Save A comforting, wholesome dish featuring tender beef & broccoli simmered in a savory sauce, served over fluffy brown rice & fresh greens for a balanced meal.
This recipe came together on a busy weekday when I wanted something hearty without much effort. Watching the slow cooker do its magic as the aroma filled the house made everyone eagerly anticipate dinner.
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, and black pepper. Toss well to coat.
- Slow Cook:
- Transfer beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add beef broth and stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until beef is tender.
- Thicken Sauce:
- After 4 hours, whisk cornstarch and water together in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables:
- Add broccoli florets to the slow cooker, stir gently, and cover. Continue cooking on low for an additional 45–60 minutes, until broccoli is crisp-tender and sauce has thickened.
- Cook Rice:
- Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35–40 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork.
- Finish and Serve:
- Just before serving, stir the mixed greens into the slow cooker and allow them to wilt for 2–3 minutes. Serve the beef and broccoli mixture over brown rice. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Save This dish has become a Sunday night tradition, bringing the family together for a nourishing meal that everyone loves to dig into.
Additional Flavor Variations
Add a dash of chili flakes or Sriracha to the sauce for a gentle spicy kick, or try using jasmine or white rice for a lighter texture.
Swaps & Substitutions
You can swap chicken or tofu for beef for a lighter or vegetarian version; adjust cooking time to suit the protein.
Serving & Storage Tips
Leftovers store well in an airtight container and reheat easily for lunch. Rice and beef can be packed separately for best texture.
Save This slow-cooker beef & broccoli is hearty, balanced, and fuss-free. Enjoy every bite and savor both the flavors and time you save!
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of beef works best for this dish?
Lean cuts like chuck or flank steak are ideal, thinly sliced to ensure tenderness when slow-cooked over several hours.
- → Can I substitute the brown rice with another grain?
Yes, jasmine or white rice can be used for a quicker option, or quinoa for a different texture and flavor.
- → How do I achieve the perfect sauce consistency?
Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the cooking liquid toward the end to thicken the sauce naturally.
- → Can I prepare this dish without a slow cooker?
Yes, the beef and sauce can be simmered gently on the stove; adjust cooking times to ensure beef becomes tender and broccoli remains crisp-tender.
- → What garnishes enhance the flavor and presentation?
Fresh scallions and toasted sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and nutty aroma that complement the dish's savory profile.