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 made this for a midweek dinner, and my family loved how the slow cooker created perfectly tender beef. The fresh greens and brown rice made it a complete meal that everyone enjoyed.
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 the 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.
- Start the Slow Cooker:
- Transfer beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add beef broth and stir gently to combine.
- Cook the Beef:
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until beef is tender.
- Thicken the 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 Broccoli:
- 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.
- Prepare the Rice:
- 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 with Greens:
- Just before serving stir the mixed greens into the slow cooker and allow them to wilt for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Serve the beef and broccoli mixture over brown rice. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds if desired.
Save My kids always ask for seconds of this meal and it warms up beautifully the next day. Sharing delicious moments at the table is what makes this recipe a favorite in our home.
Required Tools
Slow cooker (4–6 quart), large mixing bowl, saucepan with lid, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups & spoons
Allergen Information
Contains soy (soy sauce oyster sauce); contains shellfish (oyster sauce). For gluten-free use gluten-free tamari and 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
Save This slow-cooker beef & broccoli is perfect for easy meal prep and guaranteed to please every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the beef is tender?
Cooking the beef slowly on low heat allows the meat fibers to break down, resulting in tender, juicy slices perfect for this dish.
- → Can I use other types of rice?
Yes, jasmine or white rice can replace brown rice for a quicker cooking time while maintaining a mild complement to the beef and broccoli.
- → How is the sauce thickened?
A cornstarch slurry mixed into the slow cooker near the end of cooking helps thicken the sauce, creating a rich coating for the beef and vegetables.
- → What greens work best in this dish?
Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard wilt nicely when stirred in towards the end, adding fresh texture without overpowering flavors.
- → Are there alternatives to oyster sauce?
For gluten-free options, tamari or other soy-based sauces can substitute the oyster sauce while maintaining savory depth.