, while the green onions provide a fresh, mild sharpness that complements the richness of the sauce. If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can also add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the dish.
In terms of storage, this dish holds up well for leftovers. Allow the Beef and Broccoli to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, use a microwave or stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking the broccoli. If the sauce has thickened too much after refrigeration, you can add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it up while reheating.
If you want to freeze the dish, it’s best to freeze the beef and sauce separately from the broccoli. The broccoli can become mushy when frozen and reheated, so it’s better to cook fresh broccoli when you’re ready to serve. The beef and sauce can be frozen for up to 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw the beef mixture in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and then add freshly steamed broccoli when serving.