Craving a delicious, wholesome meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this Healthy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli! Bursting with flavor and packed with tender beef and vibrant broccoli, this dish brings the taste of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you’ll have a satisfying dinner ready to impress your family or guests. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef flank steak, sliced thin
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the meat by thinly slicing the beef flank steak against the grain to ensure tenderness. Aim for slices approximately 1/4 inch thick. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger to create the sauce base. Ensure all ingredients are well combined. Place the thinly sliced beef into the slow cooker, then pour the prepared sauce mixture over the meat, ensuring each slice is evenly coated. Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for
- 5 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce during the final cooking stage. 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Once cooking is complete, gently stir the beef and broccoli to ensure even coating with the sauce. Serve hot over cooked rice, spooning extra sauce from the slow cooker for added flavor.
Tips
- Slice Against the Grain: For the most tender beef, make sure to slice the flank steak against the grain into 1/4 inch thick slices. This will help break down the muscle fibers during cooking.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have time, marinate the sliced beef in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker. This will enhance the flavor even more!
- Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the soy sauce and brown sugar ratios to suit your taste preferences. You can also add a splash of sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more cornstarch to the slurry. Just be sure to mix it well to avoid lumps.
- Fresh Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets 30 minutes before the cooking time is up to keep them bright and crisp. If you prefer softer broccoli, you can add it earlier.
- Serve with Rice: This dish pairs perfectly with fluffy cooked rice. Consider using brown rice for a healthier option, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
