Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Takeout Fakeout

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli: Takeout Fakeout

Fancy some Chinese but can't be bothered with the takeaway queues? Or even worse, the washing up? We got you! Today, we are diving headfirst into a family favourite.

It’s all about making incredible food super easy. So, wanna know how to nail that beef and broccoli crockpot flavour? Let's get started.

Why this Beef and Broccoli Crockpot Recipe Rocks

This easy beef and broccoli crockpot recipe is a game changer. It brings that classic takeout taste right to your kitchen, no wok skills required.

Think tender beef, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a flavourful sauce. It's pure comfort food gold, mate.

This dish has origins in Chinese American cuisine, adapting Cantonese stir fry techniques to local ingredients. It's an easy recipe taking about 15 minutes of prep time and roughly 4 to 6 hours on low, or 2 to 3 hours on high in the slow cooker.

This recipe yields about 4 to 6 servings, enough for a family dinner.

The Benefits of a Beef and Broccoli Crockpot Family Meal

Honestly, the best part is how easy this easy beef and broccoli crockpot is. It's a healthy beef and broccoli crockpot compared to takeout, so less guilt.

Serve it up on a busy weeknight with rice for a wholesome and satisfying meal. Plus, prepping it is dead easy.

One of the big wins here is the protein punch from the beef and the vitamins from the broccoli. It is perfect for a fuss free family dinner.

And let's be real, a beef and broccoli takeout fakeout this good saves a few quid too.

Ready to ditch the takeout menus? Next, we'll dive into the ingredients you need to create this amazing slow cooker beef and broccoli .

Trust me, you've probably got most of them already.

Ingredients & Equipment

So, you want to ditch the takeout and make some slow cooker beef and broccoli , eh? Good on ya! Trust me, this recipe is super easy.

Even if your kitchen skills are a bit... ahem ... questionable, you can totally nail this.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Right, let's get down to brass tacks. You'll need a few key bits for this beef and broccoli crockpot masterpiece.

No need to stress, most of these are probably already kicking about in your pantry.

• Beef Chuck Roast: 1.5 lbs (680g) , cubed. Quality is key! Look for good marbling, that fat equals flavor, my friend.
• Vegetable Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Any neutral oil will do. Olive oil works too, if that's all you have.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped. About 1 cup.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. About 2 teaspoons. The fresher, the better.
• Ground Ginger: 1 tsp (5ml) . Adds a nice little kick.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ½ tsp (2.5ml) . Optional, for a bit of heat.

Sauce Situation

Now for the sauce that makes this beef and broccoli takeout fakeout sing. It's a sweet and savory combo, so yummy!

• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: ½ cup (120ml) . Go easy on the salt.
• Beef Broth: ½ cup (120ml) . Adds depth.
• Brown Sugar: ¼ cup (60ml) , packed. For that sweet, sticky goodness.
• Cornstarch: 2 tbsp (30ml) . To thicken things up.
• Cold Water: 2 tbsp (30ml) . For the cornstarch slurry.
• Rice Vinegar: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Adds tang.
• Sesame Oil: 1 tsp (5ml) . Don't skip this! It's magic.

Broccoli, Naturally

• Broccoli: 1 large head , cut into florets. About 4 cups. Fresh is best, honestly.

Seasoning & Flavor Bombs

The secret is in the sauce, innit? Soy sauce and brown sugar are the base. Rice vinegar balances it out.

Sesame oil gives it that authentic Asian flavour. Red pepper flakes? For that sneaky heat.

If you want something like a healthy beef and broccoli crockpot , you can reduce the brown sugar to make it work, just saying.

Essential Kitchen Gear

Right, what bits of kit do you need? Nothing too fancy, promise.

• Slow Cooker (Crock Pot): A 6-quart or larger is ideal. Obvs.
• Large Skillet: Optional, for browning the beef. A frying pan will do the trick.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Standard stuff.
• Knife & Cutting Board: Chop, chop!

Honestly, this easy beef and broccoli crockpot recipe is so simple, it's almost criminal. Now go get cooking!

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli: Takeout Fakeout

Fancy skipping the greasy takeaway? This slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe gives you that lush, savory sweet flavor you crave.

Tender beef and vibrant broccoli, all cooked in a ridiculously tasty sauce. It's dead easy, kinda healthy, and the whole family will be well chuffed with it.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

• Essential mise en place: Chop 1.5 lbs of beef chuck roast into 1 inch cubes. Chop 1 medium yellow onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Cut 1 large head of broccoli into florets. Measure out all your sauce ingredients. Honestly, getting it all ready first makes life so much easier.
• Time saving tips: Buy pre-cut broccoli florets to save yourself 5 minutes. Pre-minced garlic is another good time saver.
• Safety reminder: Be careful when searing the beef. Hot oil is a menace!.

step-by-step: It's Easier Than You Think

1. Optional browning: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Brown the beef in batches. This gives extra flavour, but you can skip it if you're short on time.
2. Sauté aromatics (also optional): If browning the beef, sauté your chopped onion and garlic in the same skillet until softened. Add 1 tsp ground ginger and ½ tsp red pepper flakes (if using), cook for 30 seconds. Transfer to the slow cooker or crock pot.
3. Combine the lushness: In a bowl, mix together ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce, ½ cup beef broth, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Pour that over the beef.
4. Slow cook bliss: Cover and cook on low for 4- 6 hours or on high for 2- 3 hours , or until that beef is super tender.
5. Add the greenery: During the last 30- 45 minutes of cooking, throw in your broccoli florets.
6. Thicken it up: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp cold water. Pour into the slow cooker and stir well. Cook for another 15- 20 minutes , until the sauce thickens up nicely. It should look glossy.
7. Serve up! Bung it in a dish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (if desired). Get the rice or noodles ready and serve hot.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Beef and Broccoli Crockpot

• Don't overcook the broccoli!. Nobody likes mushy veg. It really is a takeaway fakeout that tastes better than what you can get in your local Chinese shop.
• Common mistakes: Using too much soy sauce (it gets really salty!) or not thickening the sauce enough. You want it to cling to the beef and broccoli.
• Did you know that crockpots are super simple? This easy beef and broccoli crockpot recipe proves it.

This beef and broccoli crockpot recipe is a godsend, honestly. It's proper comfort food, especially on a cold day. If you're looking for a healthy beef and broccoli crockpot , you can use lean beef and cut back on the sugar.

Either way, enjoy!

Recipe Notes for the Best Beef and Broccoli Crockpot

Right, so you’re ready to dive into making this amazing beef and broccoli crockpot . Here are some of my thoughts and tips to make sure it turns out brilliantly.

Honestly, this is so easy even I can't mess it up and that's saying something!

Serving It Up

Stylish food presentation? Yes, please!

For plating, I love serving my slow cooker beef and broccoli over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. Trust me, it just works .

Sprinkle a bit of sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. Makes it look all fancy, doesn't it?

As for sides, why not whip up some quick stir fried veggies? Think bell peppers and snow peas. For a drink, a light, crisp beer goes down a treat.

It's the perfect combo for this beef and broccoli takeout fakeout .

Storing Your Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

So, you've somehow managed to make enough for leftovers? Well done, you!

To keep things fresh, bung the leftover easy beef and broccoli crockpot in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It'll be good for about 3-4 days.

Freezing is also an option, just make sure it's properly cooled first. To reheat, either microwave it (easy peasy) or gently warm it up in a pan on the hob.

Just add a splash of water or beef broth if it seems a bit dry.

Variations on a Theme

Fancy a bit of a twist? Of course you do!

If you're after a gluten-free beef and broccoli crockpot , simply swap the soy sauce for tamari and make sure your cornstarch is gluten-free too. Easy peasy!

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping the broccoli for cauliflower. It adds a totally different vibe, but it's still delish.

Nutrition Nuggets

Alright, let's talk about the good stuff.

This healthy beef and broccoli crockpot is packed with protein from the beef. Plus, you get a good dose of vitamins from the broccoli.

Just be mindful of the sodium content from the soy sauce that's why I always recommend using the low-sodium stuff.

Okay, so you’ve got all the deets. Now go forth and conquer that beef and broccoli crockpot recipe ! Have fun, don't stress, and enjoy every last bite. You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this beef and broccoli crockpot recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This beef and broccoli crockpot recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Cook the beef and sauce as directed, then cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, then add the broccoli during the last few minutes of reheating.

My broccoli always turns to mush in the slow cooker. How do I prevent that?

Ah, the dreaded mushy broccoli! The key is timing. Add the broccoli florets during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking. This allows them to steam and become tender crisp without becoming overly soft. Nobody wants broccoli that resembles baby food, right?

Can I use a different cut of beef for this slow cooker beef and broccoli?

You can definitely experiment! While chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness, you could use a leaner cut like sirloin or round. Just be mindful that leaner cuts may cook faster and become tough if overcooked, so check for tenderness sooner. If you're feeling fancy, you could even use short ribs!

How can I make this beef and broccoli crockpot recipe healthier?

There are a few ways to lighten this up! First, use a leaner cut of beef as mentioned above. Reduce the amount of brown sugar in the sauce, or substitute with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit. Also, be mindful of the sodium content of your soy sauce, using low-sodium versions can make a big difference!

Serve with brown rice or quinoa for added fibre.

The sauce in my beef and broccoli crockpot is too thin. How do I thicken it?

No worries, that's an easy fix! The recipe already uses a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce at the end. If it's still too thin, mix another tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker.

Cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Remember, a little goes a long way!

Is there a way to make the beef and broccoli crockpot gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain trace amounts of gluten. With those simple swaps, you can enjoy a delicious and gluten-free version of this classic dish!