Craving the savory flavors of Chinese takeout but prefer to enjoy them in the comfort of your own home? Look no further than Slow Cooker Beef Broccoli! This homemade version of a classic takeout dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to create tender beef and crisp vegetables infused with a rich and flavorful sauce, all cooked to perfection in your trusty slow cooker. With the addition of unconventional veggies like snow peas and red bell peppers, this dish offers a delightful twist on the traditional recipe. Let’s dive in and discover how to make this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Beef Broccoli!
Slow Cooker Beef Broccoli is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves the bold and comforting flavors of Chinese cuisine. By using a slow cooker, you can achieve tender and juicy beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a luscious sauce that’s bursting with umami goodness. Plus, with the convenience of a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld together while you go about your day. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. So, let’s get started on creating this irresistible homemade takeout favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- ⅓ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 cup thinly sliced yellow onions
- 2 pounds beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups large-diced red bell peppers
- 1 cup snow peas
- 4 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine beef broth, low-sodium soy sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Add Flavorings: To the sauce mixture, add dark brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and red chili flakes. Stir until well combined.
- Layer Ingredients: In the slow cooker, layer thinly sliced yellow onions at the bottom. Place the thinly sliced beef sirloin on top of the onions.
- Pour Sauce Over Beef: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the beef in the slow cooker, ensuring that all pieces are coated.
- Cook on Low Heat: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Add Vegetables: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets, large-diced red bell peppers, and snow peas to the slow cooker. Gently stir to incorporate the vegetables into the sauce.
- Serve: Once the beef is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp, garnish with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Cook Notes and Variations
- Beef Selection: While beef sirloin is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use flank steak or skirt steak for this recipe. Just be sure to thinly slice the meat against the grain for optimal tenderness.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences. You can add carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn for additional flavor and texture.
- Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can adjust the amount of cornstarch accordingly. Add more cornstarch for a thicker consistency or reduce the amount for a thinner sauce.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here’s how you can adapt the Slow Cooker Beef Broccoli recipe to suit your dietary preferences:
- Soy Sauce Substitute: Opt for tamari or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce to reduce the carb content of the dish.
- Sweetener Options: Use a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of dark brown sugar to keep the sugar content minimal.
- Vegetable Modifications: Choose low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower, bell peppers, and broccoli for a keto-friendly option. Skip higher-carb vegetables like onions and snow peas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets, bell peppers, or snow peas if fresh vegetables are not available. Simply add them to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and slice the beef and vegetables in advance, then refrigerate them until ready to cook. Simply assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker and follow the cooking instructions when you’re ready to enjoy.
Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A: While this recipe is specifically designed for beef, you can certainly substitute chicken thighs or breast for a poultry version of the dish. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of meat used.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover Slow Cooker Beef Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving.
With its tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful sauce, Slow Cooker Beef Broccoli is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of Chinese takeout right to your dinner table. By following this easy-to-make recipe, you can enjoy the convenience of a slow cooker while creating a homemade meal that rivals your favorite restaurant version. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or hosting a casual gathering with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to savor every bite of this irresistible homemade takeout favorite!