Save A comforting, wholesome dish featuring tender beef and broccoli simmered in a savory sauce, served over fluffy brown rice and fresh greens for a balanced meal.
I first made this recipe for my family on a busy weeknight when I wanted something hearty but effortless. The slow-cooker worked its magic, allowing me to focus on other things, and everyone loved how flavorful and filling the dish was.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck or flank steak: 1 1/2 lbs (680 g), thinly sliced
- Low-sodium soy sauce: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Brown sugar: 2 tbsp
- Oyster sauce: 2 tbsp
- Sesame oil: 1 tbsp
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Fresh ginger: 1-inch (2.5 cm) piece, grated
- Freshly ground black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Beef broth (low-sodium): 1 cup (240 ml)
- Cornstarch: 2 tbsp
- Water: 2 tbsp
- Broccoli florets: 4 cups (300 g)
- Mixed greens (spinach, kale, or Swiss chard): 4 cups (120 g), washed & roughly chopped
- Scallions: 2, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds: 1 tbsp (optional, for garnish)
- Brown rice: 1 1/2 cups (285 g)
- Water: 3 cups (720 ml)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
Instructions
- Marinate Beef:
- Combine sliced beef with soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss well to coat.
- Slow Cook Beef:
- Transfer beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add beef broth and stir gently to combine.
- Cook Beef:
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, until beef is tender.
- Thicken Sauce:
- Whisk cornstarch and water together in a small bowl. Stir slurry into the slow cooker after 4 hours.
- Add Broccoli:
- Add broccoli florets, stir gently, cover and continue cooking on low for 45 to 60 minutes until crisp-tender and sauce thickens.
- Cook Rice:
- Meanwhile, bring water and salt to boil in saucepan. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 35 to 40 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork.
- Add Greens:
- Stir mixed greens into the slow cooker just before serving. Allow greens to wilt 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Spoon beef and broccoli mixture over brown rice. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds if desired.
Save This comforting dish quickly became a regular at our house, especially for Sunday dinners when everyone craves something warm and nourishing. Sharing it together always sparks laughter and good conversation.
Flavor Variations
Add chili flakes or a splash of Sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick, or swap chicken or tofu for beef to suit different preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This meal pairs perfectly with pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad for extra freshness.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prep all vegetables and combine marinade ingredients the night before for a quicker morning assembly. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
Save Serve this beef and broccoli dish straight from the slow cooker for an all-in-one meal the whole family will love. Enjoy the rich flavors and minimal cleanup!
Recipe Guide
- → What cut of beef works best for this dish?
Thinly sliced beef chuck or flank steak offer tenderness and flavor, ideal for slow cooking.
- → How do I ensure the broccoli stays crisp-tender?
Add the broccoli during the last hour of cooking to maintain its bright color and slight crunch.
- → Can I substitute brown rice with other grains?
Yes, jasmine or white rice can be used for a quicker option; quinoa also works for added protein.
- → What role does the cornstarch slurry play?
The slurry thickens the broth into a rich sauce that coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce alternatives are gluten-free.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute beef with tofu or a plant-based protein and adjust cooking time accordingly for best texture.