Pin A comforting, wholesome dish featuring tender beef & broccoli simmered in a savory sauce, served over fluffy brown rice & fresh greens for a balanced meal.
The first time I made this slow-cooker beef & broccoli, my kitchen filled with a savory aroma that lingered all afternoon. I love letting everything cook gently while I go about the day, then serving it warm over rice for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
- Beef & Marinade: 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) beef chuck or flank steak, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch (2.5 cm) piece fresh ginger, grated; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Sauce: 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth (low-sodium); 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp water
- Vegetables: 4 cups (300 g) broccoli florets; 4 cups (120 g) mixed greens (spinach, kale, or Swiss chard), washed & roughly chopped; 2 scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish); 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Rice: 1 1/2 cups (285 g) brown rice; 3 cups (720 ml) water; 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Marinate Beef:
- In a large bowl, combine sliced beef with soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, & black pepper. Toss well to coat.
- Begin Slow Cooking:
- Transfer beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add beef broth & stir gently to combine.
- Cook Beef:
- Cover & cook on low for 4 hours, until beef is tender.
- Thicken Sauce:
- Whisk cornstarch & water together in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker.
- Add Broccoli:
- Add broccoli florets to the slow cooker, stir gently, & cover. Cook on low for an additional 45–60 minutes until broccoli is crisp-tender & sauce has thickened.
- Cook Rice:
- Meanwhile, bring water & salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, & simmer for 35–40 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork.
- Add Greens:
- Just before serving, stir the mixed greens into the slow cooker & allow them to wilt for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Serve the beef & broccoli mixture over brown rice. Garnish with scallions & sesame seeds if desired.
Pin This recipe became a family weeknight favorite after long days when everyone needed something hearty, healthy, & delicious. We love gathering at the dinner table as the rice steams & the slow cooker does its magic.
Required Tools
Slow cooker (4–6 quart), large mixing bowl, saucepan with lid, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups & spoons
Allergen Information
This dish contains soy & shellfish. For gluten-free, use gluten-free tamari & oyster sauce alternatives, & always check labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 485, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 36 g
Pin Try this for a hands-off, crowd-pleasing dinner your whole family will love. It is perfect for making ahead or serving fresh & warm.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I ensure the beef stays tender during cooking?
Using a slow cooker on low heat for several hours helps break down the fibers in beef chuck or flank steak, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
- → Can I substitute the brown rice for another grain?
Yes, jasmine or white rice can be used for a quicker cooking option. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure fluffiness.
- → What’s the best way to get crisp-tender broccoli?
Add broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking to retain a slight crunch while letting them absorb the savory sauce flavors.
- → How can I adjust the sauce for dietary restrictions?
Replace soy and oyster sauces with gluten-free tamari and suitable oyster sauce alternatives for those avoiding gluten.
- → What options exist for a lighter or vegetarian version?
Substitute beef with chicken or tofu. Note that cooking times may vary, especially for tofu which requires less cooking.