Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
* 2 pounds beef brisket or beef sirloin, sliced into thin strips
* 3 cups broccoli florets
* 1 onion, sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1 cup water
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* Optional ingredients for variations:
+ 1 cup sliced mushrooms
+ 1 cup sliced bell peppers
+ 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
+ 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
+ 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Season the beef strips with salt and pepper.
2. In the slow cooker, layer the beef, broccoli, onion, and garlic.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, water, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the mixture and add any optional ingredients you're using.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Tips for Making Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Better:
1. Use lean beef: Beef brisket or sirloin work well in this recipe, but you can also use other cuts like round or ribeye. Make sure to trim any excess fat from the beef before slicing it.
2. Choose fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli will cook better and retain its nutritional value better than frozen or canned broccoli.
3. Don't overcook the beef: Beef cooked for too long can become tough and dry. Check the beef frequently during the last hour of cooking and adjust the cooking time as needed.
4. Add variety: You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers. You can also add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar for added depth of flavor.
5. Serve with rice or noodles: This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or udon noodles. You can also serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of wilted greens.
6. Freezer-friendly: You can freeze cooked slow cooker beef and broccoli for up to 3 months. Simply thaw the mixture overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it in the slow cooker or oven.
Variations:
1. Mushroom and Broccoli Beef:
* Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker with the beef and broccoli.
2. Spicy Beef and Broccoli:
* Add 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce to the beef broth mixture for an extra kick.
3. Asian-Style Beef and Broccoli:
* Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger to the beef broth mixture.
* Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
4. Creamy Beef and Broccoli:
* Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of paprika.
By following these tips and recipe variations, you can create a delicious and tender slow cooker beef and broccoli dish that's perfect for any occasion.
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