Description
This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe delivers tender, flavorful sirloin steak cooked low and slow with a savory sauce made from beef broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar, perfectly complemented by fresh broccoli florets. It’s an easy, hands-off meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Thickening Mixture
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Vegetables
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen broccoli florets
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Place strips of sirloin steak into the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spread to allow for even cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until well combined. Pour this mixture over the sirloin strips and stir gently to coat the meat with the sauce.
- Cook the Beef: Set the slow cooker to high heat and cook for 3 to 4 hours, or alternatively use the low setting and cook for 6 to 7 hours. Cook until the steak is very tender and infused with the savory flavors.
- Prepare the Thickener: About 30 minutes before cooking finishes, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker to help thicken the sauce.
- Add Broccoli: Add the frozen broccoli florets to the slow cooker and stir well to incorporate them evenly into the dish.
- Finish Cooking: Continue cooking for about 30 more minutes until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened to a desirable consistency.
Notes
- Using low sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of this dish, but you can adjust according to taste.
- Frozen broccoli works well here, but fresh broccoli can also be used; add it in the last 30 minutes to maintain some crunch.
- For thicker sauce, you can increase the cornstarch amount or extend the cooking time with the slurry added.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American-Chinese
